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Summer Giveaway Hop!

Tuesday, July 31, 2012


What can you win?


or a romance of your choice.

Don't forget these other giveaways!:

Almigal paperback giveaway (USA)
Huge Book Giveaway! (USA/CAN) 4 winners!
$25 Giftcard of Your Choosing! (INT)
Giftbasket Giveaway (USA)!
Men of the Cave Giveaway (INT)!

There are many other giveaways as well if you click on the Giveaway tab found on the righthand side of the blog. 






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23rd Birthday (Rachel's!) Giveaway!

It's my friends 23rd birthday today and she would like to have a giveaway for all my followers for this special occasion. There will be two winners and they will get to pick ONE book from the list below. Good luck!


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Hidden by Sophie Jordan

Jacinda was supposed to bond with Cassian, the "prince" of their pride. But she resisted long before she fell in love with Will—a human and, worse, a hunter. When she ran away with Will, it ended in disaster, with Cassian's sister, Miram, captured. Weighed down by guilt, Jacinda knows she must rescue her to set things right. Yet to do so she will have to venture deep into the heart of enemy territory.
The only way Jacinda can reach Miram is by posing as a prisoner herself, though once she assumes that disguise, things quickly spiral out of her control. As she learns more about her captors, she realizes that even if Will and Cassian can carry out their part of the plan, there's no guarantee they'll all make it out alive. But what Jacinda never could have foreseen is that escaping would be only the beginning....
Loyalties are tested and sacrifices made in the explosive conclusion to Sophie Jordan's Firelight trilogy.


Goodreads Summary

*spoilers if you haven't read the first two*

In this final novel in the Firelight series, Jacinda must make a decision between Will and Cassian.  She has a lot on her plate; she must also deal with Miram's capture and somehow formulate a plan to retrieve her. 

The situation between Cassian, Jacinda, and Will is very awkward.  Cassian and Jacinda still retain a bond between them that allows them to feel what the other is experiencing.  Jacinda does appear more mature than in the previous two novels, but is still extremely annoying when it comes to being decisive with her love interests.  Her character is still a very impressive strong female lead, but The reader will most likely want her to hurry up and choose already.  Will is sometimes distant in this novel while Cassian appears more "on."  Cassian's desire to save his family is honorable and he continues to act with honor throughout the novel.  Will is slightly moodier and refuses to let Jacinda go, at times.  It was difficult to let go of Will and Cassian at the conclusion of the novel.

The focus is definitely on the love triangle, but the author doesn't spend too much time on that aspect.  Instead, Miram's retrieval as well as a few other surprises are carefully concocted.  There is plenty of action and surprises to keep the reader occupied.  When Jacinda's plot to save Miram is put into play the book is impossible to put down.  There are a few new characters introduced and the reader will love getting to meet a few that stand out.  Sophie Jordan does a terrific job of holding the readers' attention.  The ending is perfect, just enough so that the reader doesn't feel cheated.  The majority of the plot is resolved, there are a few points left up to the reader.  This book is recommended to young adult/teen readers.

4 Stars


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This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Let's Hear It For Almigal Guest Post and Giveaway!

This fun and original picture book introduces Almigal, a spunky little girl with hearing loss who is now determined to hear every single sound in the universe thanks to her new cotton candy pink cochlear implants. These sounds include a baby's funny giggle, the robin's chirps outside the window, the soft song played during ballet class, and especially her best friend Chloe's teeny-tiny voice. But most of all, Almigal wants to hear her parents whisper to her when they tuck her into bed every night. Almigal's spirit will have both children and parents alike rooting for her, while the story delivers a positive message about accepting and celebrating differences.

Goodreads Summary

I can easily spend an entire afternoon browsing around our Boca Raton Barnes and Noble, Starbucks in hand.  But after our three granddaughters were born, I found myself spending most of that time in the children’s section looking for books that would encourage them to climb into my lap for story time and cuddling.  We all fell madly in love with Goodnight Moon, I Love You More, Fancy Nancy, and Eloise…the list is endless.

    Now backtrack to 1977 when my passion for all things related to hearing loss was ignited.  My 10-month-old baby girl was diagnosed with a profound hearing loss and we were told that she would never speak.  (I’m happy to report that the doctors were wrong and that Ali is a total chatterbox, just like her mother.)

