24 April 2015

Another quick update.....

Hey everyone! Me again with a quick update. Sadly, my mom is back in the hospital and had to have another procedure today and were all still waiting to find out if they're bumping her surgery up or keeping it scheduled for late next week.

Her team of doctors can't decide on the best coarse of action, as they each want to make a different plan for fixing the various problems she's having.

With that being said, I'm going to take another short hiatus for the next few days until we have a better idea what's going on. Not being home much makes everything difficult, including blog work and even reading.

Thank you for understanding the blog posts being spotty until she's home and we're in recovery mode. <333


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23 April 2015

Review: Our Frozen Wings By: Becky Wicks

Title: Our Frozen Wings
Author: Becky Wicks
Publisher: Smashwords Edition, 27 pages (December 8th 2014)
From: Purchased from Amazon.co.uk
Format: eBook
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and NobleAmazon UK

Synopsis: Ella and Oscar grew up together in the wilds of Alaska and their love is a powerful force that renders others not only green-eyed with envy, but invisible. When strange sounds in Ella's house start freaking them out, a visit to a local psychic is set to change their lives forever.

Review: 4 stars - Our Frozen Wings is a short story by Becky Wicks. I loved Becky’s previous books so when I saw she was promoting this short story I had to give it a read.

North of Juneau in Alaska, lies the town of Skagway. There, live two eighteen year olds. Ella and Oscar are loves young dream. They do everything together and even when their lives take a dramatic turn, they stay together.

A visit to a psychic brings about the end of their tale. I was not expecting the ending at all and if I’m honest I did have a little cry when I read it.

This story despite it only being 27 pages made me feel as though anything is possible.

I want the true love Ella describes in the book is “A little fleet of caterpillars, moving slowly but surely through her world. Each little caterpillar carried on its back a secret, travelling back and forth between her and Oscar; strong and consistent until one day, the caterpillars simple grew wings.”
I want a

I can’t say too much because it will spoil the story, but as with Becky’s previous novels, this one doesn’t disappoint.
My only problem is with it, is that it is too short- I wish for a longer version of this story- telling us how Ella and Oscar met, how they bonded and the relationship turned into what it is.

Becky Wicks has the writing skills; I can only hope she can once again write her magic and bring us more stories with the calibre of this one in the future.

Perfect for fans of Sarah Alderson, Lauren Kate, Becca Fitzpatrick and Elizabeth LaBan.

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22 April 2015


Title: Under the Influence
Author: L.B. Simmons
Publisher: (May 2015)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: Dalton,
I loved you once. A love I thought irrevocable. A love I mistakenly believed could transcend both time and circumstance. Under the influence of my dimwitted, naïve, traitorous heart, I became intoxicated with what I now know was simply a figment of my self-indulgent imagination. So drunk on the feeling, I couldn’t see what was right in front of my face. So foolishly enamored, I blindly followed my heart into the depths of an emotion that would ravage me.
Years later, I know now what I wish I knew then. I am stronger. Smarter. Tougher. I will not allow myself to be broken again.
I loved you.
I raged for you.
I wept for you.
And now, I’m letting you go.

Excerpt:

Spencer POV:
Cassie maintains her wide smile. “You go on a date and I guarantee what you find regarding Dalton and his feelings will surprise you.”

“Cassie. No one wants to go out on a date with me. Trust me.”

She shakes her head before she busts out laughing. The ridiculous sound of it reverberates around my room. “You really have no idea, do you? Every guy at school has a hard-on for you, you fool. They’re fucking scared to come within even ten feet of you because of Dalton. He let it be known that if they did, he would deal with them.”

“Oh my God! You have no idea what you’re talking about!”I’m laughing outright now. She really has lost her mind.

She shakes her head, the severity of her statement tightening her features. “I’m totally serious, Spence. I swear on my Kindle.”

At this, I take a sharp breath and sober immediately. To Cassie, her Kindle is sacred as the Bible.

She nods slowly, dramatically, as she watches me grasp the meaning of her statement. Right hand raised, she states, “On the over-abundance of trashy romance novels within my possession, I solemnly swear that before Dalton graduated, he straight-up took out a vendetta against any male in our school who dares approach you.”

“He did what?!”I screech, pressing myself off the bed and catapulting into upright position.

Anger ignites and my face heats wildly as realization dawns.

