Thursday, January 31, 2013

{Cover Reveal + Giveaway} Found (The Crescent Chronicles, #3) by Alyssa Rose Ivy


 

Title: Found (The Crescent Chronicles, # 3)
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy
Expected release date:  Summer 2013
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Age Group: New Adult
Cover Designer: Once Upon a Time Covers; http://www.onceuponatimecovers.com/
Cover reveal organized by: AToMR Tours
 

Summary
 
Levi might be hot, strong, and have a cool set of wings, but it's not enough to make up for keeping Allie in the dark.
 Allie's tired of being left with more questions than answers. She's tired of loving a guy who refuses to level with her.  Most of all, she's tired of her life spinning out of control.
 Desperate to save Jess no matter the personal cost, Allie has to face the possibility that the only one she can trust is herself.
 
 
 
Alyssa Rose Ivy
 
 
Alyssa Rose Ivy is a Young Adult and New Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.
 
Author Links:

 
I just love the cover, I mean how can a lady not *swoon*. I think I must go find my boyfriend now ;) haha.
 
Anyways, now comes another awesome giveaway from this author!
 
Woohoo!
 
The winner will get a coupon code in their email from the author. Allow several days in case we need to clarify anything with winners and time for the author to email everyone

 
 
 
Good Luck Everybody!
 
Cheers!
 
 

Review: Wake (Watersong #1) by Amanda Hocking


 
 
Wake (Watersong #1) by Amamnda Hocking
Publication Date: August 7th 2012
Genre: YA Paranormal
Pages: 309
 
 
Summary
 
Fall under the spell of Wake—the first book in an achingly beautiful new series by celebrated author Amanda Hocking—and lose yourself to the Watersong.

Gorgeous. Fearless. Dangerous. They're the kind of girls you envy; the kind of girls you want to hate. Strangers in town for the summer, Penn, Lexi and Thea have caught everyone's attention—but it’s Gemma who’s attracted theirs. She’s the one they’ve chosen to be part of their group.

Gemma seems to have it all—she’s carefree, pretty, and falling in love with Alex, the boy next door. He’s always been just a friend, but this summer they’ve taken their relationship to the next level, and now there’s no going back. Then one night, Gemma’s ordinary life changes forever. She’s taking a late night swim under the stars when she finds Penn, Lexi and Thea partying on the cove. They invite her to join them, and the next morning she wakes up on the beach feeling groggy and sick, knowing something is different.

Suddenly Gemma is stronger, faster, and more beautiful than ever. But her new powers come with a terrifying price. And as she uncovers the truth, she’s is forced to choose between staying with those she loves—or entering a new world brimming with dark hungers and unimaginable secrets.
 
 
This has got to be Ms. Hocking’s best series out there to date! :D I pretty much devoured this book, just like a certain group devours men ;).
For one, I was seriously hypnotized by this book. The moment I started to read it I couldn’t put it down, I didn’t want to put it down. And when I had to I just looked longingly at it. It is that good people! >_<
Everything about it felt smooth- the story telling, the character development, and even the romances. No insta-love or love triangles her people, woohoo! And for once, both parents are in the picture! Yes, the mother has some brain injuries but other than that, she is alive and healthy. The father is present and very worried about his girls if one goes missing, so another bonus for Ms. Hocking there. She pretty much stayed away from the paranormal formula that we are used to and I loved that, making this an even more enjoyable read.
Second, I loved the surprise where she used Greek Mythology for the background of the Sirens! I love Greek mythology so this was another bonus and I had a blast learning some more of it. The two blooming romances, my oh my, I just couldn’t get enough of them. Here are a few favorite quotes of mine of the two- first is with Gemma & Alex, then the next one is with Harper & Daniel! *squeal* <3
Gemma lay there for a minute, staring up at the stars while Alex squirmed in embarrassment next to her. She didn’t say anything at first, because she wasn’t sure what to say or what to make of his random admission.
“Did you…you just called me pretty,” Gemma said finally, her tone questioning.
“Yeah, I didn’t…” Alex sat up, as if trying to put some distance between them. “I don’t know why I said that. It just slipped out.”
“It just slipped out?”
&
“You really do hate me, don't you? I mean, destroying someone's ice-cream cone? That's vicious."
Her cheeks reddened. "I didn't see you there. Honestly." She wiped at his shirt more frantically, as if she could prevent it from staining if she rubbed hard enough.
"Oh, now I see your plan, and it's far more devious than I thought." Daniel smirked. "You were looking for an excuse to grope me.”
Ugh, don’t you just love those? I know I do and Amanda did wonderful at making these two romances feel real and they were paced amazingly. Felt like my own growing relationship with my man. Especially where Alex slipped saying Gemma was pretty. Made me remember when my man slipped saying he loved me! I hold that memory so dear to me and I was ecstatic when it came forth while reading that scene.
Overall if you’re a fan of sirens, beautiful writing, Amanda hocking, and for page turners then this book is for you! If you want real blooming relationships, a world that feels real, and laugh out loud moments then this book is also for you!
Really, just get the darn book! I promise you won’t regret it!
 