    But it wasn’t until becoming a grand-mom that I recognized the lack of characters wearing hearing aids or cochlear implants in popular children’s books, and my passion was fiercely reignited.  I suppose that reaching “nana status” gave me a new perspective.

    Why aren’t there more books in the stores featuring characters that are hard of hearing?  According to the March of Dimes it’s one of the most common birth defects affecting 12,000-15,000 newborns in the US annually.  And this statistic doesn’t even address the children that lose their hearing as a result of childhood illnesses!

    Why wasn’t there a Ladybug Girl with cochlear implants?  Or a
Junie B. Jones with hearing aids? ( Junie is now our new personal favorite as the girls have gotten older.)

    So, I jumped right in vowing to create something special for kids that were hearing impaired.  WOW…talk about a learning curve.  I had absolutely no idea of how to accomplish this goal, but I had made up my mind to do it.  Furthermore, once I announced to my three granddaughters that “Nana is going to write a children’s book about Aunt Ali” there was no turning back.

    Writing and publishing Let’s Hear It For Almigal was a two-year project and a true labor of love.  I quickly discovered that “it takes a village” and I was so fortunate that all the right people came into my life to make this happen.  I built a wonderful team (which included my incredibly supportive and humorous husband) with all the expertise that was needed.  And how lucky we were that Tammie Lyon agreed to illustrate Almigal!

    With great humility, I boast that I couldn’t be more proud of Let’s Hear It For Almigal and for so many reasons.  I was determined to create a book that would help hearing-impaired children (and ALL children) feel good about themselves and to shed a positive light on our differences.  I was determined to create a character that was as full of personality and as adorable as my daughter.  I was determined that the finished book could easily sit on the shelves of any bookstore next to Pinkalicious and Olivia.  I was determined that this book would be the same quality as the hardcover books published by the major publishers.

    But most rewarding of all are the comments and emails I’ve received from parents…"thank you for writing this book" and "you can’t help but fall in love with Almigal".  Just this week a mother wrote,

When I read this book to Lily, the moment I said 'cochlear implants' her eyes got big and her mouth fell open.  I didn’t realize just how impactful this type of story could be for her.  Seeing a lively little girl who talks non-stop, loves pink and wears cochlear implants was definitely someone she could relate to.

    And of course I am extremely proud and tickled at the excitement of my three very special granddaughters…Zoey, Sofie and Blake. 

    My hope is that children and parents everywhere fall madly in love with Almigal and her friends, and look forward to her future adventures. I personally can’t wait to see what’s next for Almigal.  We have some interesting ideas still in the planning stage.  Stay tuned!

Check the book out here!

For a chance to win a copy of this book leave a comment with your address.  USA, ends 8/14  Thank you very much for stopping by!

Huge Book Giveaway!

So, I've been meaning to have another giveaway and my mom will kill me THREE TIMES if I don't clear out my room. Luckily, there are a bunch of people who will hopefully love to have books out there :)

What can you win?





































I also have a bunch of romances to hand out too and will swap those for prizes!

Don't forget about these other giveaways! Please leave comments for these wonderful authors and have fun with the other giveaways too!

$10 Amazon Giftcard Giveaway (INT)!

$25 Giftcard of Your Choosing Giveaway! (INT)

Giftbasket! (USA)

Pushing the Limits (USA/CAN)

$25 Amazon Giftcard Giveaway (INT)

The Crooked Swan Ebook Giveaway (INT) Free to the first 20 to request!

The Secret Life of Copernicus Print Copy!

Vacation Reads Giveaway (USA/CAN)!

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Thank you very much for stopping by!

Lazy Days Giveaway!




For this giveaway, I either have a bunch of romance books or two of these:














Don't forget about these other great giveaways!

Huge Book Giveaway (4 winners)!
$25 Giftcard of Your Choosing! (INT)
Giftbasket (USA)
Pushing the Limits Giveaway (USA/CAN)!
$25 Amazon Giftcard Giveaway!
Autographed copy or Ebook of Men of the Cave (INT)!
First 20 to comment get a free ebook! (INT)
Obsidian Ebook Giveaway (INT)!
The Secret Life of Copernicus print copy











