Journey with Books

Nov 26, 2013

Blog Tour: Author Interview and $50 Giveaway: Compromising Miss Tisdale by Jessica Jefferson

Unknown November 26, 2013 5 Comments

Hi everyone! Krishna here. Welcome to Journey with Books. Today we're featuring a novel titled Compromising Miss Tisdale by the author Jessica Jefferson. We'll know more about the author because she agreed to do a short interview and we'll know more about this fabulous book. There's also a giveaway for all of you lovely people down below. Don't miss all the fun and just read on!

Author Interview:

Where do you get your best ideas?

My past. Every piece of fiction I write is rooted in something from my reality.

What do you do to relax?

Bubble bath and my kindle. Ahhhhh.

Do you write about what turns you on?

Not particularly. If I did, the hero would do the grocery shopping. Ooo – double coupon day? Tell me more, hot stuff.

If we were to come to your house for a meal, what would you give us to eat?

Do you like take-out? Actually I like to go all out and I cook. My momma taught me.

Are you a romantic?

I think so.

Do you listen to music when you're writing?

Yes. For each book I create a playlist. The last book I wrote the final 50 pages were written listening to Pink’s, Just Give Me One More Reason on repeat.

Book Blurb:

Ambrosia Tisdale is the very picture of propriety and the epitome of what a respectable young lady should be. Haunted by a memory and compelled by her family, she pursues perfection to a fault.

The Earl of Bristol, Duncan Maddox, has returned to London after years of familial imposed exile. As the second son, he has led a life filled with frivolity, leisure, and a healthy dose of debauchery. Now his older brother has died, leaving the family’s flailing legacy in Duncan’s unwilling arms.

At the behest of his uncle, Duncan is advised to do the one thing that could provide instant fortune and respectability – he must marry. But there is only one prospect who meets the unique requirements to solve all the Earl’s problems – the lovely Miss Ambrosia Tisdale. But securing the prudent daughter of a Viscount’s hand proves to be more challenging than this scandal ridden second son of an Earl has bargained for.

With scandal, extortion, treachery, and even love itself threatening to keep him from his goal, will Duncan succeed in compromising Miss Tisdale?

Book Excerpt:

He stepped forward, a twig snapping under the force of his right boot.

She startled and turned.

She had been crying. Even in the shadows he could see that her eyes were red and face blotchy from the trails of tears. For once, Miss Tisdale did not look her best, and in that imperfection he found her to be the most enticing she had ever been.

Duncan fell into her eyes, endless pools framed with wet clumps of black lashes that drew him towards her. And then her lips, already full, now swollen from her sobbing, parted slightly.

He was lost. God help him, he was no longer intoxicated by brandy alone, but rather the beauty of one woman.

Duncan reached up and cupped her face in his hands. Without any words or pretense, he simply swooped down and kissed her. It wasn't a gentle kiss, nor was it rough. It was certain and decided. He kissed her ardently, holding her face and savoring the salty taste of her tears still wet on her lips.

He waited for it to stop, for her to slap him or push him away. But then she did something totally unexpected. She grabbed his arms and kissed him back. The action left him disarmed and completely infatuated. This was the woman from the library whom he had come to remember. And her kiss was not tentative as it once was - but now firm and without trepidation.

About the Author:

Jessica Jefferson makes her home in northern Indiana, or as she likes to think of it – almost Chicago. Jessica originally attended college in hopes of achieving an English degree and writing the next great American novel. Ten years later she was working as a registered nurse and reading historical romance when she decided to give writing another go-round.

Jessica writes likes she speaks, which has a tendency to be fast paced and humorous. Jessica is heavily inspired by sweeping, historical romance novels, but aims to take those key emotional elements and inject a fresh blend of quick dialogue and comedy to transport the reader into a story they miss long after the last page is read. She invites you to visit her at jessicajefferson.com and read her random romance musings.

http://www.jessicajefferson.com/

Like me at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-Jefferson/

Follow me at https//twitter.com/authorJessicaJ

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For more chances of winning follow this blog tour here:

Nov 21, 2013

Blog Tour: Book Review and Excerpt: Enhanced by Courtney Farrell

Unknown November 21, 2013 1 Comments

Hi everyone! Krishna here. Journey with Books is featuring Courtney Farrell's new dystopian novel titled Enhanced. You'll know all about this book and my thoughts about it.

This blog tour was organized by Innovative Online Blog Tours.

Book Blurb:

Michelle was born into the Institute’s eugenics program, where doctors breed people like livestock. One powerful man decides which children grow up, and which disappear. Culls are dumped in the slum outside Institute walls, and those kids never come back. Michelle has survived every purge, and she’s about to win a luxurious life as a breeder. When her brother and her boyfriend are both mysteriously culled, despite their high scores, she goes over the wall to find them. Alone in the ghetto, she’s in trouble until handsome, streetwise Dillon stakes a claim to her. She’s mortified because the Enhanced see Norms as little more than animals. But the doctor is using the missing boys in a twisted experiment, and she needs Dillon’s help to stop him. Michelle must rescue the boys, but a plague is spreading, the doctor is after her, and Dillon isn’t thrilled to help her find her lost boyfriend.

