Wednesday, 27 February 2013

Blog Tour Review: None of the Regular Rules by Erin Downing


Source: Received a copy to participate in the blog tour and for an honest review.
Release Date: Already Released.
Number of Pages: 260 (Ebook)


Description from Goodreads:
Sometimes, a few dares can change lives…

The weekend before the start of senior year, Sophie Erickson and her best friends, Ella and Grace, discover a handwritten list of dares tucked away in the glove compartment of Sophie’s beat-up old Toyota. But this isn’t just any list; it’s a dead girl's bucket list.

Sophie's beloved aunt Suzy died as a teenager in a fatal fall, leaving Sophie with an overly cautious family, a few fading photographs, and a bucket of bolts that barely passes for a car. But now, Sophie has Suzy’s list of the things she wanted to do in her last year of high school. Sophie can't help but wonder: What would happen if she tried to fulfill Suzy’s last wishes, to live out the longed-for life of her aunt, her hero?

As Sophie and her friends attempt to knock off the things on Suzy's list of dares, love blossoms in unexpected places and Sophie begins to feel that her life is finally coming together...when in fact, everything is slowly unraveling around her. When the truth about a long-held family secret threatens to shatter everything she believed to be true, Sophie is forced to question everything she knew about the life and people she believed in, and ultimately herself.
Purchase Links:



None of the Regular Rules was an awesome story. It has romance, friendship, and amazing character growth. :D

Sophie was a wonderful main character. I found her super easy to relate to...and I definitely could put myself in her shoes since I tend to be a bit more cautious just like she was. I loved that she was willing to put herself out there, and once she started taking risks, I was super impressed by her! :D I also loved her friends Ella and Grace, although I must admit when Sophie was annoyed with them, so was I. :P haha And aside from Sophie, my favourite character just had to be Johnny! :D

Along with the fabulous characters, the relationships in None of the Regular Rules were awesome! I loved the friendship between Sophie, Grace, and Ella, and I absolutely adored how Sophie and Johnny's relationship changed throughout the book. I loved that Johnny helped Sophie take more risks, and I loved their whole relationship. They had awesome chemistry, witty and sarcastic banter, and it was fantastic seeing their friendship start and change.

I also loved that friendship was so central to the story. Grace and Ella were integral in Sophie's life and I thought it was awesome seeing friendships that were so strong. The girls definitely fight in the book, but they make up, and while it may not happen immediately, when it really matters they confronted their issues. Most importantly though, when it really matters Grace, Ella, and Sophie were all there for each other, and that is what I found amazing. Too many books ignore have main characters whose friendships almost completely disappear when a guy shows up, and while that does cause issues in this book (for more than one character :P) in the end the girls realize just how important their friendships are and they are there for each other when their friends need them.

The overall story was incredibly easy to relate to since I'm sure everyone at one point or another ponders their future and wonders if they'll be happy with what they choose. Sophie spends a large par of the story struggling with what she wants from her future. Her insecurities and the way she handled them were so realistic and I loved that aspect about her. She is real and I thought that was really refreshing. :)

I absolutely loved None of the Regular Rules and would recommend it to contemporary fans who love main characters that grow into themselves. Sophie isn't crazy outgoing, but throughout the novel she realizes what really matters to her. There is romance, but the story focuses much more on friendship, which also shapes the romantic aspect of the story. I think that if you like realistic main characters, and books with a strong focus on friendship and what it means to really be a friend, you'll enjoy this one. :D



AUTHOR BIO
Erin Downing has written more than a dozen books for young adults, tweens, and kids. Her guilty pleasures include an unhealthy obsession with reality TV and cheesy romantic dramas (Revenge! Alias!), an addiction to Us Weekly magazine, and cupcakes.

Before turning to writing full time, Erin worked as a book editor, spent a few months as a cookie inventor, and also worked for Nickelodeon. Erin has lived in England, Sweden, and New York City, and now resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with her husband and kids. More information about Erin and her books can be found at: www.erindowning.com.
Author Links:

Tour Giveaway!
- International 
- 6 Winners total!

TO ENTER FILL OUT THE RAFFLECOPTER BELOW: 

 

GOOD LUCK!!!