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Spark by Amy Kathleen Ryan

Waverly and Kieran are finally reunited on the Empyrean. Kieran has led the boys safely up to this point, and now that the girls are back, their mission seems slightly less impossible: to chase down the New Horizon, and save their parents from the enemy ship. But nothing is truly as it seems…Kieran’s leadership methods have raised Seth’s hackles— and Waverly’s suspicions. Is this really her fiancé? The handsome, loving boy she was torn from just a short time before? More and more, she finds her thoughts aligned with Seth’s. But if Seth is Kieran’s Enemy No. 1, what does that make her?
In one night, a strange explosion rocks the Empyrean—shooting them off course and delaying their pursuit of the New Horizon—and Seth is mysteriously released from the brig. Seth is the most obvious suspect for the explosion, and Waverly the most obvious suspect for releasing him. As the tension reaches a boiling point, will Seth be able to find the true culprit before Kieran locks them both away—or worse? Will Waverly follow her heart, even if it puts lives at risk? With the balance of power precarious and the clock ticking, every decision counts… every step brings them closer to a new beginning, or a sudden end...

Goodreads Summary

Parents and children remain separated in the beginning of Spark.  Waverly is loathed for her decision to save the children at the expense of leaving the parents behind.  She endures bullying throughout the story.  The bullying is taken to the extreme; if it were me, I'd be done with the lot of them, but that isn't Waverly.  Relationships are shifting in this novel.  Waverly literally wavers between Seth and Kieran.  Seth does not think Kieran is behaving normally and Kieran remains eerily distrustful of almost everyone. 

The plot remains similar to the first book.  At the end of the day, everyone wants to get their parents back and Waverly wants to figure out the mystery behind Kieran's odd behavior as well as Anne Mather's promise of peace.  The characters have changed a lot in this novel.  Waverly is indecisive and very quiet, she doesn't seem as strong as she was in the first novel.  Anne is as deceptive as ever, impossible to trust and the true evil villain.  Ironically, Seth emerges as a leader.  He has a quiet strength about him and seems to have matured.  Kieran has regressed.  He and Waverly do not see eye to eye and there is tension between them.  The other characters are great supporting characters, but not as memorable. 

Overall, this novel was as good as the first.  There were a few things I could have done without.  Waverly's character wasn't strong, Kieran annoyed me more than a few times, and it always felt like there should be more action than there actually was.  There were good points as well.  I loved reading the differing points of views, Seth's stronger character, and the cliffhanger ending.  This book is recommended to young adult/teen characters.

3 1/2 Stars


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This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Death of a Kleptomaniac by Kristen Tracy

At sixteen, Molly is a girl who’s just started living—at last she’s popular. But for a girl who has everything, Molly feels like she never has enough. So she steals. At least there’s plenty of time to fix this last little problem.
Except Fate has other plans for Molly. Like death.
Suddenly dead and in denial, how can Molly move on when life was just looking up? Can she abandon her earthly ties or will she jeopardize her soul to stay close to her loved ones?
From critically acclaimed author Kristen Tracy, Death of a Kleptomaniac is the heartfelt story of one girl’s search for redemption, a family’s encounter with grief, and love’s power to rise above even the most final of boundaries.

Goodreads Summary


Molly is a teen in her prime until an accident takes her life.  One might think that someone so young can't have any serious regrets, but Molly has a few secrets.  She has stolen many, many items over the years from strangers, friends, and family.  She must visit those who grieve for her and look deep inside to discover just why she is a kleptomaniac and how she ended up where she is.  She might have been a relatively popular girl in life, but she isn't that happy when she dies. 

Molly's character is very self-centered and acts as if her head is full of fluff in the first couple of chapters.  Her character gains substance later on in the novel.  It's hard to describe how the author portrays visiting grieving relatives and friends, but it is very realistic.  Even the grieving process is realistic, Molly doesn't even know she died at first.  The other characters have a sort of depth to them.  The reader only experiences them through Molly's eyes, but they offer insight into how people may react to one's own untimely demise. 

The plot isn't the most original, but Kristen Tracy portrays an interesting opinion and look at kleptomania.  Something happens that may result in the loss of Molly's eternal soul, or something to that effect, that is interesting, but almost doesn't feel like it fits into the plot.  Overall, this book is worth a read and Molly is a different protagonist than the typical ones.  Death of a Kleptomaniac is recommended to young adult/teen readers.