This whole year, in fact, the entire four years of high school, no one has looked at me. No one has asked me to come to parties, to go on dates, to go to prom. Not that I would go, but it would be nice to be asked, you know? Okay, I probably would go. I mean, it’s a rite of passage, right?

Two black painted fingernails make their appearance as they snap directly in front of my face, jolting me out of my inner thoughts.

“Hooker! Pay attention!”

I shake my head and refocus. Still seething, I whisper, “This whole time, I thought it was me. That I wasn’t dating material or pretty enough. Four years, Cass. Four years of feeling like I wasn’t good enough.”My molars grind together. “It all makes sense now.”

She waves her hand dismissively. “We’re getting off track here.”

My eyes bulge as she continues, “I have found someone who, luckily for you, seems to have recently acquired a death wish.”



About the Author:

L.B. Simmons is a graduate of Texas A&M University and holds a degree in Biomedical Science.  She has been a practicing Chemist for the last 11 years.  She lives with her husband and three daughters in Texas and writes every chance she gets.

Find L.B. Online:


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Clipped by Love by Toni Aleo
Contemporary Romance
Coming April 27th!



 NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+
Synopsis: Things are heating up for the Sinclair boys! With one already in the NHL, Jayden Sinclair is hoping to be next!

This has been the toughest year of my life. I watched my brother go into the draft without me, my mom got divorced, and the weight of my family’s issues is heavy on my shoulders. I feel like it’s my job to fix everything while working my butt off in school and trying to make my game better. I have to go into the draft. It will give my family the support they need, and it will prove that I’m good enough. But to get there, I have to show I can be the best captain for the Bellevue Bullies. The spot is mine—no one can take it. First though, Jude is making me go on a brother’s weekend. Innocent enough, I guess…until I see her. She’s the biggest competitor I’ve ever faced. Not only for my spot but also my heart. It’s hard to ignore someone like Baylor Moore.

***

I don’t lose. I can’t. My dad has bred me to be the best in anything I do. I am driven, I am smart, and I am going to be the first woman in the National Hockey League. No two ways about it. I’ve worked too hard. I’ve been through too much not to have what I want. I know I can do it. I will make my dad proud, and no one will stand in the way of that. That is, until I let him in. He scares me. He makes me feel. And he could very well be the one person who can make me want more than just to win.

We both have the same goal. Victory. But how do you compete against the person you want to win? It’s not easy. Love isn’t something you can control. It isn’t like a puck that can be handled by a stick. No, it has a mind of its own and does what it wants.

Neither of us saw it coming, and we really don’t know if there is a way to score, especially when you’re being Clipped by Love.


About the Author: Toni Aleo is the author of the Nasvhille Assassins series: Taking ShotsTrying to ScoreEmpty Net, Falling for the Backup, and Blue Lines.
When not rooting for her beloved Nashville Predators, she’s probably going to her husband’s and son’s hockey games and her daughter’s dance competitions, taking pictures, scrapbooking, or reading the latest romance novel.
She lives in the Nashville area with her husband, two children, and a bulldog. Read more about Toni here.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads 

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13 April 2015

Update

Hi everyone. I'm sure some of you have seen my Facebook status updates about my mom being sick and in the hospital. And for those who don't know... well, she's pretty sick, worse than we originally thought.

It's a long story with a lot of frustration, worry and stress.

So I won't be around much and the blog will feel a bit empty until we get her home and settled.

Thanks for understanding everyone.

<3

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Title: #Selfie (Hashtag Series #4 )
This is not a standalone
Author: Cambria Hebert
Publisher: (May 18, 2015)
Genre: New adult college romance
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: It’s all about the #Selfie.

She was the one girl I never wanted.

Until I had her.

One night.

One mistake.

Something we both wanted to forget.

I got rid of the proof. The one piece of evidence that could remind us both.

At least, I thought I did.

When it shows up on the school Buzzfeed, rumors fly. Friendships are tested and the feels get real.

I don’t do relationships. I don’t open my heart.

Especially for a girl everyone knows I hate.

What happens during spring break, stays in spring break.

Until it follows you home.



About the Author:

Cambria Hebert is a bestselling novelist of more than twenty books. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair.

Besides writing, Cambria loves a caramel latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching movies. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chorkie (the real boss of the house).

