Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Tour Stop! Steel Lily by Megan Curd: Review+Giveaway!

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Title: Steel Lily
Author: Megan Curd
Genre: Dystopian
Summary:
AVERY PIKE is a commodity. No, more than a commodity. Her existence is guarded at all costs.


She’s a water Elementalist, the strongest of her dwindling kind. She creates steam to provide energy to fuel Dome Three: the only thing standing between humanity and an earth ravaged by World War III. No steam, no Dome. No Dome, no life.


Or so she thinks.


That is, until a mysterious man offers her a way out of having to donate steam. A way to escape the corrupt government of Dome Three. While the offer seems too good to be true, Avery is intrigued.


But when she arrives to her new home, she realizes the grass isn’t any less dead on this side of the fence. Instead, the lies are just hidden better.


…Which means digging deeper.


When Avery enlists the help of her friends to uncover the truth, it may make her wonder if she was better off being a government tool than searching for freedom.


Some secrets are better left concealed, but humankind was never meant to live in a cage. And when you can control the most sought after resource, you can learn to control anything…including the fate of your world.


Book Links
Buy Links will be sent out on release day when they are available!



BIO: Megan Curd is a graduate of Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minnesota. While having always enjoyed reading any books she could get her hands on, Megan didn’t begin writing until a friend encouraged her to do so while in college.


When not writing, Megan enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She loves to snowboard and travel to new places, and doesn’t turn down the opportunity to play xBox with her brother and friends when it presents itself.


Megan currently resides in Stanton, Kentucky with her husband, son, and Great Dane named Dozer.


LINKS:








EXCERPTS:


#1:
The Polatzi woman’s broad body blocked the view of my intended hallway. Her hands were on her hips, and her piercing gaze felt as if it might actually impale me.
Do they teach that death stare to every Polatzi, or is this woman particularly nasty?
“Avery Pike?”
I jutted my chin in the air. “Who’s asking?”
“You were off the grid last night.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
I pushed past her before she could say more and felt the smooth fabric of her cape slap my legs as I passed. Fiery anger consumed me, but I kept my expression neutral. Damn Polatzi. They gave me nothing but unanswered questions and a lice-ridden bed at an overcapacity orphanage, yet expected me to revere them. Providing steam–being an asset they couldn’t get rid of–gave me immunity to the Polatzi as long as I didn’t do anything stupid.
Like skipping class and going to see Alice during a night of sweeps.
Yeah, that would fall under the category of life-threateningly stupid, which was a couple notches above incredibly stupid.


#2:
I’d never seen anyone like him in Dome Four. His jawbone was strong, his cheekbones set high. His nose was regal and straight and when my gaze reached his eyes, my breath caught. Stormy blue-grey eyes that reminded me of shale returned my gaze with seemingly genuine curiosity, if not a bit of humor. Strips of colored fabric were woven into his dreadlocked hair, giving it a wildly unique appearance that suited him. His smug expression made me realize he was enjoying this.
“Are you finished checking me out? If you’re not, that’s okay; I allow every new woman I meet a free five-minute gawking period. After that, it’ll cost you.”
Blood rushed to my face. I tore my eyes from his magnetic gaze and watched as he took a worn leather strap off his wrist. He pulled back his dreadlocks–deep brown streaked with blonde–into the strap. His devilish grin pulled his eyes tight at the corners. He was trouble incarnate. Trouble I may very well want to get into, given the right circumstances.
“You’re at five minutes and thirty seconds now,” he said in a purr as he leaned in toward me. I felt his breath against my cheek, and my heart raced. “I’m going to start taking payment, and I choose how that payment is issued.”
Before I could respond, Alice stirred groggily beside me. She rubbed her eyes as she sat up. “Where are we?”
“Good question,” piped Jaxon. “One that your friend here failed to ask, but it could have been because I rendered her speechless with my good looks.”
Alice moved to get a better look at him, but he emphatically covered his face, as though he were a vampire trying to block the sun. “Don’t look at me!” he cried, then grinned as he winked at me. “I don’t want to make two ladies swoon in such a short period of time. How would I entertain myself tonight?”
“You’re not that handsome,” I argued mulishly.
“There’s drool on your chin. Either you’re physically unable to keep your mouth shut, or I caused you to forget how. Since when I found you, you were drool free, I’m going with the assumption that it was me.” He fished in his pocket and offered me a piece of white silk. “Here, a handkerchief for your trouble.”


