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August 12, 2013

Cover Reveal ~ Daughter of Isis (Descendants of Isis #1) by Kelsey Ketch


Daughter of Isis (Descendants of Isis, #1)
Release Date: 10/26/13
Cover Designed by: Steven Novak

Summary from Goodreads:
“Her mouth parted slightly, waiting for Seth to breathe life into her own body, just like in the story. She wanted him to awaken her senses.”


Their worlds collide in California’s high desert.

The last thing Natara “Natti” Stone wants to do is to start anew at Setemple High School. She wished she had never left London. Yet the brutal murder of her maternal grandmother has made her life very complicated. The only clue related to her murder is an ancient, encrypted necklace Natti discovered after her grandmother’s death. And if trying to adjust to American life is not enough, Natti is being stalked by a mysterious, charming high school senior, Seth O’Keefe, who is annoyingly persistent in his attempts at seduction.

Seth O’Keefe is secretly a member of the Sons of Set, an order that worships the Egyptian god of chaos. Seth’s blessing from Set, his “charm,” never failed, except with one person: Natti Stone. Her ability to elude him infatuates and infuriates him, and he becomes obsessed with the chase. But the closer he gets to her, the more his emotions take a dangerous turn, and he risks breaking one of the most valued covenants of his order. The punishment for which is a fate worse than death.

The adventure this unlikely couple becomes engulfed in could cost them their lives and their souls.

*Note: Content for Upper YA*


***Excerpt***
There was a crash and a loud gasping moan. She turned to the door next to her and stepped into the room. Her eyes widened as two entangled bodies jumped in the dark; the light shining from the hall streamed over the couple. She recognized the tall, copper haired upperclassman from the parking lot; the boy who had sent her the enchanting smile. Now he was completely shirtless, his fly clearly unzipped, and a brunette held tight in his arms. The girl glared at Natti. She struggled a little against the boy’s grasp, trying to cover herself with her bra.
Natti blinked in complete shock. “Okay.” She finally glanced at the empty room. “This is obviously not American Literature.”
“No duh!” the brunette snapped.
The young man smiled and turned to the girl in his arms. The brunette’s cold demeanor melted away once her eyes met his. He stroked her cheek, sending visible shivers through her body. Natti rolled her eyes, ready to gag.
“Now, now, Charlotte.” The honey-sweet voice made Natti freeze when she was just turning to leave. It gave her a dizzy feeling; a fog creeping at the back of her mind. “We shouldn’t be rude to our guest.” The boy’s eyes traveled Natti’s curves again. His grin widened. “Perhaps she’d like to join us. Maybe we can all get to know each other a little better.”
He motioned Natti to come inside. She unconsciously took a step forward; a strange force compelled her to join them. Her hands were reaching to pull her shirt off. It was as if she was no longer in control.
What the hell . . . ? Natti shook her head, finding the strength to resist through a familiar heavy sensation that rested against her chest. It was one she often got when someone lied to her. She was born with it. A gift, her grandmother called it, which could tell her when something wasn’t right. And as much as her body suddenly wanted to be next to the boy, feeling the skin of his lean, muscular chest, her gift was telling her something was off. His intentions were not pure.
She lowered her hands to her side, taking a step back into the hall. “Sorry.” She shook her head. “I don’t do threesomes.”

About the Author
During her high school years, Kelsey Ketch could always be found tucked away in a little corner of the hall or classroom, writing her fantasy worlds and creating illustrations and maps. Today is no different, except now she’s writing in the break room at her office building or at the tables of the Barnes and Noble Café in Cary, North Carolina. She is also an avid reader, a part-time book blogger at Ketch’s Book Nook, and lives with her two orange tabbies and awesome and humorous flat-mate.Daughter of Isis is her debut novel.
For more information, please visit her site at kelseyketch.com.

***Author Links***
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Wow! I love this cover, and I can't wait to read the book. It sounds fab.
I'd love to know what you guys think!

Cover Reveal Organized by:

August 10, 2013

Blog Tour ~ Review & Giveaway: Dead and Missing by Chris Myers


Welcome to my stop on the Dead and Missing Tour hosted by AToMR Tours
Please click here to follow along with the tour. 

