31 January 2012

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly meme hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Here's what you do...

-Grab your current read
-Open to a random page
-Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page.
-BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
-Share the title & author, too, so that other Teaser Tuesday participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teasers!


Title: Devotion (Soul Savers, #3)
Author: Kristie Cook
Publisher: Ang'dora Productions, 374 Pages (February 10th, 2012)
Order Online: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Signed Copies
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: With powerful abilities gained from the Ang’dora and Tristan back by her side, Alexis thinks she’s ready for the next challenge— protecting her son from what appears to be the inevitable. But she has so much to learn about her powers, her new world and the people in it. Nothing is what it seems to be on the surface, including the Amadis.

Power-hungry politicians comprise the council and make impossible demands. A traitor lurks among them all, inciting trouble that could destroy the Amadis and, ultimately, humanity. The Daemoni wreak havoc in the human world, with the ultimatum that they’ll continue attacking innocents until Alexis and Tristan are expelled from the Amadis’ protection. The couple’s own society begins to shut them out. But that’s not all.

Someone’s keeping a secret. A big one. Faith and hope in Alexis and Tristan will be restored if she can uncover the truth in time.

But the search for answers leads only to the discovery of more betrayals by those closest to Alexis. Her devotion is put to the test—devotion to her husband, to her family, to her people and to her beliefs—leaving her to question whom she’s fighting for and why she should even bother. But if she won’t fight . . . who will?


Teaser:

     "What did you do to her?" I demanded, all sorts of ideas going through my mind.
     "She was very helpful - I really don't think you have anything to worry about," Owen said without answering me. "She said her daughter's available to babysit that cute little boy of yours, though."
     "What did you do?" I asked again.
     "She needed to forget some things about us,"Tristan said flatly.
     I opened my mouth to ask what that meant, although I already knew deep down - knew it meant that Owen messed with her memories and also knew it was probably safest for all of us, including her. But the doorbell silenced me. We all stiffened.
     "Amadis," Tristan and Owen said at the same time.

(Not sure the page, the copy I have is an early eARC)

*I am not compensated at all for any of the links within this post.

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27 January 2012

Review: In Too Deep By: Amanda Grace/Mandy Hubbard

Title: In Too Deep
Author: Amanda Grace/Mandy Hubbard
Publisher: Flux, 228 Pages (February 8th, 2012)
From: the Publisher, Thank You!
Format: ARC - Paperback

Synopsis: I never meant for anyone to get hurt. All I wanted to do that night was make a play for Carter Davis. His heartless rejection was mortifying, but people got the wrong idea when they saw me leaving his bedroom, crying. That’s how rumors of rape started.

Now girls at school are pouring out their sympathy to me. Guys too. But not everyone’s on my side. The school has become a war zone and the threats are getting scary. What began as poetic justice has morphed into something bigger-forcing me to make a terrible choice.



Review: 4.5 Stars - In Too Deep By Amanda Grace/Mandy Hubbard is an emotionally driven novel about lies and truths and how the choices you choose to make can forever change your life, who you are and the people around you.

Sam wants nothing more than to finally figure out if her best friend Nick has feelings for her that are above and beyond just friends. Aww, teen love, *sigh* So, she chooses a way - and a dumb way at that –to try to make Nick jealous and find out once and for all if there’s something more between them. And that’s when things go horribly wrong. Assumptions are made, a rumor spreads like wide fire and it all spirals out of control. Before Sam can see what has happened it’s all too late.

Sam and Nick are amazing characters. While Sam makes some disastrously horrific choices, you can’t help but feel for her. It’s the inner dialogue she has with herself that shows just how scared, confused and young she is. It’s not often that I find a character that’s done something horrible that I’m able to feel for her and actually like her, but I do. It was painful for me to read parts of this, as Sam fought to figure out a way through and to the other side. Yet sometimes I couldn’t do more than shake my head at the teen and her choices. I mean, tell the truth! The longer you wait, the worse it’ll all be… for not only YOU but EVERYONE! Frustrating!

Her father… I didn’t really care for. He’s cold and in his own ways lost. There’s a part of this story about the relationship between father and daughter that does explain a lot when it comes to the struggles Sam has.
Nick, he’s a fantastically written male character. He has a strong voice and I love how honest he was.