 
 


Here's a link for some bonus's for the book- Amanda Hocking's Blog
 
Trust me, you'll love that link too!
 
Happy Reading Everyboy!
 
Cheers!
 



{Book Blitz + Giveaway + Excerpt} The Crescent Chronicles by Alyssa Rose Ivy


 
 
 
 
 
 
Flight (The Crescent Chronicles #1) by Alyssa Rose Ivy
                      Publication Date: August 16th 2012                    
Genre: YA Paranormal
Pages: 268
 

Summary
 

Sometimes you just have to take flight.

A summer in New Orleans is exactly what Allie needs before starting college. Accepting her dad’s invitation to work at his hotel offers an escape from her ex-boyfriend and the chance to spend the summer with her best friend. Meeting a guy is the last thing on her mind—until she sees Levi.

Unable to resist the infuriating yet alluring Levi, Allie finds herself at the center of a supernatural society and forced to decide between following the path she has always trusted or saving a city that might just save her.
 
 
 
 
Focus (The Crescent Chronicles #2) by Alyssa Rose Ivy
Publication date: January 31st, 2013
Genre: NA Paranormal
 
Summary
 
Freshman year of college is hard even when you're not tied to the future king of a supernatural society.

Allie dives into college head first with Hailey as her roommate and the city of New Orleans as her backyard. As things within The Society heat up, Allie realizes that whether she’s with Levi or not, she's in far too deep to turn back.
 
 
 




 

 
Alyssa Rose Ivy is a Young Adult and New Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.


 
~Flight Excerpt~
We walked through the French Quarter slowly, and I tried to take it all in. The music, the crowds, and the atmosphere still felt surreal. Music spilled out of the endless bars and clubs. 
“Wow, are those people seriously dressed up as vampires?” I asked, looking in at a dark bar on the corner. Inside I watched a man and woman holding up a chalice and smiling with fangs showing.
Levi laughed. “If you think those people are weird, you’d be freaked out by the real thing.”
“The real thing? Very funny.”
“What, you don’t think vampires are real?”
“No, and I’m glad they aren’t.”
“Why? Do they scare you?” Levi stopped walking, and turned me to look at him.
“Does the thought of blood sucking monsters scare me? Hell yes. Who wouldn’t be scared of that? ”
He laughed again even louder. “Trust me sweetheart, in New Orleans vampires are the least of your worries.”
“What do you mean?” Something about the glint in his eyes made me feel a little uneasy.
Levi’s face turned into a faint smile. “I’m really glad you asked that.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You’ll have to wait and see.”
“Okay, listen, scaring me isn’t a good way to get me interested, so if you have any weird tricks up your sleeve just shelve them.” I wondered if this was the time to tell him I avoided horror movies like the plague.
“No tricks, hon.” Levi pulled his phone out of his pocket and texted a few times.
 I continued my people watching. I’d never seen so many middle-aged people laughing and partying before. It almost felt like the twilight zone.
Levi slipped his phone back in his pocket. “We’re meeting everyone over at Club 360.”
“What’s that?”
“The lounge on the top of the World Trade Center down by the river.”
“Okay, is it a cool view?”
“Yeah, it’s got a good view.” Levi laughed again and I had the distinct impression he was hiding something from me.
“You promise you aren’t luring me into some trap?”
“A trap? No. Let’s just call it a new experience.”
My stomach dropped. What the heck did I get myself into?
 