Cambria has written within the young adult and new adult genres, penning many paranormal and contemporary titles. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense. A few of her most recognized titles are: Text, Torch, Tryst, Masquerade, and Recalled.

Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.

Find Cambria Online:

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Book Wars a weekly feature hosted between two book review blogs – A Life Bound By Books & Much Loved Books!

It’s a fact that book lovers know all about the covers of the books they covet.  Often when a title is released here in the US, it’s sometimes vastly different across the pond in the US.  So, Michelle from Much Loved Books and I have come together to create Book Wars to talk about the difference in covers when it comes to the US vs. UK versions.

We hope from time to time authors will chime in with their thoughts as well. We welcome everyone to comment and share their thoughts too! The more the merrier!

Before we get to this weeks Book Wars, we have a winner to announce. The Book Wars winner for Reckoning (Silver Blackthorn #1) By: Kerry Wilkinson is..... the UK !  Thank you to everyone who voted for both books, and for picking a winner.


Also, there's a poll at the bottom of the post that we'd love to hear your input for the two covers! Tell us which one YOU love the most.

Left: US - Right: UK
Title: The Return
Series: (Titan #1)
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: US - Spencer Hill Press, 347 Pages (February 16th, 2015) UK - Hodder & Stoughton, 352 Pages (February 26th, 2015)
Add to: Goodreads USA Version | Goodreads UK Version
Order online here: USA: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository UK: Amazon UK, Waterstones, W H Smith, The Book Depository

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+
Synopsis: The Fates are cackling their bony asses off…

It’s been a year since Seth made the deal with the gods that pledged his life to them. And so far, the jobs they’ve given him have been violent and bloody–which is kind of all right with him. But now Apollo has something else in mind for Seth. He’s got to play protector while keeping his hands and fingers off, and for someone who really has a problem with restraint, this new assignment might be the most challenging yet.

Josie has no idea what this crazy hot guy’s deal might be, but it’s a good bet that his arrival means the new life she started after leaving home is about to be thrown into an Olympian-sized blender turned up to puree. Either Josie is going insane or a nightmare straight out of ancient myth is gunning for her.

But it might be the unlikely attraction simmering between her and the golden-eyed, secret-keeping Seth that may prove to be the most dangerous thing of all.

Because history has once again been flipped to repeat.

Book 1 in the new adult paranormal TITAN series, spin-off to the best selling COVENANT series.


About the Author:

# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV.

She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

Find Jennifer Online:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Author Goodreads  Let the Wars Begin: Its now time to make our decision, let's see what we think about the covers and pick our favorite cover.

Lisa I think for this week it's tough for me to say why I don't a certain cover. I'm worried people will want to hurt me because I kind of don't care for the US cover at all. I love the colors and how it's kind of hazy, but I'm just not a fan of this picture they picked at all. I've seen other pictures of this model and to me this one doesn't do him justice. Sadly, I kind of cringe when I see it.

Also, it's just not how I pictured Seth... so that throws me off too.

Then when I look at the UK cover I like that it's beautiful, it's somewhat simple yet it's striking. So, this week my vote goes for the UK cover. Now it's your turn to tell us which is YOUR favorite. With two quick clicks you can cast your vote below.
Michelle I'm looking at both of these covers for the first time, and the one that I am drawn to immediately s the UK cover. I have no idea how this connects with the story, or how the US one connects either, but it's the UK one that I like.

It's simple but catches your eye, but it also has me asking questions...what does this necklace have to do with the story? Is it magical? The US one doesn't really do much for me, once again it's another half naked male on the cover to sell the book, and I've honestly seen better pictures of other half naked males, and even males dressed in clothes that I much prefer to this one.

It's a UK win for me this week, don't forget to leave you vote below.

VOTE for YOUR favorite cover of THE RETURN NOW!


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12 April 2015

Title: Two Truths and a Lie (PRG Investigations, #1)
Author: Ashley Stoyanoff
Publisher: (February 28th 2015)
From: the Author
Format: eARC
Genres: New Adult, Romance
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and NobleAmazon UK, Smashwords, Kobo, iBooks, Amazon CA, Amazon AU

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+
Synopsis: One year ago, I became a missing person. I left everything behind—family, friends, school. It seemed like a good idea at the time. My only option, really, until I realized running from a police officer isn’t as easy as I thought it would be.