 And what do you think of None of the Regular Rules?
Does it sound like a book you'd like to read?

Tuesday, 26 February 2013

Cover Reveal: Emancipating Andie by Priscilla Glenn

Title: Emancipating Andie
Author: Priscilla Glenn
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age Group: Adult
Cover Designer: Okay Creations; http://okaycreations.net/site/
Expected release: March 2013

Links to find the book:
Goodreads
Facebook

Book Description

Ever since the one time Andie Weber threw caution to the wind - and paid the price for it - she’s learned that it’s safer and smarter to live life playing by the rules. Now she’s got a great apartment, a steady job, and a wonderful boyfriend in Colin; he’s sweet, stable, and essentially perfect – except maybe for the fact that his best friend is Chase.

Chase McGuire lives his carefree, unstructured life strictly for himself. Dripping sarcasm and oozing wit, he refuses to censor his feelings or opinions for anyone, making no apologies for either and wearing his abrasiveness like a badge of honor. No one has ever gotten under Andie’s skin the way Chase does – and vice versa.

So when Andie and Chase find themselves forced to take a two-day road trip together, they are already dreading an inevitable all-out war. But as the trip progresses, and the undeniable friction that has always defined their relationship slowly begins to wear away their preconceived notions of each other, Andie and Chase discover they both have a lot to learn about life, courage, happiness, and the age-old battle between logic and love.



About the Author

Priscilla Glenn lives in New York with her husband and three children. She has been teaching English Language Arts at the middle and high school levels for the past eleven years while moonlighting as a writer, mommy, coach, student, and professional laundry-doer.

If you catch her when she's feeling sophisticated, she'll tell you her favorite things are great books and good wine. In the moments in between, she'll admit her love for anything Ben and Jerry's, UFC fights, and Robert Pattinson.

Glenn is also the author of the contemporary romance/YA crossover BACK TO YOU.

Links: Twitter | Facebook




I absolutely LOVE the text on this cover! It's gorgeous, and I like how the girl on the cover is out of focus, it's a really beautiful effect. Plus, that description totally makes me want to read it! :D

What do you think? 

Monday, 25 February 2013

Cover Reveal: Tied (Fire Born #1) by Laney McMann

 TIED (Fire Born #1) by Laney McMann 
Release Date: September 9, 2013 
Target Reader: Young Adult 
Keywords: Fiction, Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy 

Back of the Book:
Normal people don't believe their nightmares stalk them. They don’t fall in love with boys who don’t exist, either. 

Seventeen-year-old Layla Labelle, though, is far from normal. Her delusions walk the earth. Her hallucinations hunt her, and her skin heats to a burn every time her anger flares. 

Or is that all in her head? 

Layla doesn't know what to believe any more because if none of that’s true, Max MacLarnon must be an illusion, and her heart must still be broken. 

No matter how much she wants to believe Max is real, doing so would mean everything else is, too. How, then, is that possible? 

The answers lie in an age-old legend the supernatural aren’t prepared to reveal, and with a curse that could tear Layla and Max apart forever—if it doesn’t kill them both first. 

In TIED, book one in the Fire Born trilogy, learning the truth will mean fighting an arsenal of demons, and being with Max will put Layla on a path toward her own destruction. 

 Just how far will Layla go to protect the one she loves? 

The answer may never be far enough ... away. 



I absolutely LOVE this cover! It makes me think of a sci-fi movie, kind of similar to the newer Star Trek movie posters (which I love...I totally have the one on my wall at home :P)...and I'm totally into that! I also think that it's gorgeous with the gargoyle off to the side, and the flame-ish looking text for the title matching with the crazy thing in the sky looks fantastic! Overall, I just think it's a gorgeous cover, and I love it! 


How about you?
Do you like it? 


It's Monday, What Are You Reading? (93)

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? at One Person's Journey Through a World of Books

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?, is a bookish meme hosted by One Person's Journey Through a World of Books, where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It’s a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list. So hop on over to Journey and join in...and leave a comment here so I can check out what you are reading.