Title: Date with the Dead
Author: Chris Myers
Publication date: March 19th 2013
Genre: Paranormal Mystery / Romance
Age Group: Young Adult 
Tour organized by: AToMR Tours
Source: Copy for Review
My rating: 4 / 5 stars


~Synopsis~
Sixteen-year-old Jolie Livingston's closest and only friend Drew is this really hot dead guy, and it bites that the self-absorbed princesses at school cannot even see him. That's right she can communicate with the dead. It's the living she has trouble with. She and her mom inherited this awesome crib in Plymouth, MA. It's quite a step-up from the homeless shelter in New Orleans, but there's a catch. They can't afford the past due mortgage, so Jolie's working on that. She starts a ghost hunting business called Ripsters. Somehow she's managed to recruit Brittany, a glamour SAP smothered in pink, and a techie allergic to ghosts. Brit actually thinks he resembles the R&B singer Chris Brown. All that pink has clouded her vision. They both have special talents Jolie's hoping will be useful to their venture. Right now, they're working for a family in need of major therapy due to a dead guy with a hole in his head. 

~My Thoughts~
Usually I'm not drawn to mysteries, but the premise of a supernatural themed mystery had me intrigued. I love a good ghost story and hunting ghosts is even better. I must admit, I'm jealous of the abilities of Jolie and her mom. I'd love to be able to help spirits cross over and give families closure. Jolie and her mom come from a line of women in their family who all have the ability to see and speak to the dead or be a medium through which a spirit can communicate with the living. How cool would that be to inherit that kind of ability? 

I loved the characters, especially when they're together. From appearances alone, Jolie, Reese, Brittany, and Drew don't seem like they would be friends, but the supernatural brings them together. Somewhere along the way, they realize they have become friends who depend on one another. I connected with Jolie right away - the way she thinks and the style of clothes she wears plus her background is so interesting and made me want to know more about her. The author gives a few hints of some of the work with ghosts Jolie did when she lived in New Orleans. 

The ghost hunting expeditions, the seances, and the mystery surrounding it all was so much fun to read! I couldn't get enough. Jolie is braver than most people would be when it comes to the spirit world - I know that though I'd love to have her abilities, I'm not so sure I'd be as brave as she was, especially when the ghost with the hole in his head turns menacing. 

Overall, this is a light read that you'll fly through, pun intended. I relished every minute of it with all of the twists and turns. The author did a fantastic job of keeping me on my toes and guessing the identity of the murderer. I'm so excited for the sequel! 

~Purchase Links~

Title: Dead and Missing (Ripsters #2)
Author: Chris Myers
Released: July 13, 2013
Genre: Paranormal Mystery / Romance
Age Group: Young Adult 
Tour organized by: AToMR Tours


~Synopsis~
Sixteen-year-old Brittany Howland only knows one other girl, Jolie Livingston, who can communicate with the dead like herself. When Brittany takes Jolie's haunt fishing to get him out of Jolie's hair, he mysteriously disappears. Brittany isn't sure how she'll tell Jolie she lost her stupid ghost. Jolie thinks her dead best friend Drew has finally crossed over, but Brittany knows better. Just before Drew went missing, he revealed why he hasn't hitchhiked to the afterlife, a secret Brittany swore she'd take to the grave. 

*Review coming soon*

~Purchase Links~

~About the Author~

Chris Myers suffers from an overactive imagination. She spent her high school years writing torch songs for fantasy guys then moved onto writing thrillers and young adult. She has a real job but would love to write full time. Her books have won and placed in the finals and semifinals for several awards including Paul Gillette, Rocky Mountain Gold, and Amazon Breakthrough Novel. Chris lives in Colorado with her daughter, her better half, and BeBe, a rambunctious Bichon. 

~Connect with the Author~


August 8, 2013

Book Blitz: Interview & Giveaway ~ Creatura by Nely Cab


Title: Creatura
Author: Nely Cab 
Publication Date: August 6th 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal 
Blitz organized by: Xpresso Book Tours


~Synopsis~
Isis can control her dreams. Or she could - until recently. The creature in her nightmares has been haunting her for months. As if being dumped wasn't bad enough, now she dreads going to sleep. She decides to confront the creature and win back some of her peace; only, she finds that he's not a monster and he's not a dream.