There’s a lot to Nick, he’s funny and sweet, cute and smart, and he’s one of those teen boys from a book that I wish there were more of when I was in school. Man, the world needs more “Nicks”. Both Sam and Nick felt amazingly real, which is always an aspect of a novel that I’m drawn to. Grace/Hubbards writing is, in a word, outstanding. I mean, when an author has written something that is vivid and real, it’s hard not to see it as anything but.

That ending, I didn’t see coming, but that’s another honest part of what happens when you choose the wrong path. I might have tried to keep turning the pages, thinking there was more to it and I must be missing something. I mean, seriously? That’s how it’s ending? Talk about frustrating! But… and there’s always a but isn’t there? If you’re going to tell an honest story about lies and how they affect not just the liar, but everyone, then the ending needed to be honest as well. I commend Grace/Hubbard on that. I don’t like it, but I’ll give her the props she rightly deserves.

All in all, while the book takes an honest look at the damaging side of lies and the choices people make, I couldn’t help but find myself attached to the characters. It has a bit of everything in this story, romance, angst, family issues, and some pretty harsh realities. Yet, at the end of it all, there was some much needed strength and growth. I hope others will enjoy In Too Deep as much as I did.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

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A few weeks ago, I was lucky enough to pick a product for review from a company I've worked with in the past. So, I selected a Bocce Ball Set that the whole family could enjoy. I've only played the game a couple of times, but have always had fun, so I figured it would be perfect! It shipped and arrived quickly. The shipping packaging was fitting for the set as it is 20 pounds, which was somewhat shocking when I picked it up off the doorstep.

The Park & Sun Bocce Ball Tournament Set itself is packaged together in a bag for easy storage and carrying to friends and families houses or even camping. We have taken it a few places to play and after numerous games the set still looks almost brand new! Since we love playing boardgames and games outside with family and friends, I was correct in guessing that this would be fun time and time again. I do know that some people have had trouble with chipping or nicks in the set after some play, but this one has been brilliant! We've all had a great time with it and I know we'll have even more fun come summer. Without a doubt I made a great selection and with this wacky summer like winter we're having here in Southern California, we'll be playing even more.




Some Features:

100mm Ground balls
Polyresin material
Pallino and pallino distance marker included
Side wall reinforced carrying bag with handles





If you'd like to order your own set, >>>CLICK HERE<<< for more info!

Thank you to Wayfair.com for providing this set for review.


FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.


*I am not compensated at all for any of the links within this post.

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25 January 2012

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.


Title: Waiting
Author: Carol Lynch Williams
Publisher: Paula Wiseman Books, 288 Pages (May 1st, 2011)
Preorder here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: After her brother’s death, a teen struggles to rediscover love and find redemption in this gripping novel.Growing up in Africa and Latin America as the children of missionaries, London and Zach were as close as could be. And then Zach dies, and the family is gutted. London’s father is distant. Her mother won’t speak. The days are filled with what-ifs and whispers: Did Zach take his own life? Was it London’s fault?


Alone and adrift, London finds herself torn between her brother’s best friend and the handsome new boy in town as she struggles to find herself—and ultimately redemption—in this authentic and affecting novel from award-winning novelist Carol Lynch Williams.


Title: Timepiece (Hourglass, #2)
Author: Myra McEntire
Publisher: Egmont, 336 Pages (June 12th, 2012)
Preorder here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: A threat from the past could destroy the future. And the clock is ticking...

Kaleb Ballard's relentless flirting is interrupted when Jack Landers, the man who tried to murder his father, timeslips in and attacks before disappearing just as quickly. But Kaleb has never before been able to see time travelers, unlike many of his friends associated with the mysterious Hourglass organization. Are Kaleb's powers expanding, or is something very wrong?

Then the Hourglass is issued an ultimatum. Either they find Jack and the research he's stolen on the time gene, or time will be altered with devastating results.

Now Kaleb, Emerson, Michael, and the other Hourglass recruits have no choice but to use their unusual powers to find Jack. But where do they even start? And when? And even if they succeed, it may not be enough...


Title: Until I Die (Revenants, #2)
Author: Amy Plum
Publisher: HarperCollins, 320 Pages (May 8th, 2012)
Preorder here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Kate and Vincent have overcome the odds and at last they are together in Paris, the city of lights and love.