Books I Read Last Week:
I absolutely loved this one! :D Kate wasn't always the most likeable narrator, but I loved that she was willing to change once she realized she didn't like an aspect of herself. Once she stopped being so judgmental and opened herself up she was a fantastic narrator, and I really enjoyed the story. :D I also love how both Parker and Jordan are in this one! :D Now I really can't wait for more books in the Hundred Oaks series!!! :D


I totally loved Boundless! Unearthly continues to be one of my favourite trilogies, and it's definitely one of the best angel series out there. I think the best part about this trilogy is Clara herself though. She's not the type of character to sit back and be rescued, and I absolutely love her for that. I also love that Cynthia Hand has created such an elaborate world in this series. It's amazing and I never tire of learning more and more about it! If you haven't started this trilogy yet, I definitely encourage you to!


Reading Now:
I'm reading this one for my Proletarian Lit class...and will hopefully have it done soon. :P haha It's alright so far. I'm not really hooked though.

I started this one over my break and then had to put it aside so that I could try and read some books for school. I'm looking forward to getting back to it because it's definitely interesting so far. :D


Books I Want to Read This Week:
This is another book for school, and it sounds like it'll be a rough ride. ;P haha Oh the puns...I'm reading this for my American Lit class on American technologies...specially cars, and as you can guess this book involves cars, hence the pun. lol Hopefully I'll enjoy it as much as I liked On the Road. :)


And what are you reading???

Check out One Person's Journey Through a World of Books to see what other people are reading. :)

Happy Reading!!!

♪♫ Ambur

Sunday, 24 February 2013

Stacking the Shelves (20)

Stacking the Shelves is Tynga's Reviews' version of In My Mailbox (from The Story Siren and inspired by Alea at Pop Culture Junkie).

Stacking the Shelves is a way to share the books that you're adding to your physical and virtual bookshelves. It's easy to participate. You just make your own post, and link it to the main post over at Tynga's Reviews. Also, in case you're curious, Tynga's post for it goes up on Saturdays, but you can post it any day that you like. :) You can find out more about participating by reading the Stacking the Shelves Launch post.

I didn't post an StS post last week, so this is what I got over the past 2 weeks! :D


 
For Review:

Deeper We Fall (Deeper We Fall #1) by Chelsea M. Cameron (Xpresso Blog Tours)
Delusion by Laura L. Sullivan (Thomas Allen and Sons)
The Wrap-Up List by Steven Arntson (Thomas Allen and Sons)
The Boys of Summer (Summer #1) by C.J. Duggan (from the author)


I'm so excited to read Deeper We Fall and The Boys of Summer! :D They both sound like amazing stories! :D Delusion and The Wrap-Up List are both new to me though, but they sound intriguing, so hopefully I'll like them. :)



Free:

A Discovery of Witches (All Souls #1) by Deborah Harkness

I participated in a survey for Penguin Canada a while back, and I got a book for doing so...this was the one I picked! :) I'm looking forward to reading it...and WOW...this book is HUGE! haha



Bought:

Recalled (Death Escorts #1) by Cambria Hebert (Amazon Kindle Store)
Boycotts & Barflies by Victoria Michaels (Amazon Kindle Store)
My Booky Wook 2: This Time it's Personal by Russell Brand (Chapters)
Flesh & Bone (Benny Imura #3) by Jonathan Maberry (Walmart)


I got some awesome books this week! Russell Brand's second biography, which was on sale! ;D And I'm really excited to read Flesh & Bone! I love Jonathan Maberry's Benny Imura series! :D I read Boycotts and Barflies as a fanfic, so I'm also looking forward to reading the newer version and seeing the changes. :D And Recalled came out recently! I'm really excited for it! :D



That's what I got over the last two weeks. :)

What did you get this week?
Feel free to leave a link to your post in the comments and I'll come take a look! :D

Friday, 22 February 2013

Rita Webb, author of Playing Hooky, Interview & Giveaway!


Today I have the lovely Rita Webb, author of Playing Hooky (which I reviewed earlier this week) on my blog for an interview...and at the end of this post, you'll also find a giveaway. :)

And here's the interview:

Hey Rita! Thank you for stopping by and visiting my blog today! :D
Thank you for having me! *looks around* You have such pretty décor here—bright colors and glittering stars—mmmm, and I love this comfy chair.