A sacrifice for love, a shocking discovery and a jealous ex-boyfriend blur the lines between reality and dreams, making it hard to tell who the real monsters are.
Who would've known...that sometimes love is lethal?

~Purchase Link~

~About the Author~

Nely Cab was born on December 9, 1974, in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. She has lived and resided in a small, quiet South Texas town most of her life. Putting her Computer Accounting skills to use, Nely worked in banking for several years. In 2001, the author relocated to Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, where she dedicated time to the study of culinary arts and the art of oil painting. After her return to the U.S., Nely resumed her employment in banking and later transitioned to the field of Social Work.

Today, Nely Cab writes from the comfort of her home, where she lives with her husband and son. Her life goal is to check-off Bucket List Item No. 95,623,351: To conquer the world. While she aspires world domination, Nely continues to work on her debut series Creatura.

~Author Links~
Now I'd like to share an interview with the author! :D  *Special note: The interview was provided by Xpresso Book Tours for this post. I didn't interview the author myself.*
1. Tell us 5 words to describe Creatura.
Love Story, Thrilling, Surprising, Different, Intoxicating
2. Which was the main reason you started writing it?
I started writing out of boredom and took it up as hobby. I had enjoyed writing when I was younger and decided that this was something that only required my imagination and my computer.
3.How do you see your future as a writer?
I try to stay positive about new doors being opened for me as a writer even though there is a lot of competition in the literary world. But for now, I will to continue writing for you and the rest of the YA reader out there and hope for the best in my future.
4. Do you find yourself reflected in any of the characters? In which one and in what way?
I find myself relating mostly to Nyx and Claire because they are both mothers and like to cook. They take care of their families and are ready to defend their children like a lioness.
5.  Tell us one favourite book you've read or you want to read (except yours , of course, hihi!)
I really want to read a lot of books, but one that has caught my eye recently is “Obsidian” by Jennifer L. Armentrout.
6. My interview ends here so I invite you to say something for my readers and your fans (or future fans).
I’d like you all to know that your support and your interest in “Creatura” overwhelm me. I never expected such a warm reception when I first published my book, especially not from people outside the U.S. I thought for a long time that no one would take interest in my novel. But now, to know that it will soon be in a country as beautiful as Romania and read by its people that are equally or more beautiful, gives me inspiration to write. Thank you for being a part of my world and a huge part of motivation.




August 6, 2013

Cover Reveal ~ Tragically Flawed by A.M. Hargrove

    
    Title: Tragically Flawed 
  Author: A.M. Hargrove 
  Expected release date: September 23rd, 2013 
  Age Group: Mature New Adult 
  Cover designed by: Amber McNemar
Cover reveal organized by: AToMR Tours  



 Riviera Benson has a talent...one she discovered by accident. She’s a painter, but canvas isn’t her medium. She creates her lovely masterpieces on walls and ceilings of million dollar homes as murals and faux finishes. Her art is in high demand now, but life wasn’t always that way. Riviera has secrets from her past she intends to keep tightly locked away...terrifying secrets that keep her awake at night...that prevent her from getting close to anyone...anyone that is, until she meets Shan. 

 Benjamin Shandon, owner of Shandon Homes, works like a thousand demons are chasing him...because perhaps they are. His business has boomed, ever since the forest fire swept through the canyon and destroyed hundreds of million dollar homes. He demands excellence in everything...from his employees to his women. He slows down for nothing, keeping a schedule that no sane person would want. 

But Riviera interrupts everything, twisting his guts inside out, and wedging her way into his heart, destroying a promise he made to himself. Will they let their pasts control their future, or will they decide to let go and allow their hearts to discover each other’s? 