3 1/2 Stars

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This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Burn for Burn by Jenny Han

Monday, July 30, 2012
BIG GIRLS DON'T CRY...
THEY GET EVEN.
Lillia has never had any problems dealing with boys who like her. Not until this summer, when one went too far. No way will she let the same thing happen to her little sister.
Kat is tired of the rumours, the insults, the cruel jokes. It all goes back to one person– her ex-best friend– and she's ready to make her pay.
Four years ago, Mary left Jar Island because of a boy. But she's not the same girl anymore. And she's ready to prove it to him.
Three very different girls who want the same thing: sweet, sweet revenge. And they won't stop until they each had a taste.

Goodreads Summary

This book reminded me of a blend of Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars.  Lillia is the popular one, but she takes back seat to her faux best friend...a best friend who never seems to care about her and only leads her into trouble.  Kat is the tough girl, the one who always seems to come back swinging.  Considerably poorer than the others, she doesn't dwell too much on materialistic desires, instead she wants to fight. 
Mary is the woman scorned...and you know what they say about women who are scorned.  Once considered fat, Mary's reintroduction to the island shows that she has lasting problems over her weight.  She let a boy destroy her life when she was younger, but she has every intention of showing him up now.

The three make a motley team.  Originally, they weren't even close to friends.  Lillia likely would never have agreed to help if not for her sister.  The three main characters tell the story from their own points of view.  The reader will get to know each individually and they are easy to differentiate.  The way they work together is reminiscent of John Tucker Must Die and borders on scary towards the end of the book.  It will soon become clear that the author isn't writing a fluffy novel, but one that will result in real consequences for her characters.  The events go from plotting to serious harm.  This novel was interesting in that many of the events could not really be predicted, much of what the girls chose to do was both unusual and a little out of character. 

At first, it is hard to get into the book.  The varying view points can be a little detrimental because I prefer to get to know one character well before switching around.  Eventually, I was used to it and appreciated the three different characters.  The story was very fluid, apart for the surprises, the plot fell into place perfectly.  This book surpassed my expectations and is recommended to young adult/teen readers.

4 Stars


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This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Destiny by Gillian Shields


Everything is connected. We weave in and out of one another's lives, like circles within circles, and everything is for a purpose.
Helen has always been the "crazy" one among the girls of Wyldcliffe, scarred by her bleak past and her troubled relationship with her mother, the former headmistress and leader of the Wyldcliffe coven, Mrs. Hartle.
But Miss Scratton promised Helen that a love "beyond the confines of this world" is waiting for her. Could this be Lynton, the mysterious music student who visits Wyldcliffe for his lessons? And what about the brooch her mother gave her--what can the Seal reveal about Helen's past and future?
Now that Miss Scratton is gone, life at Wyldcliffe takes an even darker turn. An unexpected threat arrives in the form of a new high master, whom Helen remembers from her unhappy childhood. Can Helen, Evie, and Sarah finally overcome Wyldcliffe's darkness? Will Lady Agnes come to their aid? And what sacrifices must they make to fulfill their destiny?
"Destiny" is the stunning conclusion to this gripping series about sisterhood, the circles of time, and love.

Goodreads Summary



Any readers eagerly awaiting Helen's complex story?  This book alternates from different view points, but ultimately focuses upon Helen.  Helen desperately wants that love that Miss Scratton promised will find her.  However, Helen's plans must be put on hold when a Dr. Franzen arrives.  Dr. Franzen is a man from Helen's past and one she knows it not the kind High Master he pretends to be.  Darkness is back at Wyldcliffe and Helen and her friends of the Mystic Way must find a way to completely defeat the darkness.

Helen's character is complex.  She is more mature and very passionate about those she loves.  Her intelligent, inquisitive nature leads her into trouble at times, but she is amazing at thinking on her feet.  The reader will enjoy reconnecting with Sarah and Evie as well.  The other characters have an impact on the outcome of this novel, one that the reader will not expect.  Helen's love interest will be intriguing and enigmatic at first.  The reader will love watching their relationship develop. 

The events are fast-paced and many are very exciting.  The author knows just when the plot is starting to lag and manages to insert an event that will have the reader finishing "just one more chapter."  The ending is both surprising and slightly heartbreaking, the reader will want another novel in the series, but will also be satisfied with this ending.  This book is recommended to young adult/teen readers.