While Playing Hooky is a novella, it’s definitely not a little story and leaves the reader wanting more. Did you plan the first book in your Paranormal Investigations series to be a novella, or is that just how it worked out?
Yes, I planned it to be a novella. I’m working on a longer story with my husband (not part of Paranormal Investigations), and while it is his turn to write, I want something to work on. Plus, I desperately need a short, fun project to keep me sane . . . though my husband would say sanity is overrated.

Playing Hooky was a great start to a series, so what we expect from the Paranormal Investigations series? Are you working on the next one already…and if you are, can you share any details with us?
STEALING HEARTS is the next book, in which a heart-shaped pendant gets stolen, and as Jason and Emma pursue the thief, I delve deeper into the world where Jason is from and his heritage.

Playing Hooky is written in alternating points of view between Emma and Jason, do you plan to continue writing the rest of the series that way?
Yes, I think it brings balance to the story. I originally wrote the story in Emma’s perspective, then went back to edit some scenes into Jason’s. But Jason was actually the easier one to write. Maybe that is because Jason is me, only as a man, and Emma is my hubby, only as a woman. Gave me plenty of material to draw from.
However, he greatly objects to being called Emma or being compared to her in any way. I’m sure she’d say the same thing.

Adding onto that last question, I’m kind of curious on the writing process for alternating point of views. How do you get into the mind frames of both characters? 
  When I was younger, I loved studying astrology personality traits, and now that I’m writing, I use that with my characters. Emma is Aquarian (since her birthday is Valentine’s Day), and Jason is Sagittarian (like me).

I absolutely loved Emma and Jason, and I really enjoyed the stories about their childhood. Would you ever consider writing prequels or short stories that shared some of the shenanigans they got into as children?
Absolutely! I’ve planned this series around the idea of frequent releases full of smaller stories that add up to a bigger one. The more we can get of Emma and Jason, the better.

You’ve managed to bring together a wide range of supernatural creatures in Playing Hooky, how did you pick and choose which ones you would focus on?
Before I wrote one word, I planned a whole world of paranormal creatures and interesting personalities. Since Playing Hooky has to do with a circus, I decided which characters and creatures were appropriate for this plot line.

I really want to ask some questions about Jason…but I don’t want to spoil anything for anyone who hasn’t read Playing Hooky yet…so can you maybe tell us a bit about what he’s either going through right now or has gone through while trying to find out more about his past?
Jason is half human, half . . . something else, and this something else wars with his human side. Every year, he has to visit Mama Maria’s (a crazy witch who lives in Anchorage) bookstore, where she brews him a potion to keep his two halves in balance. But if you know anything about crazy witches, you can’t be too certain that her brews are safe.

You had a few references to books in Playing Hooky, so I’m curious, what kinds of books do you like to read? And do you have any books you’d recommend?
So many great books out right now!
In Playing Hooky, I referenced Laini Taylor and her bright and beautiful pink hair, and I loved her book The Daughter of Smoke and Bone. But have you read The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater? I really can’t wait for the next book in that series!

Cinda Williams Chima, Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, and Jim Butcher. Favorites. Paranormal, Urban-Fantasy, and Fantasy!!! Both adult and YA—just give me magic!

But I recently read Meant To Be by Lauren Morrill, a fun contemporary, and realized that there is magic in storytelling, no matter what the genre or setting.
A big fan of books. That’s me.

Thanks for answering my questions, Rita! :D
And thank you for having me and allowing me to sit in this comfy, cozy chair of yours!



About Rita Webb:

Leaving the house to go to school, I had schoolbooks spilling out of one hand, the other holding my place in a Nancy Drew novel, and bunny slippers still on my feet. My mom was a wee bit upset.

I haven't changed much. Still always have a book (or two) in my hand or creating stories in my head, and although I don't have any bunny slippers, I love writing in my jammies and snuggly slipper socks.

When I grow up (maybe a hundred years from now), I'd like to be a superhero, but for now, saving the day, one page at a time, suits me just fine.

With my husband TJ (my own cuddly werewolf), I home-school our three girls, who keep us busy with art, science projects, books to read, dance classes, and walks about the park.