Enhanced is a a well written Dystopian novel which makes a reader really think about social and moral issues without deviating from the teenage angst which makes the book entertaining.

Enhanced turned out to be an okay read for me. The plot was really good but I think it could have been delivered much better if it didn't jumped from scene to scene. It felt a bit rushed. There were times when I was enjoying one scene from the book but it suddenly ended without proper closure and that makes it a bit confusing. The transition and pacing of those scenes wasn't smooth at all.

The characters are interesting. Reading from their point of views was fun. Michelle is really an interesting character. She's trapped inside a world where she had to be really careful with what she says and do. I loved her strength and her courage. She's scared but shes faces her fears head on for the people she cares about. She has loyalty and that makes here quite endearing to me.

The romance part of this book is okay too but there were times when I couldn't connect to the characters' feelings. Maybe it's because of how the scenes jump from one after another that I couldn't truly connect with the feelings of romance that this book was trying to convey. The romance felt rushed and forced although it got better at the end, it could have been much better with more feelings and time.

I think one great parts of this book was the action and sci-fi. I think it was well done and well though of. It was fun and thrilling to read.

Verdict:

Overall, Enhanced by Courtney Farrell was still an enjoyable read despite its setbacks. It had a lot of potential for greatness but it fell short in a few areas but other than that the book is still entertaining and enjoyable. It's the kind of book that makes a reader think because it has a lot social and moral issues and it surprises a reader quite well because its unique plot. I recommend this book to all Dystopian and Sci-Fi fans. I think you'll appreciate the thrill, action and suspense this book offers a reader.

Book Excerpt:

The little redheads shifted uncomfortably. Finally, one looked up at the teens. "Don't tell," she pleaded. "We just come here sometimes to look for-"

"They were both here too," interrupted her sister, elbowing her. "And there's no rule-"

"Shhh!" Sylvia cut them off. "Look."

Far away, men appeared in the alley. They moved slowly, keeping to cover when they could, like predators. Rosa walked along the top of a pipe with her baby on her hip. She climbed down and looked inside it, then nervously checked the dark mouths of other pipes.

"Euuw," Michelle murmured, as Rosa crawled inside one of the dark holes. "There've got to be spiders in there. Why would anyone….”

But then they saw why. As Rosa backed out of the hole, careful not to bump her baby's head on the rim, she dragged a large black duffel bag from its hiding place. She slung the long strap over one narrow shoulder. It looked heavy. With the baby on one hip and the bag on the other, the girl used the rim of the pipe to pull herself up. She moved off slowly, away from the oncoming men.

"She doesn't see them," said one triplet.

"She's baiting a trap, just like last time," said another.

"No, she's alone. Plus she brought the baby, and she didn't last time. She wouldn't use her baby as bait."

"A trap?" asked Sylvia, sounding concerned. "For who?"

"For the tattooed men," Sara answered. "The mean ones who…"

An awkward silence fell. The little girl tried again. "They…they catch women, even little girls sometimes, and…"

"Rape," Jennie said bluntly. "That's the word for it. Rape."

"Oh my God," Michelle said, meeting Sylvia's eyes. They both automatically looked out the window. Rosa hadn't made it very far.

The little redheads looked stricken. Two of them stared down their sister. "I know, I found it in a book," Jennie said defensively. She glared like it was all her sisters’ fault. "They'll get those men, those girls will, just like last time."

"Jennie, she's alone, take a look for yourself," exclaimed Susan. "Don't be daft!"

"What?" Sylvia asked. "They got the men how?"

"They sent one girl in alone," Sara said. "But they hid all around her. She limped."

"Faking," a sister interjected. Sara nodded.

"Then when the men attacked, they shot them, from their hiding places."

"With arrows, and they threw big rocks," Jennie finished.

"There was blood everywhere and one girl…"

"Died."

There was a long pause.

"And lots of the men were hurt too, and three or four of them didn't get up when the others ran away," Sara said. “They were dead."

"Dead." Jennie echoed. "Definitely dead. Served them right.”

In the alley below, the men were coming closer. The little mother worked hard, boosting the bag over pipes and clambering after it with her baby. After a while she took to setting the boy down and tossing the bag over each pipe, then carrying him over. The men spread out and began to move faster.

"They're coming! Go! Go now!" shrieked Jennie out the window. Rosa looked up in surprise and spotted the girls at the window. The she whipped her head around and saw the men. They were far away, but closing, moving a lot faster than she could over the obstacles. Rosa dumped the bag in the mouth of the nearest pipe, grabbed her baby, and took off as fast as she could.

"Shut up, Jennie!" Sara screamed, punching her sister’s shoulder. She was hysterical and making a lot of noise herself. "The guards will hear you, they'll come, and then what? The gate, the gate, just like our-"

Susan grabbed Sara’s wrists. "Shut up, please, please!"