As their romance deepens there’s one question they can’t ignore: How are they supposed to be together if Vincent can’t resist sacrificing himself to save others? Although Vincent promises that he’ll do whatever it takes to lead a normal life with Kate, will that mean letting innocent people die? When a new and surprising enemy reveals itself, Kate realizes that even more may be at stake—and that Vincent’s immortality is in jeopardy. 

Another 3 books that I can't wait for. 2012 has SO MANY AMAZING books coming out, I almost don't know where to start! I always try to put some very different books together when I have more than one I'd like to highlight for my WoWs and this week I've done just that! First off there's Waiting. This one looks emotional with a bit of a mystery attached. I can't wait to check this one out! Next we have Timepiece. I LOVED Hourglass. It was one of the best books I've read and when I heard there was a sequel I just about jumped for joy! And lastly, we have Until I Die. I have and still have to read Die For Me and I can't wait to check it out. Both covers are amazing and I've heard nothing but amazing things about the first book. What do you guys think of the books I've shared this week?


ETA: When this WoW was first put together and posted, the wrong synopsis was included for Waiting. Thanks to the author, Carol for bringing this to my attention. Sorry for the confusion! It's been updated and changed to the correct synopsis. Sorry Carol, sorry guys!

*covers are always subject to change.
*I am not compensated at all for any of the links within this post.

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22 January 2012

Title: Asulym (Casual Enchantment, #2)
Author: K.A. Tucker
Publisher: Papoti Books, (December 12th, 2011)
Check out my review: >>>HERE<<< 

Synopsis: Tucked away in Sofie's wintery asylum with no hope of release for years, Evangeline must come to terms with her situation: the curse still plagues her, she's now hunted by a two thousand-year-old vampire, and the guy she's in love with tried to kill her.
 

Plus, she's locked up with a cranky Max and the Forero kids—two people everyone seems to prefer dead over alive. Things aren't looking good.

Meanwhile, back in Manhattan, Sofie struggles to keep forty trapped and bloodthirsty Ratheus vampires at bay and a desperate Viggo from killing Evangeline's friends, all while hints stir outside the walls of the NYC vampire asylum of a war brewing between the Sentinel and the witches.

Is there any hope for Evangeline and Caden? Can Sofie control the rival powers? Is the fate of Earth predestined?
 

Hello and thank you for visiting me at A Life Bound by Books today, as part of my Asylum tour!
Today, Lisa and I are going to tell you who our pick would be for Julian Forero, if the Causal Enchantment series was ever to be made into a movie!

Recall, Julian is the dark-haired, dark-eyed serious son in the ‘Colombian beard family’ - we leave Anathema with the impression of a spoiled, mean tyrant-in-the-making. Things change a little bit in Asylum… but you’ll need to read it to get any more info than that.

For the role of Julian Forero, we narrowed it down to four actors:








#1 -  Jay Hernandez

This guy has all of the physical characteristics of Julian and he looks like he could play a pompous a$$ really well.









#2 - Diego Boneta

Diego has a bit of a different look from #1. Definitely a pretty boy and Latin, with a very serious stare.





#3 - Blair Redford

While both of my pick have longer hair than I pictured Julian having, as I said to Kathleen, that can be cut. I can totally see Blair being able to pull off and play the jerk that Julian is.







#4 - Tyler Blackburn

 And then we have Tyler. To me, he'd be a great fit as Julian. I can totally picture him playing the part....... sorry, was day dreaming there for a minute.









So who did Lisa and I decide on?


Drum roll…


BLAIR REDFORD!!

What do you think about this pick? Can you see Blair as Julian?  If you don’t know who we’re talking about, go grab an ecopy of Anathema for FREE today. The sequel, Asylum, is only $2.99.


Order BOTH books online here:

Find K.A. Tucker Online:



Thanks for stopping by and thanks to Lisa for hosting me today!


K.A.Tucker

It's been such a FUN post, and I can't say thank you enough for asking me to be part of the tour for Asylum! Loved working with you too Kathleen! You're more than welcome here anytime.


As part of the tour Kathleen has been running a giveaway and during my stop, I'm announcing the winner for a Print Copy of Asylum! The winner was chosen via random by Kathleen and will be contacted by her for shipping. CONGRATS!


And the winner is......... Barbara McGowen!


 *I am not compensated at all for any of the links within this post.

