Dec 30, 2012

Bloggers Wanted: $50 Amazon Gift Card Give Away

Unknown December 30, 2012 0 Comments

Click the picture to sign up!

Participate in the "Beat the Winter Time Blues $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway" sponsored by author Terri Morgan.
Giveaway: January 16 - February 6 One winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card from Terri Morgan.

Dec 21, 2012

99 Authors, 99 Books, 99 Cents! $990 Worth of Prizes!

Unknown December 21, 2012 0 Comments

These prices are available on Amazon only.

For a listing of books offered and to enter to win, click here!!

Dec 18, 2012

Blog Tour: Book Excerpt and Giveaway: Sound of the Heart by

Unknown December 18, 2012 2 Comments

Hi everyone! How are you guys doing? I'm back with another blog tour! This time I'm featuring Ms. Genevieve Graham's new historical romance novel entitled Sound of the Heart. You'll get all the information about this book down below. You'll also get a little glimpse inside this book through a book excerpt. And there's a great giveaway you can join at the bottom of this post. I'm sure you'll all love it.

NOTE: I will be posting my review of this book tomorrow. I know I'm supposed to post the review right now but I'm really sick and I think I won't be giving justice to this book if I can't write a review with a clear mind. I sincerely apologize to Ms Genevieve Graham and to the people behind Black Lion Virtual Tour for this unexpected delay but I do promise to post the review tomorrow.

So please, go back and check out my review for this book tomorrow. Thanks guys!

Title: Sound of the Heart
Author: Genevieve Graham
Release Date: May 1, 2012
Genre: Historical Romance
Formats: Trade Paperback/All eBook types
Pages: 336
Publisher: Berkley Sensation / Penguin US

Book Blurb:

From Genevieve Graham, author of Under the Same Sky, comes a sweeping romantic historical novel of one man’s strange gift and dangerous battles…

Dougal MacDonnell, a fierce warrior from the Highlands of Scotland, is able to hear the thoughts of other men and dream how the future will unfold. Devastated by the loss of his family during the Battle of Culloden in 1746, he fosters a deep hatred for the English. But when Glenna, the love of his life and a Scottish outlaw, is captured and shipped overseas, Dougal is forced to join an English army made of vanquished Scots. Now fighting on the side of his sworn enemies, he embarks on a journey that will take him across the seas to the colonies. There he will risk everything for the chance to find his true love.

Book Excerpt:

“How ye manage to be such a skilled hunter, I’ll ne’er understand,” she said. “I could hear ye breathin’ a mile away.”

“Ye’ve the ears of a squirrel,” he grumbled.

She nodded, then returned to her earlier line of questioning. “What were ye doin’ there?” “I came to see . . . I was worried that . . . I thought maybe . . .” He winced, realising how pathetic he sounded. He leaned down to pluck a tiny purple flower from the grass and snapped the bloom between his fingers.

“You were worried? About me? Since when? After all ye’ve seen me do, ye’d ken that most of the time I’m just fine on my own, thank ye very much.” She glared at him. “I’m no’ delicate flower, Dougal MacDonnell.” She gestured toward the torn flower between his fingers. “I’m no’ shrinkin’ violet, either. If I’m a flower at all, I’m maybe . . .” She paused and grabbed the crushed flower from Dougal’s grip. “Maybe I’m a thistle. Ye’d best not squeeze me too hard.” She slid her knife back into its sheath, keeping shrewd eyes on him. “Ye know what? I’m sick o’ this, Dougal. O’ the way ye treat me these days. I’m no different, but ye are. What is it wi’ ye? Why do ye sneak around behind me all the time, watchin’? Why can ye no’ be yerself anymore?”

He shrugged. “I’ve no idea.”

“Ye’d best just say it,” she demanded. “For if ye dinna speak yer mind, this will never ease between us an’ it will end badly.”

“I canna say what I am thinkin’, because I dinna ken what it is.”

“Ye do.”

“I don’t.”

She shoved his shoulder and he stepped obligingly back. She came closer and pushed him again, harder this time. He frowned and his backward movement was less.

“That’s right,” she said. Her eyes glittered with anger. “I’m askin’ ye to be the man ye were. The man ye are now isna worth a pot to piss in. Ye dinna speak of anythin’ worthwhile, ye dinna laugh, ye dinna do anythin’! Ye’re dull as a stone!” She shoved him hard again. This time he tripped back, then stepped forward and grabbed her wrist, holding it in place.