Michelle and Sylvia just stared, not sure what they were talking about. Outside, Rosa was about even with the window and losing ground fast. The baby slowed her down and she wouldn’t leave him. The men encircled her, cut off her escape. She looked up, searching for a way up the wall, and found none. Rosa bent down, whispered in her baby's ear, and dropped him at the entrance to a pipe. He was afraid and wouldn't go in alone. She pushed him in, but he crawled back out. His cries echoed weirdly off the tall metal wall.

The men came closer. Against thirteen of them, Rosa had no chance. She yanked a metal pole out of the rubble and brandished it, swinging it at whoever came closest. A short, powerfully built man closed in and grabbed for the pipe. She faked high, and then slammed him in the knee. Screaming, he went down. The others tightened their circle around her, blocking her escape. The baby crawled underfoot, getting in the way while his mother tried to defend him. Rosa caught one more with the pole, right in the head, but then the others swarmed her, grabbing arms and legs and throwing her down on her back. Michelle screamed, forgetting the guards, forgetting everything except the horror in the shadows.

Sylvia ran across the room and slammed her hand on a red button that Michelle hadn’t noticed before.

"What the hell," Michelle started to say, but then a computer panel slid open, lit with a yellow glow.

"Ramirez, Sylvia Eve," Sylvia screamed into the screen. A red dot appeared. Sylvia leaned in, pressing her eye to the retinal scanner.

"Condition?" The computer voice sounded utterly calm.

"Emergency! Open panel!" Sylvia cried.

"Authorized, Ramirez, Sylvia, emergency intrusion alert," the computer responded coolly. A panel slid back, exposing an array of sleek weapons on the wall. Sylvia grabbed a long rifle and thrust it into Michelle's hands, then took another for herself.

Sylvia clicked over a little red button on Michelle's rifle. "Safety's off now. It's loaded. Put the laser dot where you want the bullet, pull the trigger. It'll recoil. Make short bursts."

"Are you out of your mind?" Michelle had never even seen a real gun before, let alone used one.

Sylvia got right in Michelle's face. "Look. Outside. Now."

Buy Here:

About the Author:

Courtney Farrell was once a molecular biologist, but her habit of daydreaming destroyed far too many experiments. As it turned out, writing down the movies behind her eyes was a lot more fun than lab work. Courtney is the author of fourteen nonfiction books for young people, mostly on social and environmental topics. She lives with her family on a Colorado ranch where they support a barn full of freeloading animals, including a fat draft horse and a bunch of crazy chickens. Enhanced is her first novel.

Nov 19, 2013

Blog Tour: Author Interview and $50 GC Giveaway: Seventeen by Mark Diehl

Unknown November 19, 2013 5 Comments

Hi everyone! Krishna here. Welcome to Journey with Books. We're featuring Seventeen: Book One by Mark D. Diehl today. You'll get a little sneak peek at what's inside this book and there's also a little author interview so we'll get to know something about the author. Plus, there's a giveaway for all of you. You wouldn't want to miss all the fun so read on!

Book Blurb:

Corporations control all of the world’s diminishing resources and all of its governments, dividing the world into two types of people: those who unquestioningly obey, and those who die.

Most of the world’s seventeen billion humans are unconscious, perpetually serving their employers as part of massive brain trusts. The ecosystem has collapsed, naturally growing plants have been declared illegal, and everything from food to housing to medicines must be synthesized from secretions of genetically modified bacteria. Only corporate ambulatory workers can afford patented synthetic food, and non-corporates fight for survival in the city’s sprawling, grotesquely violent ghetto known only as the Zone.

Nineteen year-old waitress Eadie challenges the hierarchy when she assists a bedraggled alcoholic known as the Prophet, drawing massive social-control machinery into play against her. The Prophet predicts she’s the general who will lead a revolution, and a few desperate souls start listening. How can she and her followers possibly prevail when she’s being hunted by a giant corporation and the Federal Angels it directs?

Author Interview:

Do you like to dance?

I have had very little experience with dancing. The few times I have danced have been fun, though.

Can you describe your dream home?

I had girlfriends in the past who would talk about what kind of house they wanted to live in, what it’d look like, what amenities it would have. I don’t care about that stuff so much. Maybe I've been in too many places.
I've lived for periods of years in hostile and foreign environments where people avoided me when I was alone and actively harassed me when I was walking with a local woman. I've been surrounded by pathetic and condescending yuppies who took ridiculous pride in having successfully sold themselves to the highest bidder. I've slowly suffocated in communities where a culture of fear has made the people bow their heads and hide, abandoning the ability to question and reason.
The building isn't important. My dream home is a community where people respect each other as individuals.

If you could be any character, from any literary work, who would you choose to be? Why?