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    About the Author 

One day, on her way home from work as a sales manager, A. M. Hargrove, realized her life was on fast forward and if she didn't do something soon, it would quickly be too late to write that work of fiction she had been dreaming of her whole life. So, she rolled down the passenger window of her fabulous (not) company car and tossed out her leather briefcase. Luckily, the pedestrian in the direct line of fire was a dodge ball pro and had über quick reflexes enabling him to avoid getting bashed in the head. Feeling a tad guilty about the near miss, A. M. made a speedy turn down a deserted side street before tossing her crummy, outdated piece-of-you-know-what lap top out the window. She breathed a liberating sigh of relief, picked up her cell phone, called her boss and quit her job. Grinning, she made another call to her hubs and told him of her new adventure (after making sure his heart was beating properly again). 

So began A. M. Hargrove's career as a YA/NA and Adult Romance writer. Her books include Kissing Fire, Edge of Disaster, Shattered Edge, the series the Guardians of Vesturon (Survival, Resurrection, Determinant, Beginnings and reEmergent), Dark Waltz and the upcoming release Tragically Flawed. 

Other than being in love with being in love, she loves chocolate, ice cream and coffee and is positive they should be added as part of the USDA food groups.


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August 5, 2013

Cover Reveal ~ All of You by Christina Lee

Title: All of You
Author: Christina Lee
Publication date: September 17th 2013
Publisher: Intermix (Penguin)
Genre: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Cover Reveal organized by: Xpresso Book Tours


~Synopsis~
In this powerfully emotional debut New Adult novel, Avery has just met her hot upstairs neighbor. He's irresistible. Tattooed. And a virgin. 

Nursing student Avery Michaels wants nothing to do with dating - she's perfectly happy single. Privy to too many of her mother's bad decisions and even worse taste in boyfriends, all Avery can handle is a string of uncomplicated hookups whenever the mood strikes. 

When she meets smoking hot tattoo artist Bennett, she wants him - for just one night. But he won't accept a no-strings-attached arrangement. He lives by a straight-laced code of values based on his own troubled upbringing.

Bennett sees something special in Avery and he wants more from her. Way more. As Avery wrestles with her emotions for Bennett, danger and tragedy force them to open up to each other. And Avery must face the terrifying realization that she wants more from him, too.

So she needs to make a choice - let Bennett go or finally let him in.

~About the Author~ 

Mother, wife, reader, dreamer, Christina lives near Cleveland with her two favorite guys. She's addicted to lip gloss and salted caramel everything. 

New Adult/Young Adult author, NA Contemporary Romance, All of You, releases September with Penguin. Before You Break in 2014. Repped by Sara Megibow. 

Also the creator of Tags-n-Stones jewelry

~Author Links~

I'm loving this cover, and the story sounds intense and romantic. I can't resist a guy with tattoos. :) What do you think about the cover? 



August 2, 2013

Release Day Blitz: Killer Playlist & Giveaway ~ I Breathe You by Lori L. Clark

Hey guys! I'm happy to be a part of the Release Day Blitz for I Breathe You by Lori L. Clark.
I'll be reading and reviewing this book very soon as I have been given a copy for review!!
Today, I have a killer playlist for you plus the tour wide giveaway! :D
 
Title: I Breathe You
Author: Lori L. Clark
Publication date: August 2nd 2013
Genre: NA contemporary romance
Blitz organized by: Xpresso Book Tours
 
 
~Synopsis~
When a tragic accident leaves Rhane Evans — lead vocalist for the rock band Fate’s Crazy — permanently unable to speak above a whisper and kills the love of her life, she moves across the state to pick up the pieces. Shattered, Rhane struggles to understand what happened the night of the accident, an accident everyone blames her for, even though she wasn’t driving the car.

Enter Ian Callahan. He’s the one person who may have a more tumultuous past than Rhane. Though they try hard to deny the sizzling attraction between them, it proves nearly impossible. When Ian’s troubled past threatens to tear them apart, they begin to believe happiness isn’t in their cards.

Because Fate’s Crazy that way…
 


 
 
 
 ~Purchase Links~
 
~About the Author~
 

 I read, I write, I run 1/2 marathons for fun. Ten things about me:
1. I’m an only child.
2. I love dogs!
3. I was born in Iowa City, Iowa and lived in Iowa my whole life until January 2007.
4. I worked as a professional psychic reader for 2 years.
5. I’m a Pisces Sun, Leo Moon with Aquarius rising.
6. I’ve written 5 books and am in the process of brainstorming a 6th.
7. I don’t look or act my age!
8. I ran my first 1/2 marathon at age 50.
9. I love 80′s hair band music.
10. My day job is as a claims payment analyst for one of Fortune 500 Magazine’s “Top 100 places in America to work.”