“Don’t do this,” he said, almost pleading.

In response, she slapped his face with the hand he wasn’t holding. He shook his head to clear the sting, then grabbed that wrist as well. She leaned toward him, trying to put her face in front of his, but he was a foot taller. She hissed up at him through bared teeth.

“Do somethin’, Dougal MacDonnell. Dinna turn into some ninny. Do somethin’.”

“I dinna have to do anythin’. I’ve no need to prove myself.”

“Oh no? Then why is it ye’re spendin’ so much time talkin’ of things that dinna matter? Why do ye try to do more than ye did before? Ye need to show me what a big man ye are? Is that it?”

“No . . .” he said, but his voice lacked conviction.

She pressed even closer to him. Her voice lowered to a dangerous level, almost a whisper. Almost the sound he’d heard her make in her sleep. “Do ye think I canna take care o’ myself anymore? Is that why ye came out here jus’ now? Well, I can do jus’ fine on my own, sir. I heard ye comin’, an’ I’d hear that lot if they came within a mile o’ me.”

Dougal felt the air buzzing between them, felt the pulse hammering in her wrists beneath his fingertips. Her eyes were furious, glowering at him like blue flames, challenging him.

“What do ye want?” he demanded. “What do ye want me to do?”

“Anythin’! Just be the Dougal ye were, man. Dinna tend to me as if I were a child. I’m still me. Why aren’t you still you? Do something, Dougal. Do something!”

So he kissed her. He dropped her wrists and seized the sides of her face, bringing her lips to his. She pulled instinctively away, but he held on, kissing her mouth, slightly open with surprise. He touched the skin he had longed to touch ever since he’d first found out the truth about her. It was warm, hot even, because she was angry. He felt his own face warm as he sank into the kiss.

She was so small, just like she’d said. Despite what she claimed, the bones he held between his hands were so wee, so delicate, fitting into the palms of his hands like she was made to be there. He slid one hand down her back so it rested on her waist and pulled her snug against him. He felt her body adjust, felt her muscles bunch up in response. Yes! Yes, this was what he’d been wanting. His blood sang, tingling his fingers, dancing in his lips— And she bit him. He yelped and stepped back, rubbing his lower lip.

“What—” he cried, but she was there first.

“What was that?” she shrieked.

Amazon Kindle:

Amazon Print:

Barnes and Noble

About the Author:

Genevieve Graham graduated from the University of Toronto in 1986 with a Bachelor of Music in Performance (playing oboe). While on a ski vacation in Alberta she met a really cute guy in the chairlift line-up and they skied together for two days. After the second day she decided she had to have him ... permanently. The couple (now husband & wife) subsequently moved to Calgary and brought two beautiful and talented daughters into the world. They have recently settled in a small, peaceful town in Nova Scotia and are loving their quiet life.

Writing became an essential part of Genevieve's life a few years ago, when she began to write her debut novel, "Under the Same Sky". Her second book, "Sound of the Heart" was released on May 1, 2012.

Learn more about Genevieve at: http://www.genevievegraham.com.

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Giveaway:

$35 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway. Just fill up the rafflecopter form to enter.

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Black Lion Virtual Tours

Dec 17, 2012

Cover Reveal: Unbeautifully by Madeline Sheehan

Unknown December 17, 2012 0 Comments

Hi my sweet readers! I'm back! I'm here to help unveil the beautiful book cover of Unbeautifully by Madeline Sheehan. You guys can find more about this book down below. And please tell me what you think about its cover, yay or nay? I'm eager to know your thoughts!

Unbeautifully

by Madeline Sheehan

Coming on January 2012

Book Blurb:

The first time I fell in love it was with a pair of blue eyes and a wide dimpled grin.

“Your old man loves ya, Danny girl,” He whispered. “You never ever forget that, yeah?”

I never did. And I never thought I could ever love any man as much as I loved my father. But as we grow, we change, we begin to make our own decisions and thus become independent and self sufficient and start turning away from our parents and turning to others. We form friendships, strong bonds and ties and begin experiencing life outside of the bubble we grew up inside of.
And we fall in love…a second time.