I would choose to be Larry Darrell from “The Razor’s Edge,” by W. Somerset Maugham.
Most people would probably perceive little similarity between Larry and me. He comes across as almost Buddha-like, completely detached from material pursuits and perpetually calm. People seem to see me as an aggressive, restless go-getter, more like Howard Roark from “The Fountainhead.”
But to me, the two literary characters have something important in common. They both care only about what’s going on in their heads. Larry is driven by his intense desire to understand, so he is able to drift from one activity to another, studying, learning, and experiencing all he can. Roark, too, is compelled to act on what his own mind dictates, but his head functions differently. Roark is cursed with the need to create, and so he struggles through life much more actively than Larry.
A compulsion to create is a need to change the world, and the world always resists being changed. Larry had it comparatively easy.

What is the first curse word that comes to mind? How often and why do you use it?

Once in high school, my girlfriend and her best friend decided they were going to fix their boyfriends’ bad habit of swearing, unbeknownst to us. There came a day when for some reason or another I uttered the word “shit.” She turned on me, instantly angry. “Shit, shit, shit! Is that your favorite word?” “No,” I said, bewildered. “’Fuck’ is my favorite word.”
I don’t use it all that often now. I don’t think I did in high school either, really. It’s still my favorite word, though.

Book Excerpt:

“I know what you did, Sett. There is a Federal Angel with me right now. He wants to talk to you. He would like to know why you helped some waitress escape after she killed Matt Ricker. Switch to visual. Now.”

He blinked hard and wiped a palm across his forehead. A sickly gray light seemed smeared along the opposite wall, having filtered through the filthy window at the end of the hallway. The floorboards creaked as he shifted his weight.

“Is it true, Sett?” his mother asked. “Why would you get yourself involved in a debacle like that? Why? When everything was going so well for you?”

He stared down at the stained plywood floor, now spotted with teardrops.

“What were you thinking? A waitress? You know better than to go getting messed up with people like that. They’ll drag you right down with them, every time. You come home right now and explain to this Angel exactly what happened; I’m sure he’ll understand. But I’m not going to lie to you. There will still be fallout. Society does not tolerate wretched, uncivilized behavior. I can’t guarantee you’ll be allowed to remain at Fisher.”

“I wasn’t thinking at all, Mother. I was just doing it, all of a sudden.” He sniffed. “She was hurt, and they started it, not her. Nobody else would help. What was I supposed to do? Just let her die?”

“Oh, Sett.” His mother sighed. “Of course you were.”

About the Author:

Mark D. Diehl writes novels about power dynamics and the way people and organizations influence each other. He believes that obedience and conformity are becoming humanity’s most important survival skills, and that we are thus evolving into a corporate species.
Diehl has: been homeless in Japan, practiced law with a major multinational firm in Chicago, studied in Singapore, fled South Korea as a fugitive, and been stranded in Hong Kong.

After spending most of his youth running around with hoods and thugs, he eventually earned his doctorate in law at the University of Iowa and did graduate work in creative writing at the University of Chicago. He currently lives and writes in Cape Elizabeth, Maine.

Author’s Website: http://www.markddiehl.com

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

For more chances of winning, follow the blog tour here:

Book Review: Cloaked in Fur by T.F. Walsh

Unknown November 19, 2013 0 Comments

Once again, it is Kayla here with another review. Today it is Cloaked in Fur by T.F. Walsh.

Enjoy!

Title: Cloaked in Fur
Author: T.F. Walsh
Release Date: August 5, 2013
Publisher: Crimson Romance
Genre: Paranormal Suspense with Strong Romance

Book Blurb:

As a moonwulf, Daciana never expected to fall in love with a human. Hell, she never imagined that she’d abandon her pack, endanger everyone around her, and break the worst rule possible. But she did.

A rogue werewolf is killing Daciana’s friends, and she sets on capturing the creature. She’ll do whatever it takes to stop the beast. The police and her boyfriend, Inspector Connell Lonescu, are starting to question her involvement in the murders, which is endangering the pack’s secret existence. But when the pack alpha kidnaps Connell, revealing the awful truth about the creature and its connection to the pack, Daciana must choose between saving the man she loves and saving her pack family from certain death.

Kayla's Thoughts:

Okay, so I have absolutely, positively, no bad things to say about Cloaked in Fur by T.F. Walsh. Nothing. Zip. Nada...You get my point.

From the very first page to the last, this book drew me in. It had me by its wolf claws, and kept a tight grip on me until I flew through the pages like nobody's business. It would not let go until I read every word.

Daciana is a girl with a secret. A secret of paranormal proportions. She is a moonwulf on the verge of her final change into a full wulfkin. However, she only longs for normalcy, humanity, and a happy life with her human boyfriend, Connell. Now, Connell knows nothing about her little secret, and Daci hopes to keep it that way. Until she can find the elixir that could change her completely human, anyway. But that might take a bit longer than expected.

It seems there have been killings around her area. Killings of people she has known, and the police seem to have only one main suspect at the present time...her. This does not bode well for her and Connell's relationship considering he works for the police and she has been disappearing mysteriously for quite a few nights with no word to Connell as to her whereabouts.