4 Stars

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This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Once by Anna Carey

When you're being hunted, who can you trust?
For the first time since she escaped from her school many months ago, Eve can sleep soundly. She's living in Califia, a haven for women, protected from the terrifying fate that awaits orphaned girls in The New America.
But her safety came at a price: She was forced to abandon Caleb, the boy she loves, wounded and alone at the city gates. When Eve gets word that Caleb is in trouble, she sets out into the wild again to rescue him, only to be captured and brought to the City of Sand, the capital of The New America.
Trapped inside the City walls, Eve uncovers a shocking secret about her past--and is forced to confront the harsh reality of her future. When she discovers Caleb is alive, Eve attempts to flee her prison so they can be together--but the consequences could be deadly. She must make a desperate choice to save the ones she loves . . . or risk losing Caleb forever.
In this breathless sequel to "Eve," Anna Carey returns to her tale of romance, adventure, and sacrifice in a world that is both wonderfully strange and chillingly familiar.

Goodreads Summary

This book surprised me from page one.  Eve finally made it to Califia, a land where girls and women are safe from forced pregnancy and slavery.  Betrayal by the women she trusts and news of the boy who saved her, however, send her and her close friend away from Califia and back into the wild.  Eve cannot get Caleb out of her mind; when she last saw him, he was injured and being hunted.  This chance for a reunion is what she has been waiting for, but the events that follow do not go according to plan.

    Eve frustrates me at times, probably because I can relate to her too well.  I always agree with her choices, and then I am mad at myself and her if they do not turn out well.  Eve is likable and many teen girls will relate to her as well.  She is a bold character, but sometimes she is randomly timid and that aspect of her personality comes out at the wrong time.  This book takes a closer look at Eve's past and what is uncovered is sure to surprise the reader.  Caleb's character is both exciting and many readers will clearly see just why Eve seems to love him so much.  His reappearace was a bit predictable, but the how and when will leave the reader smiling, but worried.  Carey’s writing style fits the teen/young adult audience.  I give this book four out of five stars.  I look forward to the next book in the series.        

4 Stars

*Reviewed by Colleen*

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This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Because It Is My Blood by Gabrielle Zevin

“Every time I think I’m out, they pull me back in.”- Michael Corleone, The Godfather

Since her release from Liberty Children's Facility, Anya Balanchine is determined to follow the straight and narrow. Unfortunately, her criminal record is making it hard for her to do that. No high school wants her with a gun possession charge on her rap sheet. Plus, all the people in her life have moved on: Natty has skipped two grades at Holy Trinity, Scarlet and Gable seem closer than ever, and even Win is in a new relationship.But when old friends return demanding that certain debts be paid, Anya is thrown right back into the criminal world that she had been determined to escape. It’s a journey that will take her across the ocean and straight into the heart of the birthplace of chocolate where her resolve--and her heart--will be tested as never before.

Goodreads Summary

Anya faces new challenges in this second novel of the Birthright series.  Her sentence to Liberty Children’s Home has ended, but now she does not know what to do.  No high school will admit her and she cannot escape her past.  Win seems to have a new girlfriend and Win’s politician father is determined to exploit Anya to win the upcoming election.  Determined to avoid another stay at Liberty, she travels to Mexico to learn about cacao growing.  She cannot hide from the world, however, and a series of dangerous events force her to return to New York.
    Anya is a brave girl that I admire very much.  She tries very hard to protect her family and make good decisions.  Teen girls would love to read about Anya’s difficult and exciting life.  She manages to keep her head and comes off as intelligent and brave.  Romance between Anya and Win will keep the readers on their toes.  This book is perfect for high school girls and young adult readers.  Zevin has a great writing style that is full of irony and sarcastic humor.  I give this book five out of five stars. 

5 Stars

*Reviewed by Colleen*

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This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Chosen Ones by Tiffany Truit


What if you were mankind’s last chance at survival?
Sixteen-year-old Tess lives in a compound in what was once the Western United States, now decimated after a devastating fourth World War. But long before that, life as we knew it had been irrevocably changed, as women mysteriously lost the ability to bring forth life. Faced with the extinction of the human race, the government began the Council of Creators, meant to search out alternative methods of creating life. The resulting artificial human beings, or Chosen Ones, were extraordinarily beautiful, unbelievably strong, and unabashedly deadly.
Life is bleak, but uncomplicated for Tess as she follows the rigid rules of her dystopian society, until the day she begins work at Templeton, the training facility for newly created Chosen Ones. There, she meets James, a Chosen One whose odd love of music and reading rivals only her own. The attraction between the two is immediate in its intensity—and overwhelming in its danger.
But there is more to the goings-on at Templeton than Tess ever knew, and as the veil is lifted from her eyes, she uncovers a dark underground movement bent not on taking down the Chosen Ones, but the Council itself. Will Tess be able to stand up to those who would oppress her, even if it means giving up the only happiness in her life?