The second time I fell in love it was with a badly scarred face, the stuff of nightmares; the sort of disfigurement that mothers steer their children away from. Ugly, jagged slashes marred the skin from the top of his skull, down over his right eye, an eye that had been dug out of his face with a serrated blade. The scars continued across his cheek, over his lips and down his neck, ending at the top of his shoulder. His chest was a hundred times worse; scar tissue as far as the eye could see.

“Baby,” He said gruffly, “Man like me got no business with a girl like you. You’re nothin’ but fuckin’ beauty and I’m a whole lot of fuckin’ ugly who’s already halfway to hell.”

But he was wrong.

Everything has beauty. Even the ugly. Especially the ugly.

Because without ugly there would be no beauty.

Because without beauty we would not survive our pain, our sorrow, and our suffering.

And in the world I lived in, the world he lived in, a secret world within the world, a world of of constant crime and cruel, cold, death, there was almost nothing but suffering.

“You may not be beautiful the way you were before,” I whispered, placing my hand on his hard chest. “But you’re still beautiful. To me.

http://www.madelinesheehan.com/

Dec 15, 2012

Talisman of El by Alecia Stone Book Blast and a Kindle Fire Giveaway

Unknown December 15, 2012 1 Comments

Hi everyone! How are you guys doing! I know it's been a while since the last post because I've been pretty busy with college stuff but worry no more, I'm back! This time, I'm featuring a very different book from my usual reads but here it goes. It's a book entitled Talisman of El by Alecia Stone. You'll find all the details about it down below. And the author is giving away a Kindle Fire! You can enter the giveaway by completing the rafflecopter form below.

Talisman of El

WHAT IF YOUR WHOLE LIFE WAS A LIE? One Planet. Two Worlds. Population: Human ... 7 billion. Others ... unknown. When 14-year-old Charlie Blake wakes up sweating and gasping for air in the middle of the night, he knows it is happening again. This time he witnesses a brutal murder. He's afraid to tell anyone. No one would believe him ... because it was a dream. Just like the one he had four years ago - the day before his dad died. Charlie doesn't know why this is happening. He would give anything to have an ordinary life. The problem: he doesn't belong in the world he knows as home. He belongs with the others. Purchase Talisman of El: Amazon | B&N | Bookstore ] Kobo

About Author Alecia Stone

Alecia Stone has been in love with anything and everything paranormal for many years. She graduated with a BA in Film & TV and has worked in television for a short period of time before branching out into storytelling. When she isn't writing, she enjoys going to the movies, listening to music and travelling. Talisman Of El is her first novel. She currently lives in England, UK. Follow Alecia Stone: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads

The author is giving away a Kindle Fire and a hardback copy of Talisman of El. Contest open Internationally. Enter the form below.
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Nov 27, 2012

Blog Tour: Book and Author Spotlight: Debra's Bandit by Julie Lence

Unknown November 27, 2012 3 Comments

Hi everyone! I'm back! I'm here for a book and author spotlight! You'll all get to know the little tidbits about the book Debra's Bandit and its author Ms. Julie Lence. I hope you guys will enjoy this little sneak peek.

Release Date: September 4, 2012

Genre: Historical Western Romance

Formats: Paperback and Kindle

Book Blurb:

Forced to flee his home in Chicago, Gage Cantrell shed his greenhorn ways and joined an outlaw band. He’s spent the last six years dodging bullets and a Pinkerton determined to bring him to justice. Now that Gage has settled for a spell in Revolving Point, Texas, hoping to win the heart of the woman he loves, his past is about to catch up to him. Trouble is, Debra doesn’t know about Chicago. If she’ll forgive his cowardice on that fateful night, he’ll

finally know peace. That is if he can thwart the Pinkerton and send him packing—for good.

Raised in the St. Louis orphanage, Debra Moore has known more hard times than good. Riding with her brother and Gage as they raided the west brought about a longing for a real home, and for Gage to return her love. She’s found a comfortable haven in Revolving Point and wants Gage to cease to his bandit ways and put down roots with her. But Gage has never been the settling type, and lately he’s been more secretive than usual. Something’s bothering him. She’s going to find out what that something is and convince him there’s more to life than the tomfoolery of outrunning a posse.

Book Excerpt:

"You make it a habit of assessing other men?" Gage demanded.

"What? No! He—Ow!" Tears welled in Debra's eyes and she dropped something into the water.

"What is it?" He crowded close to her.

"I cut my hand on a knife," she cried.

"Let me see." He gently gripped her wrist and drew her hand toward him, seeing blood and soap suds trickle down her right palm. "It's a flesh wound."