It’s been exactly three-hundred and sixty-five days since I left home, but I’m finally ready to take the step I should have taken a year ago. I’m done hiding. I’m done running. I’m going to take my life back.

It was supposed to be easy. A meeting with Jason Pierce, a private investigator, was set up for me. All I had to do was go to him, let him do his thing, and then I could go home, or so I thought.

That is, until I met Jason and things got … complicated.

Review: 2.5 Stars - Two Truths and a Lie is the first book in the PRG Investigations series by Ansley Stoyanoff. The synopsis hooked me and the cover sealed the deal and I couldn’t wait to jump in and get started.

Yet, the actual book fell flat. Horribly flat. The writing was decent at time, yet the story wasn’t fluid so I was confused often from beginning to end. There were too many holes in the story that just didn’t add up and if I’m honest, that first meeting with Jason Pierce, I thought he was an old man. I didn’t expect him to be young. So didn’t get that until way later in the book.

The idea behind the story is extremely intriguing and I wanted to like the characters. I wanted to find out what the heck happened to send this girl – Elena on the run. Again I liked the idea and wanted to know more.

And there were a couple of times I did seriously enjoy the book. I think the best parts were when all the guys were around and they were playing the two truths and a lie game and having that whole conversation. To say that made the book for me wouldn’t be a lie, I just wish there were more scenes in the book like this one/these to make the book so much more well rounded and whole.

Sometimes a book doesn’t work for me, yet I’m still intrigued to finish it to find out the resolution, which is exactly what I did here.

So while I had high hopes for this one there was only a small amount that I enjoyed due to the holes in the story which disrupted the flow for me. And I so wanted to love it. I wanted to like these characters’ enough for them to leave a mark.

It’s really frustrating for me when this happens.

In the end, it was okay. It has its faults and problems that left this reader often confused and disappointed. I don’t know if I’d recommend it or not, but I will say that if you like the idea that the author gives you from the synopsis you should give it a try. I might not have found a hit with this one, but you just might.




About the Author:

Ashley Stoyanoff is an author of paranormal romance books for young adults, including The Soul's Mark series and the Deadly Trilogy. She lives in Southern Ontario with her husband, Jordan, and two cats: Tanzy and Trinity.

In July 2012, Ashley published her first novel, The Soul's Mark: FOUND, and shortly thereafter, she was honored with The Royal Dragonfly Book Award for both young adult and newbie fiction categories.

An avid reader, Ashley enjoys anything with a bit of romance and a paranormal twist. When she's not writing or devouring her latest read, she can be found spending time with her family, watching cheesy chick flicks or buying far too many clothes.

Ashley loves hearing from her readers, so feel free to connect with her online.

Find Ashley Online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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10 April 2015

 

Together in ONE book for the first time!!! You don't want to miss out on this AMAZING set of books and characters. Their story still sticks with me and it'll be one of my all time favorites for a long, long time to come. 

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Order while its on sale for .99 CENTS!


Add to: Goodreads

Title: Love, In English
Author: Karina Halle
Genre: "New Adult"/Adult Contemporary Romance
Release Date: April 20, 2014
Add to: Goodreads
Order online: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "New Adult"/Adult novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+ 

Synopsis: He’s thirty-eight. I’m twenty-three.

He speaks Spanish. I speak English.

He lives in Spain. I live in Canada.

He dresses in thousand-dollar suits. I’m covered in tattoos.

He’s married and has a five-year old daughter. I’m single and can’t commit to anyone or anything.

Until now.Because when they say you can’t choose who you fall in love with, boy ain’t that the f*#king truth.

***

To a restless dreamer like Vera Miles, it sounded like the experience of a lifetime. Instead of spending her summer interning for her astronomy major, she would fly to Spain where she’d spend a few weeks teaching conversational English to businessmen and women, all while enjoying free room and board at an isolated resort. But while Vera expected to get a tan, meet new people and stuff herself with wine and paella, she never expected to fall in love.

Mateo Casalles is unlike anyone Vera has ever known, let alone anyone she’s usually attracted to. While Vera is a pierced and tatted free spirit with a love for music and freedom, Mateo is a successful businessman from Madrid, all sharp suits and cocky Latino charm. Yet, as the weeks go on, the two grow increasingly close and their relationship changes from purely platonic to something…more.

Something that makes Vera feel alive for the first time.

Something that can never, ever be.

Or so she thinks.