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21 January 2012

Title: Asylum (Casual Enchantment, #2)
Author: K.A. Tucker
Publisher: Papoti Books, (December 12th, 2011)
From: the Author, Thank You!
Format: eBook

Synopsis: Tucked away in Sofie's wintery asylum with no hope of release for years, Evangeline must come to terms with her situation: the curse still plagues her, she's now hunted by a two thousand-year-old vampire, and the guy she's in love with tried to kill her. Plus, she's locked up with a cranky Max and the Forero kids—two people everyone seems to prefer dead over alive. Things aren't looking good.

Meanwhile, back in Manhattan, Sofie struggles to keep forty trapped and bloodthirsty Ratheus vampires at bay and a desperate Viggo from killing Evangeline's friends, all while hints stir outside the walls of the NYC vampire asylum of a war brewing between the Sentinel and the witches.

Is there any hope for Evangeline and Caden? Can Sofie control the rival powers? Is the fate of
Earth predestined?


Review: 4 Stars - Asylum, the second installment in the Casual Enchantment series by K.A. Tucker dives right into the action where we last left the characters at the end of Anathema. It’s a thrilling fast paced story that goes by in the blink of an eye. One minute you’re with Evangeline in the cabin, safely within a vast snowy winter wonderland and the next you’re locked with Sophie and a group of psychotic Vampires who are trying to find their way out of their prison to tear through the city in search for human blood. See, I told you… fast paced!

While Anathema was such a different story from most tales about Vampires, it was a great fresh new take on the much written about villain. In Asylum we get a chance to see a different side of her Vampires, which again was a nice change to the many other blood thirsty characters. Getting a chance to get to know Sophie better, being that half of this story was written from her point of view was a pleasure. She’s smarter than even I had given her credit for in the first book. I guess you have to be when you’re a witch AND a vampire and responsible for some pretty horrible things throughout the years.

And Evangeline has grown too. She’s had to learn a lot in a short period of time and I don’t see her as the gullible girl she once was. She’s stronger now and doesn’t always think things through, but you can see how she’s grown and that makes her a fascinating character to read. When a character has that growth and you’re able to see it over the course of the book is always a HUGE plus.

And then there’s Caden. I missed him in this one. If you’ve read the first book, you’ll know what a large part of the story had become about him. I was worried right with Evangeline what might happen when he made it to Manhattan and with good reason. The trials he was looking to face in this book were huge and scary, even for me as a reader. I felt I had as much to lose as he did! Tucker, I think I might have bit off a few nails while reading some of these scenes!!

Many times a second book can stall a bit, building a bridge from one to another, and I don’t think Asylum stalled AT ALL! As a matter of fact, I think I liked Asylum better than Anathema. It’s filled with action, a dual point of view novel, which I’m a huge fan of and character growth made this a thrilling story to read. I had a chance to get to know some new and old characters and to see other characters in a different light.

All in all, I have to say that with Asylum, my over all enjoyment for these books has grown. I found new things to love about the characters and found a renewed excitement to continue on to the next book. It was a pleasure to read more from Tucker and I will be waiting on pins and needles to see what happens to her characters and thanks to Sophie, what kind of trouble might find our group next.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

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19 January 2012

Read-For-Free: Liesl and Po By: Lauren Oliver

Title: Liesl and Po
Author: Lauren Oliver
Publisher: HarperCollins, 307 Pages (October 7th, 2011)

Synopsis: Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice—until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone.

That same night, an alchemist's apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable.

Will's mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey. 

Harper is sharing the Love!
How would you like a chance to  
READ LIESL and PO FOR FREE
UNTIL JANUARY 31st, 2012!!
>>>CLICK HERE<<<



Find Lauren Online: 


Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook







Book Trailer: 

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12 January 2012

Review: Ashes (Ashes, #1) By: Ilsa J. Bick

Title: Ashes (Ashes Trilogy, #1)
Author: Ilsa J. Bick
Publisher: Egmont, 480 Pages (September 6th, 2011)
From: the Publisher & Amazon Vine Program, Thank You!

Synopsis: It could happen tomorrow . . .

An electromagnetic pulse flashes across the sky, destroying every electronic device, wiping out every computerized system, and killing billions.

Alex hiked into the woods to say good-bye to her dead parents and her personal demons. Now desperate to find out what happened after the pulse crushes her to the ground, Alex meets up with Tom—a young soldier—and Ellie, a girl whose grandfather was killed by the EMP.