Daci knows the identity of the true killer. But she cannot reveal its identity without also revealing what she herself is.

Verdict:

This book was AWESOME! It reminded me of Moonlight (you know, the show with the vampire in it who works with the police?), mainly because of the whole paranormal creature helping out the police with a case thing. There is so much to this book. It is all meat and potatoes, and I love that. There is an excitement to this book. And, since it is also a romance, there is a perfect blend of action and romance. I love when there is a perfect blend.

I could talk about this book all day, but will basically sum the rest of my words up into one sentence. READ THIS FOR YOURSELVES! You will definitely know what I am talking about when you pick up this book and dive right in.

Find this book at:

Amazon.com / Amazon.co.uk / Barnes and Noble / iTunes / Crimson Romance Website

Author Bio:

T.F. Walsh emigrated from Romania to Australia at the age of eight and now lives in a regional city south of Sydney with her husband. Growing up hearing dark fairytales, she's always had a passion for reading and writing horror, paranormal romance, urban fantasy and young adult stories. She balances all the dark with light fluffy stuff like baking and traveling.

Links for Author:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads

Book Feature and Giveaway: Severed Colours ( A Colour Wielders Novel Book 2) by Dawna Raver

Unknown November 19, 2013 0 Comments

New release by Dawna Raver. Severed Colours, Book 2, A Colour Wielders Novel.

The epic continues…

Quinn Sinclair trusted Arik Morgaine until he betrayed her. Scared and alone, she finds herself delivered into the hands of the evil Morgana le Fay. When Quinn discovers Morgana's plans are beyond demented and seriously depraved—making life with the Changeling seem like a day at the beach—she wonders if death is a better option? Arik Morgaine vowed he'd save Quinn no matter the price. When his well thought out plans go terribly awry, a desperate and heartbroken Arik is forced to beg the cruel Triarchia for help. Unwilling to go on without his Älskling, he answers a question that irrevocably alters their lives. Can Arik and Quinn find a way back to each other, or will the price of saving her rip them apart forever?

New Adult. Recommended for 18 and above. Mature themes, sexual situations, and profanity.

Purchase at Amazon now!

In celebration of Severed Colours' release, Colour Wielders will be on sale from November 18-20 for $.99. Purchase it at Amazon now.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Nov 18, 2013

Blog Tour: Book Review and Giveaway: Only for You by Genna Rulon

Unknown November 18, 2013 0 Comments

Hi everyone! Krishna here! Welcome to Journey with Books! We're featuring Ms. Genna Rulon's Only for You. If you want to know more about this intriguing New Adult romance, just read on. Aside from my review of this book, there's a giveaway for all of you down below.

Title: Only for You (For You #1)

Author: Genna Rulon

Genre: New Adult

Publication Date: September 24, 2013

Event organized by: Literati Author Services, Inc.

Book Blurb:

“In its purest form love is self-sacrificing, eternal, selfless, enduring, truthful, forgiving and indulgent. It also feels an awful lot like a kick to the stomach when you try to fight it!“

All Everleigh Carsen wanted to do was complete her final semester at Hensley University and begin the life she carefully planned.

When a wave of violent crime seizes campus, Everleigh is persuaded to attend a school sponsored self-defense seminar by her best friend, where she meets volunteer instructor, Hunter Charles. After Everleigh’s biting sarcasm induces Hunter to eject her from class, a tempestuous relationship is born.

Everleigh is determined to forget the striking man, but fate–that fickle shrew–continuously intervenes. Unable to escape him, she declares Hunter an enemy combatant. The only complication… Hunter is resolutely pursuing vindication…by any means necessary. Verbal warfare ensues, and despite Everleigh’s ingenious efforts, in Hunter, she has finally found her equal.

Only For You is a compelling tale of friendship, desire, and redemption--brimming with intelligent characters, witty dialogue, unexpected twists, profound sorrow, unfettered hope, and love’s unassailable perseverance.

Note: Although this is series, each novel can be read as a stand alone.

Only for You is the first work of Genna Rulon I've read and I must say that I absolutely loved it. It's a novel that is full of romance, friendship, and fun without sacrificing it's depth.

Everyone at Hensley University was scared because there were several attacks that plague the girls of their university. They were scared that they could be next. So, Sam and Everleigh decided to enroll in a self defense class.

And in there they met the mysterious Hunter, their martial arts instructor. But because of Everleigh's untimely sarcastic humor, she was scolded and sent out publicly. She was embarrassed and she absolutely hated Hunter.

Unfortunately, it seems Everleigh and Hunter are destined to deal with each other because he's enrolled as a student in some of her classes.

Everleigh Carsen is a delightful character. She's full of wit and she doesn't let the bad things in life beat her. Hunter is mysterious and intriguing but also funny and sweet. He's also the alpha male but within reasons and I liked that about him. He's protective and just adorable.