Title: Love, in Spanish (LIE #2)
Author: Karina Halle
Publisher: (November 11th, 2014)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Check out my review of: Love in, English (LIE, #1)

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: “She sat beside me on the bus – and she changed my whole life.”

Successful, wealthy and absurdly handsome – Spanish ex-football player Mateo Casalles seemed like he had it all. A high-society wife, an adorable little girl, and flashy apartments in Madrid and Barcelona only sweetened the deal. But there was more to Mateo than met the eye – a life of uncertainty and regret that colored his black and white world.

That was until Vera Miles came into his life like a shooting star. Tattooed, wild and young, Vera seemed like Mateo’s polar opposite at first. But you can’t choose who you fall in love with and the two lost souls did everything they could to be together, all while suffering the grave consequences.

Now with Mateo divorced and living in Madrid with Vera, there is a whole new set of challenges and setbacks facing the couple and rocking the foundation of their star-crossed relationship.

Unfortunately for them, the brighter the star, the faster they burn.



About the Author:

With her USA Today Bestselling The Artists Trilogy published by Grand Central Publishing, numerous foreign publication deals, and self-publishing success with her Experiment in Terror series, Vancouver-born Karina Halle is a true example of the term "Hybrid Author." Though her books showcase her love of all things dark, sexy and edgy, she's a closet romantic at heart and strives to give her characters a HEA...whenever possible.

Karina holds a screenwriting degree from Vancouver Film School and a Bachelor of Journalism from TRU. Her travel writing, music reviews/interviews and photography have appeared in publications such as Consequence of Sound, Mxdwn and GoNomad Travel Guides. She currently lives on an island on the coast of British Columbia where she’s preparing for the zombie apocalypse with her fiance and rescue pup.

Find Karina Online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads


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09 April 2015

Title: Inside Out (Insiders #1)
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Publisher: Mira Ink
From: Second hand bookshop
Format: Paperback, 315 pages (January 1st 2011)
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? The only neck at risk is my own…until I accidentally start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution...

Review: 5 stars - When I read this book a few years ago on a borrowed kindle from a friend, I wasn’t that enamoured with it. I had read and loved Snyder’s Chronicles of Ixia novels (Study and Glass series) and I suppose I thought Inside Out would be the same and it wasn’t.

On my previous read I only rated Inside Out with 3 stars. This time it gets a full 5 stars.

After years of waiting (I don’t know why); I finally acquired Outside In (Insiders #2) for Christmas. Snyder was also doing a book signing near where I live at the end of March, so I knew I had to read the books, and being so long ago that I read Inside Out, it deserved a re-read.

As a fan of what I now know to be sci-fi dystopian fiction, having read a lot of well known titles, it finally twigged in my mind that Inside Out is just that. I think my relatively new love of genre has made me enjoy the book even more.

Trella is a scrub, she works in the lower levels of Inside. She keeps her nose out of trouble and herself to herself with the exception of Cogon- her one friend. The Upper levels of Inside are where the named families live in comfort in their individual apartments and lack of manual labour. The scrubs keep Inside going, where as the Uppers man the computers.

Trella is known amongst the other scrubs for her need to hide in the pipes/air ducts which cover Inside. Earning her the nickname “Queen of the Pipes”.

Cogon comes to Trella one day and wants to introduce her to a prophet who has knowledge of Gateway- the door to Outside. Prophets have stated the same thing in the past, and Trella has gone along to appease Cog who really believes there is something else out there.

Domotor the prophet known amongst the Insiders as “Broken Man”, was previously living with the Uppers has been sent to the lower levels of Inside because he got too nosey and started delving into files he shouldn’t have been looking at. He knows a lot about Inside, including Trella’s real name and who her parents are. Most Scrubs go by their first name and don’t know their family names because they are brought up by a care mother.

Trella decides that out of curiosity she will try and find the disks that “Broken Man” has hidden above his old room in the Upper floors. Little does she know this search will be the start of something she never thought possible.

Inside Out is a fast paced sci-fi novel that brings to the forefront a few key themes that often make dystopian fiction what it is. It brings into question the class system and authorative control  in its own way. Friendship, first love (although it’s not the main theme in the story and doesn’t take anything away from the sci-fi adventure itself), deception, adventure and it reminds us that even when times are hard, there is hope.