Connect with the author: Website | Goodreads | Twitter |Facebook


About Playing Hooky:
Valentine’s Day.

And my 21st birthday.

Whoop-de-doo.

Just another college day full of classes and more homework than is humanly possible.

…until Jason, my best-friend-since-kindergarten, shows up to take me out for the day.

Like old times: the two of us on a wacky adventure, playing hooky from real life. With his lopsided grin and tickets to a circus full of misfits and monsters, he introduces me to a whole new world—one full of magic and mystery—and turns my reality upside down.

Except nothing goes as planned, and we end up running through the city to find a missing siren before someone brews a love potion with her blood.

Sirens and love potions, witches and elves, and Valentine kisses. Nothing will be the same for me again.

Purchase Links:





And last, but certainly not least, I have a giveaway for you! One lucky winner will receive an ebook of Playing Hooky! :D

Here are the details:
- INTERNATIONAL
- 1 Winner will win an ebook of Playing Hooky!
- Ends March 15 at 11:59 PM (MST)
- Winner will be chosen with Rafflecopter and notified by email (winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize).

TO ENTER FILL OUT THE RAFFLECOPTER BELOW:


GOOD LUCK!

So, what do you think??

Thursday, 21 February 2013

Cover Reveal: The Truth About Letting Go by Leigh Talbert Moore

The Truth About Letting Go by Leigh Talbert Moore
Publication date: February 21st 2013
Genre: YA Contemporary
 Ashley wants to smash everything in her once-perfect life.
Charlotte wants to walk in Ashley’s seemingly charmed shoes.
Colt wants to turn Smalltown USA on its ear—with Ashley at his side.
Jordan wants to follow his heart…
But Ashley’s the one sacrifice he never expected to make.

Up until now, Ashley Lockett’s followed the rules. She’s always done the right thing, played it safe, gone to church. Then her ideal life is  torn apart when her dad dies suddenly.

Now she’s miserable and furious, and she makes a vow not to believe in anything. She’s on a mission to do everything opposite of how she lived before—rejecting safety, the rules, faith…

And then she meets Jordan.

Jordan has big dreams, he’s a great kisser, and he wants to help her through her grief. He also believes in everything Ashley now claims to hate.

Then she meets Colt. He is not safe. And he’s ready to help Ashley fulfill her mission.
Purchase Links:

AUTHOR BIO
Leigh Talbert Moore is a wife and mom by day, a writer by day, a reader by day, a freelance editor when time permits, a chocoholic, a caffeine addict, a lover of any great love story, a beach bum, and occasionally she sleeps.

Leigh’s debut novel The Truth About Faking is available now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, and Kobo.

Her second book, Rouge, is a mature YA/new adult romantic suspense novel set in New Orleans. It’s available on Amazon.

Author Links:
The Truth About Letting Go is actually a companion novel to Leigh Talbert Moore's book, The Truth About Faking. :) They can be read out of order, but if you haven't read it yet or just want to know more you can find The Truth About Faking on Goodreads (LINK).

I love the cover! The lighting is gorgeous. :) Plus, it's just so cute! I also love it next to the cover of The Truth About Faking! Seriously, check out these two gorgeous covers together: 

So pretty, right? :)

What do you think?
Isn't the cover gorgeous? 
I just love how it matches with The Truth About Faking! :D
Have you read either of these ones yet? They're both on my ever-increasing TBR pile. ;) haha

Wednesday, 20 February 2013

His Allure, Her Desire Book Blitz!

His Allure, Her Passion by Juliana Haygert 
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Publication date: February 2013 by Decadent Publishing
In his father’s eyes, Dylan Deveraux is just a playboy spending the family fortune on prostitutes, alcohol, and fast cars. And it isn't even with the cars his father produces. Because of that, his father forbids his presence at the ball that will mark the launch of the US plant of his company, strategically scheduled on Valentine’s Day.

Hayley Allen is a failing model with the worse luck in the world. She always ends up in the hands of cruel designers and photographers. At least, that’s what she tells herself. Better than admit having a weak nervous system that always reacted during her gigs. Desperate, she would do anything to help her career.