~Author Links~

  

 
 

August 1, 2013

Feature & Follow #23 ~ DNFing or Powering Through?

 
I'm so excited to join Feature & Follow Friday!! This is a weekly meme hosted by Parajunkee and Alison Can Read where they each feature a blogger with an interview and also have a question or activity for all bloggers to participate in answering. Please click the links above to follow the hosting bloggers and the featured bloggers and enter the link to your own post in the linky. Hop around to as many blogs as you can - find new blogs to follow and gain some new followers as well. Mingle and make some new blogger friends! :D

I would be so happy and ever so grateful if you'd follow me any way other than GFC, especially by Bloglovin' or email and Twitter. Thank you! <3

 
Q: How do you handle a book you don't like? Do you DNF or do you power through?

I feel pressure to power through - not necessarily from anyone, really more from myself. I hate giving up on anything, but there is a book I've been trying to read for months (I really don't want to name it). I'm 3/4 of the way through and really don't have any interest in finishing it although I kinda feel like it would be a waste if I didn't just power through the last 25%. I've considered emailing the author several times but haven't ever had to do this before, so I'm slightly nervous about it. My plan is to finish the book, then email the author and let it be known I didn't enjoy the book and would only rate it one or two stars (not sure which yet).



Review ~ All Our Pretty Songs by Sarah McCarry

Title: All Our Pretty Songs
Author: Sarah McCarry
Publication date: July 30th 2013
Pages: 241
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Mythology
Source: Netgalley / St. Martin's Griffin
My Rating: 5 / 5


~Synopsis~ 
 The first book in an exciting YA trilogy, this is the story of two best friends on the verge of a terrifying divide when they begin to encounter a cast of strange and mythical characters.

Set against the lush, magical backdrop of the Pacific Northwest, two inseparable best friends who have grown up like sisters—the charismatic, mercurial, and beautiful Aurora and the devoted, soulful, watchful narrator—find their bond challenged for the first time ever when a mysterious and gifted musician named Jack comes between them. Suddenly, each girl must decide what matters most: friendship, or love. What both girls don’t know is that the stakes are even higher than either of them could have imagined. They’re not the only ones who have noticed Jack’s gift; his music has awakened an ancient evil—and a world both above and below which may not be mythical at all. The real and the mystical; the romantic and the heartbreaking all begin to swirl together, carrying the two on journey that is both enthralling and terrifying.

And it’s up to the narrator to protect the people she loves—if she can.

~My Thoughts~
I was so excited when I was approved on Netgalley by the publisher, St. Martin's Griffin, to review a copy of this book! I don't think I've ever read a book this early. Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Griffin for giving me a copy for an honest review.

First of all, I think it's hilarious I didn't even realize the narrator is unnamed. Yep. I must not be as observant as I thought. I honestly didn't know it until I finished the book and read a couple of my blogger friends' reviews where they mentioned it. It didn't affect my reading experience since I didn't even notice, and I think it's different and unique. There must be a special reason for not naming the narrator, and I love speculating what that reason could be. I'm not even sure I want to know why because it's so much fun coming up with my own theories.

When I finished the book, I wrote the following on Goodreads: "Wow. I don't even know what to say except it'll take me a while to process everything that's happened. Beautiful, lyrical writing." This book was so strange, but in a good way. First of all, the title caught my eye as it's part of the lyrics to a Nirvana song, and I'm a Nirvana fan for sure. I was a teen of the nineties during the grunge era when my friends and I wore concert T-shirts with flannel and Doc Martens. This book had me reminscing about those awesome days when it seemed like the coolest bands around were all coming from Seattle and Portland.  