The romance and the feels that this book evokes are so good. I really loved Ev and Hunter's journey from being nemesis to being friends to being the best of friends to falling in love. I loved the process. And their interactions are absolutely hilarious and fun and sexy. It's the type of romance that wouldn't bore you out nor would make your cringe with its cheesiness. Nope. This is the type of romance a reader would enjoy and have fun reading.

I also loved Sam and Ev's friendship. I admire their love and dedication for each other. Their sisterhood is one of the best parts of this book.

The suspense part of the books is nice too. I'm glad that it was just in the right range. It doesn't over power the book. It was there but it doesn't overthrow the other nice side plots which is good.

Verdict:

Only for You is definitely in my good reads list this year. I can absolutely recommend this book to any reader who are into fun romance reads that has depth in the plot. It wasn't all fluff, this book maybe full of fun, wit and romance but it also has enough angst to keep you on your toes. After reading this book, Ms. Genna Rulon may have just entered my fave authors list. I will definitely watch out for this author because she could be a household name when it comes to writing romance in the future.

About the Author:

Genna Rulon is an up and coming contemporary romance author.

During her 15 years in the corporate world, Genna, inspired by her love of reading, fantasized about penning her own stories. Encouraged by her favorite authors, many of whom are indie writers and self-published, she committed to pursuing her aspirations of writing her own novels.

Genna was raised in Long Island, New York, where she still resides, surrounded by the most amazing family and friends. Married to a wonderful man, who patiently tolerates her ramblings about whichever book she is currently working on, even feigning interest relatively convincingly! Genna is blessed with two little boys who do their best to thwart mommy’s writing time with their hilarious antics and charming extrapolations.

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Nov 16, 2013

Book Review: Skipping Stones by J.B. McGee

Unknown November 16, 2013 0 Comments

Newest reviewer Kayla at Journey With Books here, and today I will be reviewing Skipping Stones by J.B. McGee. It is a stand alone novel by the wonderful author of the THIS series.

Title: Skipping Stones
Author: J.B. McGee
Release Date: September 15, 2013
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Genre: Christian Fiction

Book Blurb:

They say there are five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance.

Not everyone will grieve in this order, nor will everyone go through every stage. It’s during the stage of denial when Alex Hart meets Andrew Foster. He takes her one-step closer to acceptance: the stage when new, meaningful relationships are formed. The stage when the realization occurs that this is now the new state of normal.

Just when Alex thinks she is on her way to healing, she enters the bargaining phase. That’s the phase where you wonder what you could have done differently. You wonder “what if?” Specifically, what if the ones you loved hadn't left you?

Leaving…this is what makes heading off to war so difficult and frightening for Alex. She knows all too well what it’s like to be the one on the losing end of life, which is why she’s made it her personal mission in life to save as many lives as possible. The extreme high she gets from treating trauma victims turns into Alex’s own form of therapy, or so she thinks.

Kayla's Thoughts:

Wow. Just wow. You know, when I first read the blurb to J.B. McGee’s book,Skipping Stones, I honestly had no idea what I was in for. I knew there would be a bit of romance, but there is also a dash of heartbreak and uncertainty mixed in with a heaping spoonful of hope. Hope that life gets better. That the hurt we experience throughout our journey will ultimately be worth it when all the good finally decides to come rushing in…

Alex Hart is just your normal, average fifteen-year-old girl with a family who loves her unconditionally. But when a trip to her grandparents’ house turns into a life-changing tragedy, she no longer sees the comfort and familiarity of the things around her. Everything is turned upside-down, and she does not know which way to turn.

Drew Foster seems to appear out of thin air in Alex’s eyes when she goes for a walk to try and escape her pain and sadness. At first, she just wants him to go away, but his genuine concern for her and his promise to teach her to skip stones overrides this initial feeling of hers, and she gradually allows herself to open up to him. They become almost inseparable, and their love seems so strong. However, this is not to last, because Drew seems to disappear just as quickly as he manifested.

Why did he go? Where did he go? Were all his feelings for her true, or was he just playing her? These are all questions that Alex must face in the years to come. But as she tries to answer them herself, and tries in her mind to forget Drew, her heart still longs for him, aching for his very presence once again.

This book went from the present, where we first meet Alex at about age thirty reminiscing as she heads back home, to the past, where we see a bit of her first encounter with the love she had and lost at fifteen, back to the present, where we see how she copes with trying to forget him and get on with her life, which gets very hard when at one point she believes he has come back to her and no one else seems to believe her.

I am reminded of true love with this book. The idea that two souls can be apart for so long, but yet still long for each other is beautifully brought to life throughout the pages of this work. Honestly, I don’t have a tendency to cry with books, but this one almost did it. That is a pretty big deal.

Verdict:

This book was phenomenal and completely from the heart. It was endearing, heartbreaking, and lovely all rolled into one. I will definitely be looking up J.B. McGee’s other works.
Recommended for anyone who loves the idea of being given a second chance with the one you thought lost forever.