I love Trella’s character. Yes she is a loner, but she has her reasons. She has a feisty, sometimes snarky personality and always tries to see the full picture. She has been let down before and doesn’t want it to happen again. She is relentless and won’t give up on something because it doesn’t go right first time. But at the same time she has a caring side.

Cogon ‘Cog’ initially seems like a nice guy, he wants to protect Trella like a big brother would as they were brought up by the same care mother. As time goes on we see the true Cog and I went a complete 180 on loving this character to hating him.

Riley- can I surround him with love hearts?
He’s a sweetheart. The way he treats Trella and talks to her without the usual Scrub stigma is great. He doesn’t treat her like most Uppers would with Scrubs; he treats her as an equal, even if their initial meeting isn’t the best.
Riley has toys from his childhood “Sheepy” the sheep and Mama Sheepy and he uses them unintentionally at first to bond with Trella and then as their relationship progresses it’s something to keep their friendship.
Although he shouldn’t help Trella he does and then near to the end of the book he damn near makes me cry.

The rest of the characters in the book- Jacy, Anne-Jade and Logan hold their own special charm and place in this book. I can’t wait to see what happens in Outside In. These characters will hopefully have the chance to flourish.

One last mention goes to Domotor a.k.a. “Broken Man”. He plays a huge part in the background for this book and without him Trella wouldn’t have gotten her into as many fixes as she does.

I felt that all the way through I wasn’t sure whether to trust him or not- probably Snyder’s intention to add to the mystery of his allegiance to the Upper or Lower floors.

I also felt at times he was very ungrateful. Trella helped keep him alive and yet he complains he’s been left alone. I’d rather be alone and alive knowing people are fighting for me than dead.

Inside Out is a gem of dystopian sci-fi fiction, I know I will be recommending for years to come.

Recommended for fans of Maria V. Snyder’s other books. Fans of The Hunger Games, Divergent and The Maze Runner series.


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Title: Loving Dallas (Neon Dreams #2)
Author: Caisey Quinn
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks, 320 Pages (June 16th, 2015)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: In the second novel in bestselling author Caisey Quinn’s Neon Dreams series, a country rock band and its members embark on the rocky road to fame and find love along the way.

Dallas Lark is so close to achieving his dream of making it big in country music that he can taste it. Arriving in Nashville after signing with sexy, successful manager Mandy Lantram, his life goes from tragedy and turmoil to one lucky break after another—except it isn’t really luck because Dallas has sacrificed everything for his career, leaving behind his band, sister, best friend, and high school sweetheart, Robyn, in the pursuit of fame.

Robyn Breeland is a successful marketing coordinator and promotions specialist for a thriving liquor distributor out of Texas. She loves every aspect of her job: coming up with new ideas, traveling, hosting promotional parties and exclusive events—until it brings her face-to-face with the man who broke her heart, prompting her to erect a steel cage around it.

When their paths collide and they’re forced to work together, Dallas and Robyn realize that the old spark they thought they’d extinguished might still be a burning flame.


Guest Post - Writing Loving Dallas

One of the absolute craziest things about writing Loving Dallas was the fact that it was like having two male leads. Dallas himself says it best in the chapter where he explains to Robyn about "Person Dallas" and "Performer Dallas."  The recording label he is hired onto quickly turns charming Dallas Lark from Amarillo (think: country cutie Easton Corbin) into the sexy, sharp-tongued Dallas Walker, a drifter with a shady past (think: country music outlaw Eric Church). I thought it might be fun to compare the two sides of my guy side by side!

STYLE
First up, even though he's really just one man, Dallas has a completely different style when he's on stage. If you were to see the laid back crooner around town, he'd be clad in a well worn-in flannel button down and his favorite pair of jeans and cowboy boots. There will likely be trucker hat providing some shade over his baby blues. However, stop in to see a show and you might not recognize him! On stage Dallas Walker rocks an edgier look including Aviators, leather jackets, and biker boots. Vintage rock band tees are a staple in the wardrobe of this version of Dallas!

SWAGGER

Dallas Lark is a caring and somewhat overprotective big brother to his little sister, Dixie. He believes women should be treated like the ladies that they are with the respect they deserve. He says Grace and he says ma'am, y'all!

Dallas Walker on the other hand is a little rougher around the edge and if you get too close you might enter a danger zone where you end up in scandalous tabloid photos alongside country music's newest bad boy!