So much happened that I couldn't stop thinking about it for days afterward, and I still think about it from time to time. Something I pass by will remind me of a moment from the story. It's one of those books I want to read a few times over because I know I'll pick up more from the story each time much like my favorite movie of all time, Donnie Darko. That's a movie that doesn't seem to make any sense the first time you watch it, but each time you watch it again, you pick up something new that enhances the storytelling. That's exactly how I think this book will be. 

I think the biggest part I needed time to wrap my head around was the shift that seemed sudden from the first half of the book to the second half. The first half seemed like a contemporary young adult novel, but once you reach the second half, it switches to full on fantasy and mythology, which I found a bit jarring but really interesting and cool. I wish there had been more mythology in the story because those were my favorite parts. I believe I read somewhere that there's going to be a second book, so I'm looking forward to delving back into the narrator's world.    

I think this is going to be one of those books where people will either love it or hate it. I doubt there will be any inbetween. Personally, I recommend this book. I guarantee you'll have a completely different reading experience than any you've ever had.

~Purchase Links~
~About the Author~

I'm Sarah McCarry. The Rejectionist is my blog. I was born in Seattle and live in Brooklyn. I write books and eat a lot of dumplings. I like fomenting insurrection, crushed velvet, and getting in trouble.

~Author Links~


Cover Reveal ~ Torch by Cambria Hebert


Title: Torch
Author: Cambria Hebert
Series: Take It Off (A sexy series of stand alone novels all in the new adult contemporary genre)
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
Published by Cambria Hebert
Release Date: August 23rd 2013
Format: Ebook and Paperback
Cover Reveal organized by: Xpresso Book Tours
 
Cover Designed by: Mae I Design
 
 
**Note: This book is a New Adult book which contains graphic language and sexual content. This book is NOT intended for young adult readers. Recommended for ages 18+ **
 
 
~Synopsis~
 
If you can't take the heat...stay away from the flame.
 
Katie Parks has been on her own since the age of fifteen. All she's ever wanted is a place to call her own - a life that is wholly hers that no one can take away. She thought she finally had it, but with the strike of a single match, everything she worked so hard for is reduced to a pile of smoking ash. And she almost is too.
 
Now she's being stalked by someone who's decided it's her time to die. The only thing standing in the path of her blazing death is sexy firefighter Holt Arkain.
 
Katie's body might be safe with Holt...but her heart is another story.
 
As the danger heats up, sparks fly and the only thing Katie knows for sure is that her whole life is about to go up in flames.
 
~The Wraparound View~ :D
 
 
~About the Author~
 
Cambria Hebert is the author of the young adult paranormal Heven and Hell series, the new adult Death Escorts series, and the new adult Take it Off series. She loves a caramel latte, hates math and is afraid of chickens (yes, chickens). She went to college for a bachelor's degree, couldn't pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair. She currently lives in North Carolina with her husband and children (both human and furry) where she is plotting her next book. You can find out more about Cambria and her work by visiting http://www.cambriahebert.com.
 
 
~Connect with the Author~
 
 
Follow her on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cambriahebert
 
 
 
Cambria's website: http://www.cambriahebert.com  
 
 
This looks so good you guys! Sounds like a great start to a new series! :D 


 


Think Out Loud #18 ~ The Summer of Craziness

 
Have something you'd like to get off your chest? Want to talk about anything? Join this meme hosted by Thinks Books ! Get to know your fellow bloggers outside the bookish realm. Click here for the 411. The posts go up every Thursday or whenever you'd like. :D
 
I don't know if anyone else watches Big Brother, but it's my addiction every summer. This year the show has had to put a disclaimer for the first time ever before every episode because two of the house guests - Aaryn and Gina Marie - were spouting off all kinds of racial slurs, caught on the live feed. The disclaimer basically states that CBS isn't liable for any inappropriate things the house guests might say or do, blah blah blah.
 
Both girls have lost their jobs in real life though they don't know it yet, hahahaha! I think they spewed their shit about every minority out there. When one of the other house guests confronts Aaryn, she says she hasn't said anything wrong. I'm like, Wow, really??? WTF?? What really disappoints me is that CBS didn't kick these girls off the show. They should have at least been talked to by the producers, but it doesn't seem like they were. I just can't believe their audacity.
 
Do you watch Big Brother? What do you think?