For this improvised family and the others who are spared, it’s now a question of who can be trusted and who is no longer human.

Author Ilsa J. Bick crafts a terrifying and thrilling novel about a world that could be ours at any moment, where those left standing must learn what it means not just to survive, but to live amidst the devastation.


Review: 4.5 Stars - Ashes, the first book in the trilogy By: Ilsa J. Bick is a chilling story that’ll keep you on the edge of your seat. Stunning, bleak, thrilling, fantastic and strength quickly come to mind when I think of Ashes.

Set in current day, Bick sets the scene and begins to tell the background of our female lead character – Alex. She’s on a journey to say a much needed good-bye before time runs out. Alex is strong from the word go. She knows how to survive in the wilderness and is one smart girl. I was impressed with her knowledge of the outdoors and felt that Bick choose and envisioned the perfect character to be the voice of her story.

With a world that changes in the blink of an eye it’s up to Alex and her young companion Elllie to find a way to survive in the wilderness and the quickly changing world. With not many supplies and the weather changing the two must work together and think fast to try to figure out what’s happened to her part of the world… or is it more than just the world around her?

When trouble finds Alex and Ellie, Tom comes to their rescue. He’s scarred in a much different way than Alex is, but both can see and feel the others pain. They know what the other is going through without truly knowing the facts of their pasts. The two together know that they must come together to get through whatever they are facing in the new dangerous and scary world, yet at the same time they each understand that it’ll be harder than even they believe to survive.

Bick’s writing made this book very visual for me. It has its fair share of disturbing scenes and even more disturbing are the hints of what might be in the minds of others. In Rule for instance, a town that takes in survivors… well, they pick and choose who they are going to take in based on what they might be able to offer the community. The town alone was horrible. When children, more so girls, are few and far between, it’s easy to come up with some horrible and nasty ideas to what some people might want them for.

With many ups and downs and twists and turns, I felt for Alex and the decisions she had to make. I had no idea what Bick or her characters might be forced to face next. To say this is a wonderful story might not sound right with how bleak things look for our characters, but it truly was a book I will never forget.

Post Apocalyptic/Dystopian novels, when written as well as this are ones that shouldn’t be passed by. The thought of a world such as this has stuck in my memory and has left its mark. Fans of the YA and post apocalyptic/dystopian genre’s should pick up this title for the writing and the strength of a memorable female lead. It’ll stick with you, as it’s stuck with me. However, just be prepared for a cliffhanger that’ll make you reread it and flip the pages back and forth thinking your book is missing a page or two. I seriously blinked in surprise and shock over where we were left, so Bick, if you’re reading this… hurry with book two please and Thank You. Enjoy!

ETA: Ria left a great comment below and I do partially agree with her take on this title being Post Apocalyptic, so I've changed up my review just a tad to reflect this. While I do still believe it has a bit of a Dystopian feel to it, (in my opinion) I've left that as well. I can see it being both actually and I thank her for her input.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

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11 January 2012

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.


Title: Life is But a Dream
Author: Brian James
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends, 234 Pages (March 27th, 2012)
Preorder here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: Alec and Sabrina are crazy in love. Problem is: Sabrina’s really crazy.

Sabrina, an artist, is diagnosed with schizophrenia, and her parents check her into the Wellness Center. There she meets Alec, who is convinced it's the world that's crazy, not the two of them. They are meant to be together; they are special. But when Alec starts to convince Sabrina that her treatment will wipe out everything that makes her creative, she worries that she'll lose hold of her dreams and herself. Should she listen to her doctor? Her decision may have fatal consequences.




Title: Breaking Beautiful
Author: Jennifer Shaw Wolf
Publisher: Walker & Company, 368 Pages (April 24th, 2011)
Preorder here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository


Synopsis: Allie lost everything the night her boyfriend, Trip, died in a horrible car accident—including her memory of the event. As their small town mourns his death, Allie is afraid to remember because doing so means delving into what she’s kept hidden for so long: the horrible reality of their abusive relationship.

When the police reopen the investigation, it casts suspicion on Allie and her best friend, Blake, especially as their budding romance raises eyebrows around town. Allie knows she must tell the truth. Can she reach deep enough to remember that night so she can finally break free? Debut writer Jennifer Shaw Wolf takes readers on an emotional ride through the murky waters of love, shame, and, ultimately, forgiveness.