Now an Awesome Giveaway Open internationally!
Expect your prize the week of February 24th.
 


a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
 
Good luck Everybody!
 
Cheers!
 

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Review: Marked by P.C Cast & Kristin Cast


 
 
Marked (House of Night #1) by P.C Cast & Kristin Cast
Publication Date: May 1st 2007
Genre: YA Paranormal
Pages: 306
 
 
Summary
 
The House of Night series is set in a world very much like our own, except in 16-year-old Zoey Redbird's world, vampyres have always existed. In this first book in the series, Zoey enters the House of Night, a school where, after having undergone the Change, she will train to become an adult vampire -- that is, if she makes it through the Change. Not all of those who are chosen do. 
 
It's tough to begin a new life, away from her parents and friends, and on top of that, Zoey finds she is no average fledgling. She has been Marked as special by the vampyre Goddess, Nyx. But she is not the only fledgling at the House of Night with special powers. When she discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school's most elite club, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look deep within herself for the courage to embrace her destiny--with a little help from her new vampyre friends.
 
 
 
Okay, I may have liked this a lot more when I first started out reading….
….but now, it just feels like most paranormal reads.
First off, sometimes I am okay with “cliché” but that’s only if the story is so good and there is actually shit going on and it distracts you away from the “clichés”. This one sadly did not. Yes, it had its moments at holding me in the story lines but nothing happen till the end! >_<
 
 
So, bottom line. Girl gets turned and now has to go away and learn how to be this new thing. She finds out she’s the best of the best and the mean girl isn’t having it. Totally wannabe teenage drama happens, blah, blah, blah. Main girl has to take down the mean girl but that doesn’t happen cause most of the book she is planning on what to do and about like ¾ in the book some kind of weird shit starts happening but we won’t know what till the next book and then the big shebang happens at the end, hoping to grip you in buying the next book.
There you go! There’s what it all comes down to. I feel like I’m being mean? *shrugs* Oh, well. It’s my honest opinion. Now, I’m not saying it’s horrible. It’s not all that bad. I liked the new twist on how they get turned into vamps. Instead of the usually of being bitten, some creepy vamp comes along, says some shit and points to you, giving you the mark. Interesting, right? I liked the second hand characters, the gay boy (he was a blast and I would love him as a friend myself) the two roommates that act like twins, and Zoey’s roommate was sweet and an understanding person. I pretty much liked everyone but the main girl.
I didn’t even remember her name, I had to pop up to Goodreads to figure it out haha. Now doesn’t that say something? Most times I felt like she was a child. One example, poopie. Yea, she said that instead of poop (sorry for being disgusting) but come on! Be a man and just say poop instead of acting like a two year old!
Overall, it had its moments but I’m not dying to read the second one yet. I’ll probably pick it up when nothing else out of my TBR perks my interest. Wow, this review was fun to write haha. I honestly don’t see what the big deal was about this book. It’s just another option out there and one I see that has run for way too long, just saying.
My opinion, if you are dying for a great vampire book pick up Drink Slay Love or start the Vampire Academy series. Now, those are some kick ass vampire books! :D
 
Happy Reading Everybody!
 
Cheers!
 
 


Dreaming Of Sequels (7)


 
Our feature here is where we talk about sequels we are just dying to have. And you all know that there are many, many out there that we are just craving to have! ^_^
 
So, sequels means any sequels. As long as it's after the first, #1, then it is acceptable haha. Also, we will be doing this every Wednesday!
 
Okay then, here we go!
 