Buy this book at:

Amazon.com / Amazon.co.uk / Amazon.ca / Barnes and Noble / Smashwords

Author Bio:

J.B. McGee was born and raised in Aiken, South Carolina. After graduating from South Aiken High School, she toured Europe as a member of the 1999 International Bands of America Tour, playing the clarinet. While attending Converse College, an all girls school in Spartanburg, South Carolina, she visited Charleston often. It quickly became one of her favorite vacation spots. She met her husband, Chad, during Christmas break her freshman year, and they married in 2001. They moved back to her hometown. In 2005, the couple welcomed their first son, Noah. J.B. finished her Bachelor of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education at the University of South Carolina-Aiken in 2006. During her time studying children's literature, a professor had encouraged her to become a writer.

In 2007, she welcomed their second child, Jonah, and she became a stay at home mom/entrepreneur. In 2009, they found out their two children and J.B. have Mitochondrial Disease. In 2011, a diagnosis also was given to Chad. Please take a moment and learn more about Mitochondrial Disease. Awareness is key to this disease that has no cure or treatments.

J.B. McGee and her family now reside in Buford, Georgia, to be closer to their children's medical team. After a passion for reading had been re-ignited, J.B. decided to finally give writing a shot. She is an Amazon Top 100 bestselling author of her debut series, the 'This' Series.

Links for Author:

Book Blast and $100 Giveaway: Gateway by Christina Garner

Unknown November 16, 2013 0 Comments

Hi everyone! Welcome to Journey with Books. We're featuring Gateway by Ms. Christina Garner today. It's the first book of a trilogy. Get to know more about this book and get a chance to win a $100 Amazon GC or Paypal Cash down below. Don't miss it!

Have Fun and Happy Reading!

Gateway by Christina Garner

Everybody has their demons. Some are just a little more real than others...

Ember has always known she doesn't belong in this world, but when she tries to correct the mistake, she wakes to find herself in a mental institution. There she draws the attention of Taren, a mysterious boy who isn't what he seems. When chaos erupts, they are forced to flee the institution together, and the secret Taren has been keeping, brings Ember closer to understanding her own. And leads her to... the Gateway.

Praise

"I loved, loved, loved, Gateway. It kept me up all night, it kept me guessing throughout and stayed on my mind afterward. And that my friends, is pretty much my definition of a great book." ~thatbookishgirl.blogspot.com "I enjoyed everything about this novel--the strong writing, the believable characters, the captivating plot and the subtle but sweet romance." ~irresistiblereads.blogspot.com "I give this book 5 stars out of 5, for the sole reason that I can't give it more." ~TheWolfsLibrary.blogspot.com

About the Author:

Christina Garner began writing stories at the age of six, with some help from her older sister. At eighteen, her aspirations as an actor had her loading up her Buick and setting off for Hollywood. Since then, she has written and directed 10 short films, including Rewind and Reminder, both of which received acclaim on the festival circuit. In 2006, she began writing screenplays. A year later, she even got paid for one. In May of 2011, her debut novel, Gateway, became an Amazon Bestseller. A year later, Chasm, Book 2 in The Gateway Trilogy, did the same. Christina lives in Los Angeles, and when she's not writing, spends her time traveling the world, watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer reruns, and playing with her dog, Griffin.

Giveaway:

Book Blast Giveaway

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 12/5/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the authors.

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Nov 15, 2013

Blog Tour: Book Review and $50 Giveaway: Ink My Heart (Luminescent Juliet, Book Two) by Jean Haus

Unknown November 15, 2013 4 Comments

Hi everyone! Krishna here. Welcome to Ink My Heart by Jean Haus Blog Tour Stop here at Journey with Books. In this stop you'll see my thoughts about this delightful read. There's also a fantastic $50 giveaway you guys wouldn't want to miss down below.

This lovely tour was organized by ATOMR Blog Tours.

Title: Ink My Heart (Luminescent Juliet, #2)
Author: Jean Haus
Release Date: November 12, 2013
Publisher: Skyscape
Age Group: New Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Blurb:

Even if he weren't the lead singer of the popular college band, Luminescent Juliet, Justin Noel would have his pick of women. And he does pick. Nightly. Tattooed, blonde, and green eyed, he flashes his dimples and females swoon.

Except for one.

Tattoo artist, Allie Landon, rarely dates, and especially not men like Justin. Though he’s hot enough to melt off permanent ink, she’s done with the bad boy type. But when the ex who broke her heart wants to reunite, desperation has Allie introducing her latest client as her boyfriend. Justin’s more than happy to play the part. He’s completely intrigued by the sexy artist and college student.

However, Allie’s life isn't what it seems. There’s little room in it or her shattered and confused heart for Justin. But as Justin remains persistent, ignoring the growing attraction—both physical and emotionally—between them becomes more difficult than tattoo removal.