I seriously can't wait for these two must read books. Well, at least for me they sound like must reads. The first I have here and will be reading soon, I love the synopsis, love the cover. Then second book in this week's WoW sounds like it's going to be a very memorable story, excited for both. 

*covers are always subject to change.
*I am not compensated at all for any of the links within this post.

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10 January 2012

I am more than excited for this book! You have no idea how much I love this series and this author. When Kristie asked me to help reveal the cover, I jumped at the chance to bring it to you all. Take a look at the amazing cover, created by the ever amazing Brenda Pandos for book three in the Soul Savers Series, Devotion!


Devotion will be released February 2012 from Ang'dora Productions! 

Synopsis: With powerful abilities gained from the Ang’dora and Tristan back by her side, Alexis thinks she’s ready for the next challenge—protecting her son from what appears to be the inevitable. But she has so much to learn about her powers, her new world and the people in it. Nothing is what it seems to be on the surface, including the Amadis. Having believed the secret society to be definitively good and righteous, she discovers she couldn't have been more wrong.

Power-hungry politicians comprise the council and make impossible demands. A traitor lurks among them all, inciting trouble that could destroy the Amadis and, ultimately, humanity. The Daemoni wreak havoc in the human world, with the ultimatum that they’ll continue attacking innocents until Alexis and Tristan are expelled from the Amadis’ protection. The couple’s own society begins to shut them out. But that’s not all.

There’s a secret. A big one. And faith and hope in Alexis and Tristan will be restored if she can uncover the truth in time.

But the search for answers leads only to the discovery of more betrayals by those closest to Alexis. Her devotion is put to the test—devotion to her husband, to her family, to her people and to her beliefs—leaving her to question whom she’s fighting for and why she should even bother. But if she won’t fight … who will?


I LOVE LOVE LOVE the cover!! Brenda did another fantastic job! I am so excited for this book, you guys have NO idea. And if you haven't read this series, what the heck are you waiting for?!? This series... it's amazing!!!! Fantastic!!! and FULL of WIN! Speaking of, I'm reading it right now. YEP! Just received it from Kristie a few hours ago, so guess who will be up ALL night reading? Yep, but trust me, there's no way that I could sleep knowing that this is on my Kindle!!! Speaking of, I must get back to Owen & Tristan... and Alexis now. Note: this is NOT a YA series.



Keep an eye out for MORE Devotion info coming your way from now until release day!



Pre-Order online:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository | Signed Copies

Find Kristie Online: 

Website/Blog | Twitter | Facebook

 

*I am not compensated at all for any of the links within this post.

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04 January 2012

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.


Title: Vampire's Kiss (Watchers, #2)
Author: Veronica Wolff
Publisher: NAL Trade, (March 6th, 2012)
Preorder here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis: IF YOU’RE GOING TO BE PARTNERED WITH A VAMPIRE, YOU HAVE TO WORK THE NIGHT SHIFT.

By her wits, blood, and sacrifice, so far Drew has survived the intensive training on the Isle of Night. As a second-year Acari, her ultimate goal is to become a Watcher, and now she has a shot at her first mission. Except nothing is as it seems. The vampire Alcántara is as sinister as he is sexy, Ronan is more distant than ever, and it turns out there are other vampires out there. Bad ones.

Ancient, bloodthirsty, and powerful, these undead are really old school. They’ve captured one of the Watcher vamps and are torturing him for information. The only chance to save him is to infiltrate a major summit the baddies are holding on their own island. There will be mortals there, serving as butlers, maids, and various hired help. Drew had better brush up on her skills as a serving girl, because she’s about to go undercover…

But, when their vampire prisoner turns out to be a gorgeous bad boy, Drew’s first mission quickly turns into more than she bargained for…


Title: The Boy on Cinnamon Street
Author: Phoebe Stone
Publisher:
Arthur A. Levine Books, 240 Pages (February 28th, 2012)
Preorder here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Synopsis:
A story about a wounded girl and the boy who won't give up on her.


7th grader Louise should be the captain of her school's gymnastics team - but she isn't. She's fun and cute and should have lots of friends - but she doesn't. And there's a dreamy boy who has a crush on her - but somehow they never connect. Louise has everything going for her - so what is it that's holding her back?