Wordlessly, he grabbed a towel from the drawer beside him and wrapped the cloth around her hand. He reached into the cabinet above him and took out a bottle of whiskey, removed the towel and poured a good amount of the rye over the cut. Rifling through the cabinet, he found a piece of linen and wrapped it around her palm, tying the ends off in a knot.

“Keep the bandage on so the wound doesn't fester.”

Debra looked up at him. Tears swam in her copper eyes. Two fat drops spilled from the corner of her eye. He watched them trickle down her skin to her delicate jaw before returning his gaze to her watery eyes. Past the rest of the tears she tried to hold at bay he saw something else. A longing not to be ignored, to be loved by him as a man loves a woman. Something inside him shifted, the roots that had been planted long ago digging in deeper. He leaned

toward her, telling himself he was only going to ease her discomfort…

Author Bio:

I grew up in an average-size city in upstate New York. All through school I enjoyed writing as long as I could choose the topic. I even tried to write a novel length story in middle school, but since I was young I didn't stick with it all that long.

I met my husband during the latter part of 12th grade and married him two years later. He had already enlisted in the Air Force and I enjoyed accompanying him on his twenty years of service. By marrying young and entering the work force full-time, the writing bug didn't bite again until the early 90's when I read Double Standards by Judith McNaught. I was already hooked on the

romance genre and family sagas, thanks to Johanna Lindsey's Malory family, and the little critter of a muse dug his teeth in deep. By combining my love for romance, family and the old west, I have

settled into a career writing western historical romance.

Debra's Bandit is the third book in my Revolving Point, TX Series and features outlaw Gage Cantrell and mercantile overseer Debra Moore as the hero and heroine. Currently, I'm working on my next novel, a short story I hope to have out in time for the holiday season. I'm a stay-at-home mom who enjoys taking care of family and home, reading and anything to do with the American West. I also enjoy meeting other fans of the romance genre, so if you've got time,say hello at: https://www.facebook.com/#!/Julielence

Website Link: www.julielence.com

Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/julielence

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3019442

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/JulieLence

Nov 17, 2012

Blog Tour: Guest Post, Book Excerpt and Giveaway: Life on the Edge by Jennifer Comeaux

Unknown November 17, 2012 0 Comments

Hi everyone! I hope all of you are enjoying the weekend. I'm here today to feature another New Adult book entitled Life on the Edge by Jennifer Comeaux. The author had graciously agreed to put guest post in here. We'll know more about her book and also there's a giveaway down below. So let's see what Ms. Jennifer Comeaux have to say to us..

Author Guest Post:

10 Things You Didn’t Know About LIFE ON THE EDGE

Thanks so much for visiting my blog tour! Today I thought I’d share some “behind the scenes” facts about Life on the Edge!

1. The book started out as a serial that I wrote just for friends to read. It wasn’t until a year after I started writing that I decided to take everything I’d written and edit it into a publishable book.

2. I gave myself a cameo in the book! You’ll have to read it to see if you can spot me ;-)

3. The townhouse on Cape Cod where Emily and her best friend Aubrey live is in a complex where I stayed on vacation ten years ago. I loved it so much and always pictured it as a cool setting for a book.

4. The book is set in 2000-2002 because I first came up with the idea for the story about seven or eight years ago, and even though years passed before I put it down on paper, I

still pictured the big event in the story being the 2002 Olympics and didn’t want to alter the timeline.

5. I’m in love with all things Boston and Cape Cod, so I couldn’t imagine the story being set anywhere else.

6. One of the first pivotal events in the book is a Sting concert that Emily and Sergei attend together in Mansfield, Massachusetts, and Sting actually did play a show in Mansfield in the summer of 2000. He also played there in the summer of 2010, and I just happened to be vacationing on the Cape that week (I thought that was fate!). Of course, I had to go to the concert and experience the venue where my characters had a memorable night!

7. The locations of the all the competitions in the book are the actual locations where those events took place in real life.

8. When I picture Sergei in my head, I see Josh Dallas, who plays Prince Charming on Once Upon a Time.

9. Emily’s best friend Aubrey is named after one of my favorite baseball players, former Tulane standout Michael Aubrey, who played in the Cleveland and Baltimore minor

league systems.

10. The sequel, Edge of the Past, will be released this winter!

Book Excerpt:

The wind picked up, rustling the trees and sending my empty cup skittering over the table. Sergei snatched it and noticed the time on his watch.