 
 
Lullaby (Watersong, #2)
 
Lullaby (Watersong #2) by Amanda Hocking
Publication Date: November 27th 2012
Genre: YA Paranormal
Pages: 290
 
 
Summary
 
Harper only wanted a safe, normal life. But when her younger sister Gemma runs off with a dangerous clique of beautiful girls, Penn, Thea, and Lexi, everything changes. Vowing to get her sister back no matter what the cost, Harper must face dangers unlike any she's ever experienced. Fortunately, she has Daniel by her side, a gorgeous guy who's devoted to helping her find her sister—and who's immune to the girls' dark powers.

While Harper searches for her sister, Gemma struggles to adjust to her new life. Gemma's powers are growing by the day, and the longer she lives with her new "sisters," the harder it is to resist entering their magical world. It's a realm both dark and beautiful, and where she's plagued by strange hungers and unspeakable needs. Just as she's drifting far away from her old life, Harper and Daniel find her...but no one can deny how much she's changed. All she wants is to return to her family and the mortal world, but how can she do that when she's become something else entirely—and will they still love her once they learn the truth?

Prepare to fall under the spell of Lullaby, the second book in the Watersong series from New York Times bestselling author Amanda Hocking.
 
 
I pretty much devoured Wake! Just like a certain group devours men *wink, wink*. Haha, I'm so lame, anyways, I just couldn't get enough of Ms Hocking's story telling. I was seriously hypnotized by this story and the oh so charming romances. *squeal*  
 
The mythology was fun to read, the romances, the three sisters, and just everything about the book I just couldn't get enough of. So, it's no doubt I am dying to pick this one up! :D
 
That's the sequel I am dreaming of this week, what's your sequel?
 
Happy Reading Everybody!
 
Cheers!
 
 
 
 
 
The Exiled Queen (Seven Realms #2) by Cinda Williams Chima
Publication Date: September 24,2010
Genre: YA Fantasy
Pages: 586
 
Haunted by the loss of his mother and sister, hunted by the powerful Bayar family, Han Alister makes a devil’s bargain with the clans. If they sponsor his schooling at Mystwerk Academy at Oden’s Ford, he will become their magical sell-sword against the power-hungry Wizard Council.

Han and his clan friend Fire Dancer undertake the dangerous journey south through war-torn Arden. Once in Oden’s Ford, it doesn’t take long for the smoldering feud between Han and Micah Bayar to kindle into flame. After several attempts on his life, Han knows he has to find a way to defend himself.

In the magical dream world of Aediion, Han meets the mysterious Crow, a wizard with a long-standing grudge against the Bayars. Crow offers to tutor Han in wizardry in exchange for his help. Han agrees, once again forced into a bargain he hopes he won’t regret.

Meanwhile, Han’s friends Fire Dancer and Cat Tyburn struggle with their own demons. Dancer is determined to become a clan flashcrafter, despite his charmcaster status. Cat carries a load of guilt, as the only survivor of the slaughter of the gangs in Ragmarket and Southbridge.

Resuming her disguise as gently-born Rebecca Morley, Princess Raisa ana’Marianna travels with her friend Amon Byrne and his triple of cadets to Wien House, the military academy at Oden’s Ford. There she hopes she will find both temporary sanctuary from a forced marriage and the education she needs to succeed as the next Gray Wolf queen.

Much of Raisa’s education takes place outside of the classroom. As she mingles with students of all classes from throughout the Seven Realms, she forges the kind of friendships that don’t happen amid the cut-throat politics of the Gray Wolf Court. She also struggles to deal with her attraction to Amon—an attraction he seems determined to discourage.

When Han Alister asks the girl he knows as Rebecca to tutor him, she agrees. The streetlord turned wizard with the complicated past fascinates her, and he makes it clear the interest is mutual. But Han blames Queen Marianna and the Bayars for the loss of his family. As their relationship deepens, Raisa suspects that if Han knew her true identity, he wouldn’t want anything to do with her.
 
Love the author, and am loving the first one. Can't wait to get my hands on this one.
 