Goodreads Summary


This book caused me to lose so much sleep!  I could not stop reading because I had to find out what was going to happen to Tess, the main character.  Tess has been forced to take on her sister’s sentence and work in the Chosen Ones mansion.  Beautiful, brilliant, and the perfect killers, the all male, artificial human army of Chosen Ones protect the Western United States.  Since the Fourth World War, the country has been divided.  The East and West fight ruthlessly in the shattered Midwest.  Worst of all, the women of the world are sterile.  Humanity is going extinct.
    Tess tries as hard as she can not to feel.  Her goals are to survive and work.  These goals change after she meets James, a Chosen One who shares her love of reading and music.  The more her relationship with James develops, the deeper she becomes involved in a movement to resist the oppressive West Government.  Will Tess escape tyranny?
I loved Tess’s character.  She wasn’t the typical heroine who needed a hero.  She maintained a strong exterior while still flirting with romance with love interest James.  James was a good character, but did not outshine Tess.  He had that charismatic feel about his character.  The book focused on these two, but some of the secondary characters were developed well too.  The plot was unique.  Mass infertility and a dystopic feel will leave the reader fanatically turning the pages.  This book is recommended to young adult/teen readers.

4 Stars
      
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This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Arson by Estevan Vega: Review and Giveaway!

ARSON is the first book in a Young Adult Paranormal series. Book two, ASHES, is also available now.
ARSON GABLE FEELS LIKE A FREAK. HE CAN CREATE FIRE. HE NEVER ASKED FOR IT. HE NEVER WANTED IT. BUT HE CAN'T SHUT IT OFF.
Before now, three things were true: he both loved and despised his grandmother; his life was going nowhere; and he was alone. But when a strange girl--who feels more normal behind a mask than inside her own skin--moves in next door, Arson hopes to find something he's never had: purpose. After years of living in fear, he will be forced to confront his haunting past and embrace the unknown as he walks the fine line between boy and monster. Edgy, realistic, and breathtaking, Arson, the chilling chronicle of an isolated teenager with unimaginable ability, is set to ignite the hearts and minds of a new generation.

Goodreads Summary

This was a bit of an odd story in that the reader learns about the plot and characters as the book continues and knows little to nothing right away.  Arson and Emery are more or less the main characters.  The author does not delve into their pasts right away, the book is written in the here and now.  Arson and Emery do not have the easiest of lives, but they make do.  Their characters engage in a bit of a romance during the novel.  Arson is a very sympathetic character.  When he has a "dark" thought, he can create fire...but can he control it?  The reader will learn more about why he has such strong feelings of guilt and hate, his character is more than interesting enough to keep the reader turning the pages.  Emery struck me as really weird at first.  She wears a mask...all the time.  There isn't too much I can say about Emery without giving away a few key points, but her character development is phenomenal.  The other characters are not necessarily the most likable of characters, but it's great when the author can make any secondary character memorable-and these characters are certainly memorable.

The plot was a little confusing at times, but the reader can usually straighten him/herself out eventually.  At first, I found the initial chapters hard to understand and care about, but once I read through the fourth chapter, the book was impossible to put down.  It was really hard to wait to see what would happen between certain characters-Arson and his grandmother, for instance (very weird/hate-filled relationship there).   Arson covers realistic problems and situations, making the book easier to relate to.  The cliff-hanger will have the reader dying for the sequel.  This book is recommended to teens/young adults. 

4 Stars
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This product or book may have been distributed for review, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Spotlight Giveaway by Author Rebecca Royce

Friday, July 27, 2012



Giveaway:  Rebecca will be awarding a $50 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour and a digital copy of Initiation: The Warrior Book 1 to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.  One randomly drawn host will win a $50 Amazon GC.  Please comment with your email for your chance to win!