“Oh, wow, it’s two thirty. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to stay this late.”

“No worries. I can sleep till noon tomorrow.”

He rose from his chair, stretching his arms. “Do you think they all killed each other downstairs?”

“My guess is they played so hard they passed out at some point. That’s been known to happen.”

I got up and smoothed my skirt. I’d kicked off my sandals hours ago, and the weathered wood of the patio was cool under my bare feet.

Sergei took a step toward me. “Thanks again for the great meal. And the even better company.”

“You’re very welcome. I’m so glad you came.”

I stood on tippy-toes to give him a quick hug, but Sergei’s strong arms held me against him, enveloping my small frame. His body exuded warmth. I closed my eyes and breathed in the woody scent of his cologne. We’d shared plenty of hugs at competitions, but this felt so different, like we belonged nowhere else but in this embrace.

After what seemed like both an eternity and a split second, Sergei pulled away, his hands brushing down my back. He glanced downward and gestured to the door.

“I can let myself out.”

My head bobbed weakly. “Okay. I’ll see you Monday.”

“See you.” He held my gaze a moment longer than necessary. Then he was gone.

I stood paralyzed, listening to the blood pulse in my ears. My heart beat so fast I thought it might pound out of my chest. I couldn't have imagined the electricity I’d felt in Sergei’s arms. It was too real. And I had no idea how I could ever forget it.

Title: Life on the Edge
Author: Jennifer Comeaux
Date Published: 1/3/12
Genre: New Adult / Upper YA

Book Blurb:
Nineteen-year-old Emily is new to pairs skating, but she and her partner Chris have a big dream–to be the first American team to win Olympic gold. Their young coach Sergei, who left Russia after a mysterious end to his skating career, believes they can break through and make history. Emily and Chris are on track to be top contenders at the 2002 Winter Games.

But when forbidden feelings spark between Emily and Sergei, broken trust and an unexpected enemy threaten to derail Emily’s dreams of gold.

Barnes & Noble

Astraea Press

My book review for this book will be posted next week. So wait for it...

About the Author:

Jennifer Comeaux earned a Master of Accounting from Tulane University and is a Certified Public Accountant in south Louisiana. While working for a Fortune 1000 company, she sought a creative outlet and decided to put on paper a story that had played in her head for years. That story became Life on the Edge, her first published novel.

When not working or writing, she is an avid follower of the sport of figure skating, travelling to competitions around the country. Those experiences allow her to see another side of the sport and serve as an inspiration for her writing. Jennifer is blessed with a wonderful family and many friends who have encouraged her to pursue her dream of being a published author.

Website

Twitter: @LadyWave4

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Goodreads

Giveaway:

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Nov 14, 2012

Blog Tour: Book Review and Giveaway: The Wild Ones by M. Leighton

Unknown November 14, 2012 0 Comments

Hi everyone! I'm back with another blog tour! This time I'm reviewing a book from the very talented author,

M. Leighton. The book is for mature young adults and it's entitled "The Wild Ones". You're all gonna get my views about this book and there's your favorite part in a blog tour.. the giveaway! So, if you guys want to get a chance to win something from this blog tour, just keep on reading.. the giveaway is somewhere down below..

I want to thank AToMR Tours for organizing this lovely blog tour.

Author: M. Leighton

Pages: 330 pages

Date Published: July 30 2012

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1478334371

ISBN-13: 978-1478334378

Book Blurb:

**MATURE CONTENT ADVISORY: May not be suitable for younger readers**

Passion as hot as midnight in the South and love as wild as the horses they tame.

Camille “Cami” Hines is the darling daughter of the South’s champion thoroughbred breeder, Jack Hines. She has a pedigree that rivals some of her father’s best horses. Other than feeling a little suffocated at times, Cami thought she was pretty happy with her boyfriend, her life and her future.

But that was before she met Patrick Henley.

“Trick” blurs the lines between what Cami wants and what is expected of her. He’s considered the “help,” which is forbidden fruit as far as her father is concerned, not to mention that Trick would be fired if he ever laid a hand on her. And Trick needs his job. Desperately. His family depends on him.

The heart wants what the heart wants, though, and Trick and Cami are drawn to each other despite the obstacles. At least the ones they know of.