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

{Book Blitz + Giveaway} The Voice by Jennifer Anne Davi

~Brought to you by~
 
 
 
 



The Voice by Jennifer Anne Davis
Publication Date: January 29th, 2013
Genre: YA Contemporary
Pages: 288
Goodreads


Summary

During her abduction and assault, Audrey begins to hear a voice. She hopes she’s not going crazy, because after what she’s experienced, that’s the most logical explanation. However, as she begins to listen to the voice, Audrey realizes that someone may be telepathically trying to help her.

Unfortunately, rescue isn’t all she needs. In order to leave behind the constant reminders, she flees to her Aunt Kate’s house in San Diego, and assumes a new identity. It works—until the eighteen-year-old twin boys who live next door threaten to break through the protective walls she’s worked so hard to build.

Between Caleb going out of his way to befriend her and Justin avoiding her at all costs, Audrey doesn’t know if normalcy will ever find her again. But one thing is certain: When a familiar danger resurfaces, it’s the same voice that she turns to—a voice that is not only real, but a lot closer than she realizes.

Gripping and tastefully told, The Voice is a story of healing, trust, and courage.



 
 
 






 
    
Jennifer graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in English and a teaching credential. Afterwards, she married her high school sweetheart, worked as a legal assistant, and taught high school English. Jennifer is currently a full-time writer and mother of three young children. Her days are spent living in imaginary worlds and fueling her own kids’ creativity.
The Voice is her first novel.
Visit Jennifer online at www.JenniferAnneDavis.com
 
Author Links:

 

Interview with Jennifer Anne Davis
 
*Every author has their story about their road to publication. How was your road?
 
Long! I wrote a book and tried to get it published with little success. At the time, I had no idea what I was doing or even what genre I was writing. Then I entered an essay contest and won! My essay was published in a book and this fueled my desire to keep on writing. I realized then that I love to read young adult novels and decided to write the book I wanted to read. I outlined THE VOICE, wrote it in four months, revised it for almost a year, then sent it out to agents and publishers. I had several people interested in the story. I ended up going with a small publishing house that specializes in YA books and I couldn’t be happier!
 
*How did you come up with the idea for THE VOICE?
 
I kept having a reoccurring dream involving a girl that was locked in a cabin. At first I planned to have her guardian angel rescue her but then I realized that there were too many stories involving angels at the time. I liked the idea of telepathy, so I just kept playing around with the story until I had something that worked.
 
*How does it feel like being a debut author?
 
It’s an odd mixture of pure joy and complete and utter fear. I am so excited that my dream of becoming a published author is here! When I saw the advanced reader copy of my book with my picture and name on it, I cried! It was so surreal. But the thought of people reading and judging my work is hard. I really hope people enjoy the story. I’m trying to grow thick skin because I know not everyone will love it, and that’s okay (at least that’s what I keep telling myself). I get butterflies in my stomach just thinking about its release day!!



The Voice

Jennifer Anne Davis

Copyright 2013



Chapter 1

 

Lying in the dark cabin, I tried not to think about the foul smell of body odor mixed with the stench of urine. I tried not to think about how hungry I was, or when I would eat again. About the plastic zip ties cutting into my wrists, or the spider crawling up my arm. I kept trying and failing. There was nothing to do but think.

 
Audrey? he spoke in my mind.

 
“Here,” I replied, still not understanding who or what the voice was, hoping I wasn’t going crazy. Though, after what I had been through, crazy wasn’t too far off. Instead, I focused on what the voice was saying. After weeks of being stuck here, he was the only thing keeping me grounded and giving me hope.

 
I need you to do something for me.

 
He sounded drained. “Are you okay?” I asked.

 
Scream.

 
“What?”

 
I need you to scream as loud as you can. Now, Audrey! Scream!

 
Bill had left the cabin only five minutes earlier, and I was afraid to make any noise. What if he was still outside and heard me? Would he come back in? I was so sore and bruised that I couldn’t handle anymore.