Phoebe Stone tells the winning story of the spring when 7th grader Louise Terrace wakes up, finds the courage to confront the painful family secret she's hiding from - and finally get the boy.


While I haven't read the first book in the Watchers Series - I have it here, sitting on a shelf - I love the covers and I love the synopsis of both books so far. This just looks like a great series. The second book in today's WoW also has a cover I love. Both of these titles are must reads. What do you guys think of my picks for the week?


*covers are always subject to change.
*I am not compensated at all for any of the links within this post.

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02 January 2012

Title: Winging It (The Dragon Diaries, #2)
Author: Deborah Cooke
Publisher: NAL Trade, 328 Pages (December 6th, 2011)
From: the Publisher, Thank You!

Synopsis: Zoë Sorensson yearns to come into her powers as the only female dragon shifter. But being part of two worlds is more complicated than she expected. It's bad enough that she's the target of the Mages's plan to eliminate all shifters-but she also has to hide her true nature from her human best friend, Megan. But when Megan gets a last-minute invite to the popular kids' Halloween party-hosted by an apprentice Mage-Zoë must save the day and her best friend without revealing her fire- breathing secrets...

Review: 4 Stars - Winging It by Deborah Cooke is the second book in The Dragon Diaries Trilogy. In the first book, we meet many interesting characters and the story quickly takes off on a fast paced thrilling ride that never lets up. The second book picks up right where we were left in the first and again Zoe and the other teen Pyr are headed for another battle.

Zoe is a great female teen character. She’s a thinker and thoughtful of those around her. She has to keep who she really is a secret from her best friend and it does nothing but eat at her. In the first book she meets a friend of the Pyr, Jared and they quickly hit it off and the budding attraction between the two was almost instant, however it wasn’t acted upon right away; such a nice breath of fresh air when that happens. Their relationship is somewhat confusing, but that’s all I’ll say, besides read it! She’s grown so much between both books and I loved how clearly it’s portrayed in the continuing story.

Zoe has some great friends that are also Pyr dragon shifters who are always there for each other. Zoe and the guys – Nick, Garret & Liam work well together and prove over and over again that they know what they are doing. I really enjoyed watching their relationships grow in the first book and further on into the second. Also, there are a couple of other people in Zoe’s life, Derek, who sadly, I really can’t tell you who he is, because it’ll give too much away. Then we also have her best friend Meagan, who’s the human I mentioned and knows Zoe’s keeping some secrets. Their friendship is a bit strained, but it really can’t be helped due the laws of the Pyr.

With even more to lose it’s up to Zoe and her friends to all pull together to try to save the Pyr and the remaining other kinds of shifters of the world by putting an end to the Mages and their plan… that again, I can’t tell you about because it’ll be giving way to much away. But seriously, read the books! They are more than entertaining.

All in all, I love this series! It’s thrilling, fast paced, exciting and very well written. With characters and a plot that keep readers wanting more, I’m highly anticipating the third book – Blazing the Trail. If you haven’t read the first two books in this exciting trilogy, you should seriously give them a read sooner rather than later. Enjoy!

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

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FTC Disclaimer:

In accordance with FTC Guidelines, I have not received any monetary gain for any information posted within the pages of this website/blog. Any and all information has been provided by the publisher, author and or publicist for free. Content is also based on purchases made by myself or of my guest reviewer(s). Any and all opinions expressed within the pages of this website/blog are solely my own or those of the authors of any and all guest reviewers(s) or guest bloggers.



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About Me

Hi, I’m Lisa and I'm a proud bibliophile.

I enjoy reading and reviewing a variety of different books within the Young Adult, "New Adult" & Adult genres/categories. If you have any questions or if you are an author or publisher and would be interested in promoting a book, please feel free email. You can find my email under the "mail" button or under the contact link at the top of the page.

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When I review I rate from 1 to 5 stars, 5 being the highest rating. I review based on many different things from the writing, to the story - to the characters and how I can relate to them or how they are developed. I also review based on if an author has worked their magic and was able to draw me into a story so deeply that I don't want to put the book down. If you would like me to review a book, please contact me or view my Contact Information and Review Policy for further details.

5 Stars - I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!
4 Stars - I Really liked/Loved it.
3 Stars - I liked it/Was pretty good.
2 Stars - It was, eh okay.
1 Star - It just wasn't for me.

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