When Trick stumbles upon a note from his father, it triggers a series of revelations that could ruin what he and Cami have worked so hard to overcome. It turns out there’s more to Trick’s presence at the ranch than either of them knew, secrets that could tear them apart.

My Thoughts:

The Wild Ones is the first book I've read from M. Leighton and I can absolutely say that this book is a delight to read.

I will not give away the story so I'm not going to put anymore spoilers other than what is written in the official book blurb above. It's because I think book blurbs are short and as vague as they can be for a reason. It's much more interesting to read a book without too much expectations. In that way, you can absorb and be in the book as much as you can.

Let's start with the plot of the story. The hard part in doing the Contemporary Romance Genre is that choices in plots are very much limited. It's either you have the same plot as others and it turns out bland or you made the same plot and make it yours thus making it as unique as it could get. I can say that The Wild Ones has an ordinary boy meets girl plot but the author had so many twists and turns and conflicting feelings that made the story hers and unique, and as a reader I appreciated that.

The characters, I think are the biggest part of why I enjoyed reading this book. They are simply interesting and exciting and they feel so much alive. As a reader, I felt their energy and chemistry. Not just romantic chemistry but also the chemistry of the main characters with their friends. Although, the focus of the book is the relationship between Trick and Cami, I absolutely enjoyed their interactions with their friends, Jenna and Rusty. I really wish they could have their own book someday.

As I was saying, the chemistry between Trick and Cami is quite undeniable. You could feel it every time they interact and it just makes you, as a reader, root for them. I just want their deserved happy ending. I also liked the progress of Trick and Cami's relationship. It wasn't an easy one because of the obstacles that hinders them from being together but I loved the slow burn process because it's much more felt and it was exciting to see how everything will unfold for them.

Overall, I simply loved the book. It's for mature young adults because of its somewhat mature theme but it doesn't over shadow the whole plot which I think is great. I loved the way M. Leighton gave life to these very exciting characters. I loved the romance and the friendships in this book. It's realistic but it's also a lot of fun. There were heartfelt dramas but there are also laugh out loud witty situations that I'm sure you'll all enjoy. So, if you're looking for all of these in your next read, don't forget to pick up "The Wild Ones" because I'm sure it's for you.

About the Author:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, M. Leighton, is a native of Ohio. She relocated to the warmer climates of the South, where she can be near the water all summer and miss the snow all winter. Possessed of an overactive imagination from early in her childhood, Michelle finally found an acceptable outlet for her fantastical visions: literary fiction. Having written over a dozen novels, these days Michelle enjoys letting her mind wander to more romantic settings with sexy Southern guys, much like the one she married and the ones you'll find in her latest books. When her thoughts aren't roaming in that direction, she'll be riding horses, swimming in ponds and experiencing life on a ranch, all without leaving the cozy comfort of her office.

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Blog

Twitter: @MLeightonBooks

Giveaway:

Win a SIGNED The Wild Ones Paperback & T-shirt and SIGNED Blood Like Poison Paperback & T-shirt

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Nov 7, 2012

Blog Tour: Book Review and Giveaway: Reaction by Jessica Roberts

Unknown November 07, 2012 0 Comments

Hi everyone! I'm here again. I'm reviewing the much awaited book entitled Reaction. It's the second book of Reflection by Ms. Jessica Roberts. I must say that I feel really grateful to be given this chance to review such a wonderful book. We also have a really great giveaway for you guys down below. You have to join this! This blog tour was organized by YA Bound Tours.

Reaction: Reflection #2
By Jessica Roberts
Release Date: November 6, 2012

Book Blurb:
Harmony…

I’ve previously had that in my life, but only once, briefly, a while ago. It was during the time I’d started my first year of college. My own apartment, a new old car, and a life free of deadbeat stepfathers, all of which was fulfilling enough. But if it wasn't I also had a best friend, soul mate, and boyfriend all in one. Yes, life was near perfect.

But one stormy night can change everything…

For many months I rested in a prolonged sleep, fighting for my life. Well, more than fighting for it, also dreaming of it. Dreaming of him. Thank goodness, the dream is over and I’m back in the real world now. And all I want is for everything to return to the way it was. But nothing’s the same; most of all, us.

Once again, I find myself at the crossroads of a ruthless battle, this time not for life, but love. Do I fight for the guy I twice fell for, or do I let her take him away?