SWEETHEARTS

Dallas Lark will forever carry a torch for his high school sweetheart, Robyn Breeland. She is and will always be his muse.

Dallas Walker can't be tamed or tied down and women traipse in and out of his life quicker than Billboard chart toppers change places! He does certainly pay a lot of attention to one special lady that has yet to be identified by media sources. Rumor has it she's the one that got away!


Which version of Dallas would be your favorite kind of book boyfriend? Decide for yourself on 6.16.15 when LOVING DALLAS GOES LIVE!




About the Author:

Caisey Quinnlives in Birmingham, Alabama with her husband, daughter, and other assorted animals. She is the bestselling author of the Kylie Ryans series as well as several New Adult and Contemporary Romance novels featuring Southern girls finding love in unexpected places.

Find Caisey Online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads


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08 April 2015

Who else is EXCITED for EVERY LAST BREATH, the hotly anticipated conclusion to the Dark Elements trilogy from #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout!! EVERY LAST BREATH is a Young Adult Paranormal being published by Harlequin Teen and is a part of Jennifer L. Armentrout’s The Dark Elements Series. It is being released on July 28th, 2015. Pre-order EVERY LAST BREATH and then be sure to read the first books in this amazing series before its release!

Check out the cover and synopsis for the book that I can't wait to get my hands on!


Every Last Breath - Cover Title: Every Last Breath (The Dark Elements #3)
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Harlequin Teen, 464 Pages (July 28th, 2015)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iBooks ** IndieBound ** Kobo ** BAM


Synopsis: Some loves will last 'til your dying breath

Every choice has consequences—but seventeen-year-old Layla faces tougher choices than most. Light or darkness. Wickedly sexy demon prince Roth, or Zayne, the gorgeous, protective Warden she never thought could be hers. Hardest of all, Layla has to decide which side of herself to trust.

Layla has a new problem, too. A Lilin—the deadliest of demons—has been unleashed, wreaking havoc on those around her…including her best friend. To keep Sam from a fate much, much worse than death, Layla must strike a deal with the enemy while saving her city—and her race—from destruction.

Torn between two worlds and two different boys, Layla has no certainties, least of all survival, especially when an old bargain comes back to haunt them all. But sometimes, when secrets are everywhere and the truth seems unknowable, you have to listen to your heart, pick a side—and then fight like hell…

“Armentrout is a major talent…I just can’t stop reading!” --New York Times bestselling author Gena Showalter

“Armentrout works her magic with swoon-worthy guys and a twist you never see coming.” --#1 New York Times bestselling author Abbi Glines on White Hot Kiss


And there's a pretty amazing surprise for everyone! The first books in the series have been given a new look too!!


Don't miss the previous titles in The Dark Elements Series-now with new covers! Readers interested in downloading the new cover jackets for their previously purchased Dark Elements Series titles, can download them HERE!
downloadhere
For best results when downloading the new cover jackets:
  • Print on 8.5x14" (Legal paper)
  • Use landscape or horizontal setting = 8.5" tall x 14" wide
  • Print at 100% scale or "actual size"
  • Print with the image centered on page
  • Fold and trim to fit

White Hot Kiss - New Cover Title: White Hot Kiss (The Dark Elements #1)
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Harlequin Teen, 400 Pages (February 25th, 2014)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** BAM ** iBooks ** IndieBound ** Kobo ** Walmart


Synopsis: One kiss could be the last.

Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.

Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever.

Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul.

But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

Stone Cold Touch - New Cover Title: Stone Cold Touch (The Dark Elements #2)
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Harlequin Teen, 464 Pages (October 21st, 2014)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iBooks ** IndieBound ** Kobo ** BAM

Synopsis: Every touch has its price

Layla Shaw is trying to pick up the pieces of her shattered life—no easy task for a seventeen-year-old who’s pretty sure things can’t get worse. Her impossibly gorgeous best friend, Zayne, is forever off-limits thanks to the mysterious powers of her soul-stealing kiss. The Warden clan that has always protected her is suddenly keeping dangerous secrets. And she can barely think about Roth, the wickedly hot demon prince who understood her in ways no one else could.