Summary:

Rachel Clancy has been through a lot. She’s been sent to fight vampires, lost two boyfriends—one to a vampire and one because of his daddy issues—and now she is trying to lead a secret revolution that could change Genesis, her home, forever. Her confidence is shot, her hands are shaking, and she hasn’t felt a real emotion, except for anger, in a long time.
But Rachel should never be counted out. She sees things others can’t, even if her ideas are considered downright traitorous. There is an important life for Rachel to lead in the world, even if its filed with vampires and werewolves instead of romance and flowers. Rachel has always had to fight, she’s good at it, and the evil that has stalked her hasn’t forgotten her name.




Find the author at: www.rebeccaroyce.com

As a teenager, Rebecca Royce would hide in her room to read her favorite romance novels when she was supposed to be doing her homework. She hopes, these days, that her parents think it was well worth it.

Rebecca is the mother of three adorable boys and is fortunate to be married to her best friend. They live in northern New Jersey and try not to freeze too badly during the winter months.

She's in love with science fiction, fantasy, and the paranormal and tries to use all of these elements in her writing. She's been told she's a little bloodthirsty so she hopes that when you read her work you'll enjoy the action packed ride that always ends in romance. Rebecca loves to write series because she loves to see characters develop over time and it always makes her happy to see her favorite characters make guest appearances in other books.

In Rebecca Royce's world anything is possible, anything can happen, and you should suspect that it will.

Gift That Lasts

Ever been in that awkward position where you just don't know what to buy for a present?  This situation happened to me yesterday, actually.  My sister is impossible to shop for so I decided to get her a restaurant gift card.  On Gift Card Planet, there are numerous cards and places to choose from.  There are over 500,000 stores in Australia that the gift card may be used at. They also make terrific gifts for family or friends that don't live close enough for a gift drop-off.  When you're not one hundred percent sure you can find the perfect gift, it's hard to go wrong with a gift card. 

Gift Card Planet has a little more to offer than the typical gift card site.  The buyer can make his/her own gift card.  All you need to do is choose your own photo and enter a message.  It's easy to activate the gift card and check the balance.  How awesome would it be to give someone a personalized gift card?  If you're not creative (like me) or don't have a picture on hand, then you can choose from a myriad of available pictures from Holidays to specific age groups. 

If you're looking to give a gift card to an employee, you might want to go the more professional route.  Gift Card Planet offers corporate gift cards appropriate for the person and the job.  These gift cards can be made with a specific business design.  You can choose to add more to the gift cards based on a reward system-an interesting incentive. 

Next time you're not sure what to get someone, try a gift card, he/she is almost certain to enjoy it!






This product or book may have been distributed for review or I may have received compensation, this in no way affects my opinions or reviews.

Beyond Cover Reveal!

Thursday, July 26, 2012
Torn between the past she can't remember and a future she isn’t ready for, Claudia feels at a loss. With unanswered questions, she is certain there is more to her past than just being a venator. Finding the missing pieces in her life won’t be easy because duty calls. When mysterious dark shadows get released, an apocalypse sets in motion. The venators and the alkins must work together once again. Knowing Claudia would be the key to destroying the demons that were released, a familiar stranger appears to protect her. Drawn to the beautiful angel, Claudia finds she must unravel the mysteries of her past in order to help save the world. Who is the angel assisting her and why does she feel a strong connection to him? Time is running out. Will she discover all the secrets before it’s too late?

Summary


Teaser:

Michael took her to Island of Eden. They stood on the cliff. Claudia was completely engulfed in his wings, unable to feel the breeze. She felt a sense of warmth and comfort she hadn’t felt since she woke up from the accident. Though she was with a stranger, she remained unafraid. The cut healed quickly, and she knew the reason why the stranger nicked her.
Claudia ran her hand delicately up and down the soft, silk like feathers, allowing the light to peer though the layers. It all seemed familiar to her, like she had done this before. She was captivated and the feeling of rapture consumed her.  She didn’t want him to let go as her back was to him.
It took every ounce of will power to hold Michael back from showing himself. What did it matter anyway? She wouldn’t recognize him, but being alone with her and being this close for comfort, drove him mad. His hands just a touch away, wanting to lace his fingers through her hair and place his lips on hers, to take her in. Every second lost they could have been together.  
“Claudia,” he sang her name softly, like a sorrowful melody, hardly audible, but she heard.
“How do you know my name?” she asked. “You know me, don’t you?”

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Overview of Dark Isle



When evil begets evil, a choice is forced on Quinn, the one person who can see
the danger. Does she save the ones she loves, or does she save the world from
Chaos?



As the realms of Fae and human collide, Quinn's future has never
looked so grim, or so damn impossible.