My Thoughts:

Reaction is the sequel of the YA novel by Ms. Jessica Roberts entitled Reflection. I must say that I've absolutely loved reading this book. It's the kind of book you'd stay up late for because you couldn't put it down.

For the people who haven't read the first book Reflection, this review is going to be spoilerish for you guys.

Reflection and Reaction has definitely a very unique plot and I loved it. Reaction picked up where Reflection ended. Heather woke up from her coma and she regained her memories but not everything is the same, especially her relationship with Nick. She found out that no one knows that she had been on an accident and had been on a really long coma except her best friend who never left her side. After years, everyone has moved on and Heather doesn't know how to fit back in.

I'm absolutely amazed at how interesting and angst filled the book is. For the duration of the book I was rooting for Heather and Nick to have the happy ending they deserved. Reaction is really different from any other contemporary romances I've ever read because it contains some medical terms and yet it didn't become mechanical. The whole book is full of emotions. I feel for what every character was going through. I also felt conflicted with their dilemmas. I connected with each and everyone of them. It's nice to read a kind of book where in I can empathize with what everyone especially Heather and Nick goes through.

Overall, I just simply loved this book. I recommend this book to every reader out there because I am confident that all of you will definitely love it as much as I did. Ms. Jessica Roberts is one author we, book lovers have to look out for because she is one talented author who can make her readers feel and I think that's what makes an author extraordinary.

Reflection Book 1

Reaction (Reflection Book 2)

About the Author:

JESSICA ROBERTS grew up in the San Francisco, California Bay Area where she spent most of her time playing sports alongside her six siblings. She was crowned Miss Teen California her senior year of high school, and went on to Brigham Young University where she graduated in Human Development. Her love of family, church, writing, athletics, and singing and dancing keeps her life busy and fulfilled. She currently resides in Utah with her husband and three children.

http://www.jessicarobertsauthor.blogspot.com/

@JRobertsAuthor

GIVEAWAY:

Grand Prize is for a $25 Gift Card to Amazon, a replica of the necklace worn in the Reaction cover and an e-book of Reflection. (Open Internationally)
There will also be 4 additional e-book copies of Reflection up for giveaway. (Open Internationally)

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Nov 5, 2012

Blog Tour: Book Review: Saving You, Saving Me by Kailin Gow

Unknown November 05, 2012 1 Comments

Hi guys! I hope you're all doing alright. I haven't posted anything in a long time, but worry no more because I'm back! I'm here to review a book for New Adults entitled Saving You, Saving Me by Ms. Kailin Gow. It's the first installment of You & Me Trilogy and you're all going to get a glimpse on the inside of this book.

Title: Saving You, Saving Me

Author: Kailin Gow

Date Published: 4/15/12

ISBN-10: 1597480436

ISBN-13: 978-1597480437

Genre: Mature YA / New Adult

Book Blurb:

18 year old high school senior and aspiring psychologist Samantha Sullivan (Sam) never thought she would fall for the one mysterious guy she has been speaking to over the phone for months, the boy the counselors called Daggers. She wasn't supposed to talk to him outside of their sessions. But as she began to peel the layers of Daggers and learn who he is, the one boy she is supposed to be saving, might just be the one who is saving her.

My Thoughts:

Saving You, Saving Me is the first installment of You & Me Trilogy by Ms. Kailin Gow. It's also the very first book I've ever read from this author and I must say that this book is very intense and interesting.

This book is a contemporary romance novel for mature young adults. The plot is very nice. I wouldn't say that it's perfect but I'd say it's a very nice way to start a trilogy. There are some things I didn't appreciate though or maybe it's just that it has a bit of 50 Shades in it. Now, I loved 50 Shades and some happenings in this book is so 50 Shades which I think the book failed to pull off but other than those very little flaws, I think this book has a good enough plot.

The characters are interesting. Ms. Kailin Gow wrote them in a way that we could somehow relate to them. Sam and Collins are very complex characters. They're very different and yet somehow they get each other. Sam is the daughter of a pastor. Something happened to her when she was only 13 years old. She made a humongous mistake that normal teenagers often do and after that she pledged to be the perfect daughter of a pastor and for years, she was. Until she met the mysterious Collins.

Collins went through something horrifying while growing up and it had affected him in a way that hinders his growing romance with Sam.

Sam and Collins' chemistry is very intense. I liked it. I also liked the progress of their romance. Their first meeting is fun and sexy and cute which I think is very well executed in this part of the plot. Actually, it may be my favorite part of the book. I guess it also helps that Sam and Collins interactions are very hot.