But sometimes rock bottom is only the beginning. Because suddenly Layla’s powers begin to evolve, and she’s offered a tantalizing taste of what has always been forbidden. Then, when she least expects it, Roth returns, bringing news that could change her world forever. She’s finally getting what she always wanted, but with hell literally breaking loose and the body count adding up, the price may be higher than Layla is willing to pay…

"Constantly entertaining...the narrative sizzles with as much tension as romance." Kirkus Reviews on White Hot Kiss


And the Prequel Novella, BITTER SWEET LOVE...  


Bitter Sweet Love - New Cover Title: Bitter Sweet Love (The Dark Elements 0.5)
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Publisher: Harlequin Teen, 105 Pages (December 1st, 2013)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon ** Barnes and Noble ** iBooks ** BAM ** Kobo 

Synopsis: In a sizzling prequel novella to her new series The Dark Elements, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout draws readers into the extraordinary, irresistible world of Wardens and demons.

Dez wasn't just Jasmine's crush. A gargoyle Warden like Jas, he helped her come to terms with her destiny—fending off demons and maintaining the balance between good and evil. He was her everything…right until the moment he disappeared without a trace. It didn't help that Jas's father had just announced that she and Dez would one day be mated. Hard not to take that personally.

And now he's back, three years older, ten times hotter, ready to pick up exactly where they left off. But Jas isn't taking that risk again. Dez has seven days to meet all her conditions and earn back her trust. Seven days filled with terrifying danger and sweet temptation. Seven days to win her heart—or shatter it all over again…

"With her signature flare for combining humor, romance and action, Armentrout weaves a fast-paced read that will have readers' hearts racing in more ways than one. Like Armentrout's previous heroines, Jasmine is fun and full of attitude, while Dez is as snarky as he is sexy. This is a must read for new and old fans alike!" -RT Book Reviews


Author Photo
About the Author:

# 1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing. she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.

Her dreams of becoming an author started in algebra class, where she spent most of her time writing short stories….which explains her dismal grades in math. Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant Series has been optioned for TV.

She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

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Title: Come to Me Recklessly (Closer to You #3)
Author: A.L. Jackson
Publisher: NAL, 448 Pages (April 7th, 2015)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK, iBooks

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: His heart was turned off…

Until she turned him on…

Christopher Moore gave up on the idea of love years ago. Now, his life is an endless string of parties and an even longer string of girls. Enjoying the physical perks with none of the emotional mess, hes convinced everyone that hes satisfied—everyone but himself.

Samantha Schultz has moved on with her life. Finishing her student teaching and living with her boyfriend, shes deluded herself into believing shes content. But there is one boy she never forgot—her first love—and she keeps the memory of him locked up tight. She will never allow any man to break her the way Christopher did.

When Christopher's sister and her family move into a new neighborhood, Christopher is completely unprepared to find Samantha living at the end of the street. Memories and unspent desires send them on collision course of sex, lies, and lust. But when guilt and fear send Samantha running, Christopher will have to fight for what has always been his.


Excerpt:

          There are few things that hurt so much as a broken heart.
          It’s physical.
          Intense.
          Real.
          It doesn’t matter which way you slice it, analyze it, or add it up, you’ll always come up with the exact same sum. The worst part is there is no antidote for this affliction.
          They say time mends all things.
          I say they are liars.
          Maybe it subdues, burying it beneath all the new memories we make, tucked under the burdens and joys and new experiences that life layers on over the years.
          But that broken heart?
It’s always right there, lying in wait. Ready to crush you when you’re slammed with that errant, unexpected thought.
          But nothing could have prepared me for this—what it would feel like to look up and find him standing inches from me.
          From the moment we met, he always had the power to bring me to my knees. I should have known his control over me would never diminish or dim.
          I should have known it only would intensify.
          Maybe I should run.
          But somewhere inside, I know he’ll never let me get far.



About the Author: 

A.L. Jackson is the New York Times bestselling author of Take This Regret and Lost to You, as well as other contemporary romance titles, including Pulled, When We Collide, If Forever Comes, Come to Me Quietly, and Come to Me Softly.

She first found a love for writing during her days as a young mother and college student. She filled the journals she carried with short stories and poems used as an emotional outlet for the difficulties and joys she found in day-to-day life.

Years later, she shared a short story she’d been working on with her two closest friends and, with their encouragement, this story became her first full length novel. A.L. now spends her days writing in Southern Arizona where she lives with her husband and three children.

A Stone in the Sea, coming February 23, 2015.
Come to Me Recklessly, coming April 7, 2015

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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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