Genre- Urban Fantasy

Overview of Enemy in Blue


 The streets aren't safe when your enemy wears a blue uniform and a gold
badge.

What if the good guys weren't good?

What if a cop went
rogue and killed an innocent man?


What if it was all caught on video and the cop would do anything to
cover it up?


Chase this lawless cop through the streets and to a
scintillating series of showdowns with Cruz Marquez, a young attorney trying to
nail down his enemy in blue.
Will justice be served?

Genre- Thriller







Overview of Land of the Noonday Sun



When two strangers have nothing left but their dreams,
they must forge a relationship in Nantahala, North Carolina, a small town known
as Land of the Noonday Sun.



A man with a
traumatic past is able to turn his life around and is happy with his chosen
career as a whitewater guide. Everything changes though when fate hurls a woman
into his path. His carefree life is in turmoil, and his former weaknesses
threaten to overtake him. Will he be strong enough when tragedy strikes and is
once again in danger of losing everything he loves?
Genre- Contemporary Romance





Overview of This Time Forever



Delaney Brannigan and Blake Morrisson
met at the Cedar Cove annual costume dance, known only to each other as the
leopard and the cowboy--but, as Delaney soon discovers, the cowboy she'd
thought had ridden off into the sunset never to tempt her again, is none other
than the man she came from New York to find and discredit. Against her will,
Delaney is drawn deeper and deeper into an overwhelming attraction to Blake--an
attraction she can't give in to if she wants to keep the one thing she values
more than anything else.
Genre- Contemporary Romance




Overview of Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula



Fourteen-year-old Cassidy Jones wakes up the morning after a minor
accident in the laboratory of a world-renowned geneticist to discover that her
body has undergone some bizarre physical changes. Her senses, strength, and speed
have been radically enhanced.





Lives are put at risk when they find themselves embroiled in a dangerous,
action-packed adventure. Soon they are forced to confront a maniacal villain
willing to do anything - including murder - to reach his own ambitious goals.



Genre- YA/MG Superhero



Overview of Gray Justice


Gray Justice is the fast-paced debut
thriller from Alan McDermott. When a killer walks free from court, the victim's
father sees just two options: accept the judge's decision; or take on the
entire British justice system. Tom Gray chooses the latter and his crusade
attracts instant worldwide media coverage. It was just what Tom was hoping for,
but it brought him a lot more than he bargained for.



Gray Justice is much more than a simple tale of revenge: it's a rollercoaster
ride with an ending you'll never forget!
Genre- Thriller

Overview of Gone at Zero Hundred 00:00


"Their lives are in the hands of two 18-year-olds..."

A Prominent P.I. is
gunned down - killed by a sniper - and it’s broadcasted on live TV.

Now,
her daughter, along with her childhood pal, are thrust into a complex and
riveting thriller forced to take on a secret club whose members call themselves
The Privileged Ones.

Murder. Teen abductions and illegal underground
parties.

They’re chased by men in ski-masks, nearly gunned down by
members of a cartel, and the only way to bring down this criminal enterprise; is
to crash a Mardi Gras bash and stop their private cruise ship from sailing off
into the sunset.



 



Overview of Allegiance



Who do YOU pledge allegiance to?


After exposing one of the most notorious rings of police corruption in history,
lawyer Cruz Marquez planned on starting a new life south of the border. That
plan unraveled when an extremist group of Minutemen captured and tortured him
and his wife.




Will Cruz pledge allegiance to do right, or will he do anything
to serve up revenge?


Genre- Thriller





Overview of Curbchek Reload



Curbchek-Reload is a dark account of the streets as they were worked by
Zach Fortier, a dangerously deranged cop. Welcome back to the inner city and
the twisted mentality of Zach Fortier. Patrolling the streets, broken and
mentally damaged from years of urban violence, Zach fights a losing battle to
maintain a hold on reality. Join him in the passenger seat of a police cruiser
for more of the darker and meaner side of life: The inner city. In
Curbchek-Reload you get a front row seat to an attempted murder of a cop,
suicide attempts, rapes, and DARK cop humor. Curbchek-Reload - Fasten your
bullet proof vest and buckle your seatbelt, it is gonna be a wild ride!


Genre- Police Procedural 


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All winners will be notified via email July 28th 2012. For a list of winners contact onedaybookpush@yahoo.ca