Dylan shows up at her door, wasted as usual. Friends for a long time, Hayley is the only one able to put up with Dylan’s bullshit, and he appreciates that, but not the way her heart wants.

Even though he doesn't believe in Valentine's Day, Dylan has an idea for his father's ball. When he suggests a deal to Hayley, a deal that could finally put her in the spotlight of success and help him impress his father, she doesn't hesitate. Even if it means hurting her heart a little more.
Purchase Links: 

*The book isn't on sale until February 25, so I'll update the purchase links once they're available. :)

AUTHOR BIO
Juliana Haygert
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.

Author Links:
And now, I had a little something special for you...it's an excerpt from His Allure, Her Desire...and it's a good one. ;)

EXCERPT!
 Dylan kissed Hayley, his lips moving slowly at first, afraid of getting her madder than she already was, afraid of falling under her spell more than he already had. But her scent burnt his nostrils and her sweet taste teased his mouth, and he lost it. His need grew, and he increased the speed and pressure of the kiss. Startling him, she matched his new rhythm, her soft lips moving along with his, her nails scratching the back of his shoulder, sending shivers down his spine, shaking his core. Wanting more of her, needing more of her, he slid his hands up her bare back, rubbed her silky skin, glued himself to her. He loved her skin on his, her warmth mingled with his.
Dylan could have kissed her forever, and he would have, weren’t it for Dorant.
“Perfect,” the photographer said, destroying the moment. “And that’s a wrap. We’re done here, people.”
The kiss slowed, their hands drew back, and finally Hayley pulled her head back, breaking the kiss, her wide eyes on his.
Damn, he missed her lips already.
“Hayley, I-”
She walked away without hearing him. Perhaps, it was for the best, since he wasn’t sure what to say. He felt he needed to say something, to fix them, to fix their relationship.
Hayley, on the other hand, didn’t seem eager to fix anything.



GIVEAWAY
INTERNATIONAL!
TO ENTER JUST FILL OUT THE RAFFLECOPTER BELOW:

Good luck to those who enter the giveaway! :D

So, what did you think of that excerpt?
Hot? (I think so. ;D) Intriguing? (Definitely.)
Are you planning on reading His Allure, Her Desire?...cause I know I am!

Tuesday, 19 February 2013

Review: Playing Hooky (Paranormal Investigations #1) by Rita Webb

 Source: Purchased from Amazon Kindle Store.
Release Date: Already Released.
Number of Pages: 64 (Ebook: Novella)

Blurb from Goodreads:
Valentine’s Day.

And my 21st birthday.

Whoop-de-doo.

Just another college day full of classes and more homework than is humanly possible.

…until Jason, my best-friend-since-kindergarten, shows up to take me out for the day.

Like old times: the two of us on a wacky adventure, playing hooky from real life. With his lopsided grin and tickets to a circus full of misfits and monsters, he introduces me to a whole new world—one full of magic and mystery—and turns my reality upside down.

Except nothing goes as planned, and we end up running through the city to find a missing siren before someone brews a love potion with her blood.

Sirens and love potions, witches and elves, and Valentine kisses. Nothing will be the same for me again.
Purchase Links:


I must admit that Playing Hooky's gorgeous cover initially caught my attention, but once I read the description, I was totally hooked!

As a novella, it's a pretty quick read, but it still manages to pack a lot of action and feeling into one little story. Playing Hooky was an amazing start to the Paranormal Investigations series and I can't wait to read more! I loved Jason and Emma, and I absolutely adored their chemistry and the fact that they have such an intricate back story. They've been best friends since they were kids, and while they may just be best friends at the moment...I'm positive it won't be long before they become best friends and more...much more!

Along with the awesome chemistry and banter between, Playing Hooky was full of an interesting mixture of paranormal creatures, and I loved getting to meet and learn about them all for the first time with Emma. I also can't wait to find out more about all of the paranormal creatures and see what else Jason and Emma end up investigating! I'm also extremely curious to find out more about Jason! He's totally a mystery right now and I'm curious to find out more about his unknown past.

Overall, I think that Playing Hooky was an awesome novella, and it left me excited to read more of this series in the future! :D

Has anyone else read Playing Hooky yet?
What did you think?
And if you haven't read it, does it sound like something you'd like?