 
Scream! he urged.

 
Finally trusting the voice, I sucked in a deep breath, closed my eyes, and screamed as loud as I could. At first I sounded like a cat that was being strangled, the sound barely audible and grating on my ears. But I kept trying, and the noise transformed into something loud and fierce.

 
Yell the word “help.”

 
“HELP!” My throat was raw, but that didn’t stop me. I took all of my hurt and anger, and used those emotions for the energy needed to sustain the scream.

 
Then a thumping came from the other room—maybe the front door. My body shuddered. Shimmying to the edge of the mattress, I tried to stand, but my legs gave out, and I fell to the rough, wooden floor, landing on my knees. With bound hands, I inched my way to the corner of the room, as far away from the door as possible.

 
Keep screaming!

 
I wanted to curl into a ball and disappear, but I did what the voice said and let out a shrill, loud cry for help. The sound bounced off the walls, echoing.

 
Wood shattered in the other room. I kept yelling, wishing that I had the power to destroy Bill with my scream.

 
The doorknob twisted. Please don’t hurt me again . . . please don’t touch me . . . no more, please. No more.

 
The door exploded open. Instead of Bill, there stood three hunters dressed in camouflage and bright orange vests. One held a shotgun, and another held an axe. I froze in horror. The men looked at one another and then back at me.

 
Audrey, tell them who you are. Your name.

 
“I’m Audrey Marshall. Please help me.”

 
“The kidnapped girl?” the older guy on the right asked. I nodded. “I’m calling 9-1-1. You’re going to be all right now,” he said reassuringly, his cell phone already at his ear.

 
“Thank you,” I whispered to the voice. But he didn’t respond.
 
 
 
 
 
Now an awesome Giveaway!
 
If you are the winner you may to expect your prize the week of February 24th.
 
Good luck to all!
 

 

 
Happy Reading Everybody!
 

Teaser Tuesday (56)


 
 
Teaser Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by MizB from Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
  • Grab your current read.
  • Open to a random page.
  • Share (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, so others can add to their TBR list if they like your teasers.
 
Our Teasers This Week. . .
 
 

Gemma lay there for a minute, staring up at the stars while Alex squirmed in embarrassment next to her. She didn’t say anything at first, because she wasn’t sure what to say or what to make of his random admission.
“Did you…you just called me pretty,” Gemma said finally, her tone questioning.
“Yeah, I didn’t…” Alex sat up, as if trying to put some distance between them. “I don’t know why I said that. It just slipped out.”
“It just slipped out?”
 
-from page 57, Wake
 
 
 
“You really do hate me, don't you? I mean, destroying someone's ice-cream cone? That's vicious."
Her cheeks reddened. "I didn't see you there. Honestly." She wiped at his shirt more frantically, as if she could prevent it from staining if she rubbed hard enough.
"Oh, now I see your plan, and it's far more devious than I thought." Daniel smirked. "You were looking for an excuse to grope me.”
-from page 82, Wake by Amanda Hocking
 
 
 
 

I just freaking adore the romances in Wake! Amanda Hocking did a fabulous job on them and I just love both the forming couples! *swoon* They feel so real and I cannot wait to pick up the second book, Lullaby. These couples are a hoot and they’ll just put a smile on your face! <3
 
 
 

You’re the one, aren’t you? A girl’s voice came from nowhere.

The sound of her jacked with the hair on his neck and sent a slither of cold down his arms. The way she whispered- from inside his ear- made him look around, expecting to see her. Her whisper lingered like soft breath on his skin- something intimate and pure- but no one stood next to him.

 

-from page 13, Indigo Awakening by Jordan Dane
 
 

Indigo Awakening (The Hunted, #1)
 
 
Happy Teasing Everybody!
 
Cheers!
 
 
 
 
Their hoods were pulled foward, obscuring their faces (if they even hed faces), and they wore black leather gloves so there was nothing about them to even suggest they were human. They seemed to glow through the misting rain, smears of light all around them that spoke of sorcery.
 
 
-from page 290, The Demon King