New Adult. Recommended for mature readers due to language, drug references, and sexual situations

Ink My Heart is the second book of Luminescent Juliet Series. Although, it could be read as a stand alone novel. This is actually the first work of Jean Haus that I've read. It's a cute and sometimes edgy romance that I'm sure romance readers will enjoy reading.

Let's start with the plot. Justin Noel is the typical hot lead singer of a popular College band. He's got issues with his parents who always ignores him and he deals with it by sleeping with a lot of women. Justin Noel loves all kinds of women and he's known to be a guy who really gets around.

And then he met the tattoo artist, Allie Landon. She's kind of an enigma to Justin. She intrigued him. Her mysteriousness call on to him. The sadness in her eyes makes him want to protect her. At first, it was all about the challenge or the chase but the more he gets to know her, the more he falls for her. The problem is, will Allie let herself fall for him or will she only break his heart.

I loved reading this book. The flow was easy and smooth. It didn't drag and I liked it. I also liked the characters. At first, you'd think Justin as a shallow person because his problem was his parents' lack of attention to him but the more I get to know Justin, the more I liked him. He's the kind of character you would admire. His tenacity in pursuing Allie is adorable. The way he fell in love with her is very and the way he fought to stay with her is very romantic.

Allie is somewhat frustrating because of the way she treated Justin but even though she was a bit frustrating I understood her. She was full of doubts because of her past. It wasn't easy for her to let another person in and trust him with her heart because the last one she let pass through her walls, broke her to pieces. And then there's the fact that she has a lot of responsibilities. She couldn't let Justin derail her from focusing on her responsibilities.

The one thing I appreciated most from this book is how the author handled the romance. It wasn't sudden. There were no instalove which I really liked. Instaloves are quite frustrating and I'm glad this book wasn't one of those books who had those unbelievable, unrealistic and annoying love at first sight themes. I was really happy to say that Allie and Justin's romance was a process. It's true that they found each other intriguing the first time they met but they didn't love each other instantly. Once you've read the book, you'd know what I'm talking about.

The chemistry between Allie and Justin was very good. It was heart meltingly good.

Verdict:

Overall, I recommend Ink My Heart by Jean Haus to anyone who love reading a cute and edgy romance that has a lot of heart. This book was a very delightful read. It was the kind of book that will leave with a sweet smile and a light and happy heart at the end of it. If you want these on your next read, pick up this book because I know you won't regret it.

About the Author:

Jean Haus writes young adult and romance novels. She reads a lot too. Anything with a bit of romance has the possibility of being loaded on her Kindle. She even does a bit of cooking, which is actually quite good. She also golfs in the beautiful summers of Michigan with her awesome husband and son, but she cooks way, way better than she golfs.

Author Social Media Links:

Website: http://jeanhaus.com

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/JeanHaus

Twitter: http://twitter.com/jeanhaus

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Jean-Haus/

Giveaway:

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Nov 14, 2013

Book Blast and Giveaway: Unstoppable by S.R. Johannes

Unknown November 14, 2013 0 Comments

Unstoppable by S.R. Johannes

After everything that has happened, Grace goes to the Everglades to live with her grandmother, Birdee. Even though she is now home-schooled by her bird-obsessed grandmother, the move gives Grace time to relax. She learns to scuba dive and starts boating with old man Rex, Birdee's casual friend/boyfriend.

One day while out in the marshes of the Everglades, Grace rescues an abused Florida panther, currently on the endangered list. The more she dives into the animal’s horrific condition, the more she ventures into the underground world of the roadside zoos that run rampant in Florida with a total disregard for the law. Eventually, she stumbles upon one large roadside zoo filled with a variety of endangered and illegal animals.

Before she can gather evidence and report her findings to the authorities, she is kidnapped by the ruthless owner and dragged deep into the Everglades for a hunting challenge. Only this time, Grace is the prey.

During a sick game of cat and mouse, Grace is offered one chance at survival. With a one-hour head start and very little supplies, time and skill are now all that stands between the hunter and the hunted.

About the Author:

Author S.R. Johannes S.R. Johannes is the award-winning author of the Amazon bestselling thriller series, The Nature of Grace. Johannes is currently repped by Lara Perkins at ABLA. For foreign rights on the Nature of Grace series, contact Jennifer Custer at AM Heath (London).

S.R. Johannes is the YA advisor of ALLi and a winner of the 2012 IndieReader Discovery Awards (Young Adult category) as well as a Silver medalist (2nd place) in the IPPY awards for YA Fiction. She was also nominated for 2012 Georgia Author of the Year (Young Adult category), a Finalist in The Kindle Book Review’s Best Young Adult of 2012, and a YA Finalist in the US Book News Best Book of 2012.

After earning an MBA and working in corporate America doing marketing for over 15 years, S.R. Johannes traded in her expensive suits, high heels, and corporate lingo for a family, flip-flops, and her love of writing. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her dog, English-accented husband, and the huge imaginations of their little prince and princess, which she hopes- someday- will change the world.

Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 12/5/13

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@ladykrishna

Nov 26, 2013

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