The book also showed a few of what the teenagers commonly go through on their daily lives. The problems that were mentioned when Sam answered calls were very interesting and I know that they do happen in real life. The only problem I had with it is that the conversations were so mechanical. I guess what I'm trying to say is that they lacked feelings. The conversations were supposed to invoke empathy on me as a reader but I felt nothing which is very sad because I think that this part of the plot of the book could have been used to make this book even more interesting and more real and more heartfelt. I'm hoping that the author would explore this part of the plot in the next book. I hope she could put more feelings on the conversations. I think it would be a big hit.

Overall, I think Saving You, Saving Me is a nice way to start the trilogy. Despite all of its glitches, I enjoyed reading this book. I enjoyed the intensity of Sam and Collins' romance. It's the best part of this book. Their individual personalities are also very interesting. I liked the growth of their characters throughout the book. Ms. Kailin Gow did a really nice job writing this book and I'm expecting an even better one for its sequel. I am so excited to find out what happens to Sam and Collins.

If you want to read a YA book that is intense and mature without loosing fun and romance then this book is for you.

About the Author:

Kailin Gow has appeared on top national syndicated talk shows such as ABC Radio, Barbara Dooley show, Chat with Women on KKNW Seattle, Broadminded on Sirius Radio XM, and more as a leading authority on YA and women's issues including self-esteem, body image, dating and sexual relationships, abuse, and bullying. Kailin has been a published author for over 10 years with over 100 titles published under her name and under pen names.

She is the founder of the community social site, The Saving You Saving Me Project, http://www.savingyousavingme.com which helps teens, young adults, and women deal with social issues like sexual abuse, self-esteem, body image, bullying, cutting, relationships, and more in a positive community environment. The Saving You Saving Me Project is an extention of her YA-mature fiction Saving You Saving Me.

Kailin Gow began writing books for tween girls to help them with self-confidence and self-esteem. Her book, Gifted Girls Activities Guide to 365 Days of the Week, became a reference book used in girls organizations across the U.S. As her tween fans grew to become teens and young adults, Kailin began writing engaging and entertaining young adult book series for them. The results are book series like the Frost Series, PULSE Series, Wicked Woods Series, Stoker Sisters, Phantom Diaries, The Fire Wars, FADE, DESIRE, and more.

All her books are inspired by personal experiences. Saving You Saving Me was inspired by her experience as a peer counselor for young women during college and from her psychology major college roommate's experience being in a relationship similar to the one portrayed by Sam and Collins in the book. Loving Summer was inspired by Kailin's experience growing up with a family consisting of a mother, two sons, and a daughter who went through a similar experience of tragedy in the book. Aunt Sookie is based on herself and some actor friends she knows. The Frost Series, Circus of Curiosities Series, and FADE Series came about through vivid dreams. Never Say Never was inspired by Kailin's experience as a radio host and working with and interviewing bands, as well as having college friends who were in bands. Kailin also played the drums and keyboard for a band she once started. A classically-trained musician, she was once led her school orchestra, playing first chair violin. Her experience in the music world and her love of Phantom of the Opera, inspired the Phantom Diaries. PULSE was inspired when Kailin was in the hospital suffering from heavy blood loss post surgery and needed several bags of blood to survive (like a vampire). Beautiful Beings was inspired by her college encounter with a young demon exorcist. A pastor once told her she had the gift of sight and that she was destined to become a prolific author, many times over.

She began taking her writing seriously when her daughter was diagnosed as being on the spectrum and her mother was fighting three types of cancer. Four years later, her daughter was no longer on the spectrum, and her mother became cancer free. Kailin believes in hope and miracles, after having been through several struggles and experiences herself. This is why she writes.
When not busy inhaling chocolate and drinking coffee by the gallon, Kailin makes time for writing fantasy books, blogging as an expert blogger for Fast Company, volunteering as an Emergency Responder and volunteering for battered women's shelters. For fun, she plays the electric violin, and puts together a music playlist for her radio and web shows.

Her Frost Series consisting of the Bitter Frost Series, The Wolf Fey Series, and the Fairy Rose Chronicles along with her other book series are being developed into worldwide MMORPG Games by SEE GLOBAL ENTERTAINMENT, which is the world's leading game developer known for developing the top blockbuster films into games.

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