#3:
I was moving double time to keep up with his long strides. He seemed so sure of himself, so in control of his destiny, even in this place, where he claimed we were imprisoned. I didn’t have a shred of doubt that what Jaxon wanted, Jaxon got. He owned his life. I so desperately wanted to own mine as well. Could he help me take control of it, or would he cause it to crash around my feet? For some reason, it felt like either option would be exhilarating if he were involved.
Exhilarating and dangerous.
The back of his shirt was soaked. The small “v” of muscles at the base of his spine flexed as he craned his neck to make sure I was still behind him. Why did that give me butterflies?
He turned and smiled. “Are you even listening to me? You’re way past your ogling allotment.”
“I’m not ogling you.”
“Trust me, I’ve experienced enough ogling to know it when I see it. If you’d prefer to ogle in peace, I’ll turn around again. There have been contests where my ass took first place in squeezability.”
“You must have been the only person in the running.”
He grinned mischievously. “And the only one to vote, but a win is still a win, right?”


#4:
Out of nowhere, his breath ran like warm water over the back of my neck. I closed my eyes for a moment, then forced them back open. No. Not Jaxon. Nothing for Jaxon.
“Now it’s Mr. Pierce, eh?” He put one of his large hands at the small of my back to lead me toward Xander’s office. “I think I’m going backwards.”
“You are backwards, Jaxon.”
He laughed and muscled around me, sliding far too much of his toned body against me as he moved past. His chiseled chest pressed against mine as he leaned in, inches from my mouth. I sucked in a breath to avoid his scent. No dice. It still overpowered me. His smile was evident even in the low light, and I bit my lip to keep from sighing. His hand brushed my cheek, and he ran a finger down the side of my neck, sending shivers through me. “If I were backwards, I’d be Noxaj,” he whispered huskily. “What kind of name is that? It’s not sexy at all.”
“I never said you were sexy,” I whispered as his hands roved through my hair at the base of my neck.
“No, no you didn’t…” His lips were on my neck. His hands worked down my back.
I stood there like a wet noodle, incapable of responding.
Do something! Touch him back! my brain screamed, but my body felt detached. Do something, or he’s going to think you’re on the relationship short bus.
He pulled away to search my eyes, but for what, I didn’t know.
I willed myself to give him something. Anything. An awkward grin, accompanied by a cough was all I could muster. Really, Avery? Seriously? I knew later replays of this moment in my mind, no matter how awful, wouldn’t compare to the actual event.



MY REVIEW:

For me, Steel Lily started kind of slow. But as I kept turning the pages, it got better and better.
I found myself anxious for what was coming next. I was wrapped up in a world that I wanted to know more about. I was intrigued.
I loved the characters. Avery is someone I would want to be like. She's got balls. She's spunky, funny, strong, and smart. I loved reading her story.  Jax, oh my gosh. He was swoon worthy. 
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mix of romance, adventure, suspense, and mystery. It was a great read!


Giveaway:



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Review and Giveaway: CONTAMINATED by Em Garner *closed*


HOORAY! IT'S RELEASE DAY!



Borrowed from Goodreads:
After the Contamination—an epidemic caused by the super-trendy diet drink ThinPro that turned ordinary citizens into violent, uncontrollable creatures—the government rounded up the "Connies" to protect the remaining population. Now, two years later, the rehabilitated are being allowed home, complete with shock collars that will either control, or kill, them.

Velvet Ellis has struggled to care for her ten-year-old sister since her parents were taken in the round up. When she finds her mother in one of the "Kennels," Velvet resolves to do whatever it takes to put her family back together. But the danger isn’t over. It’s beginning all over again…

Gritty and grabbing, Velvet is a harrowing, emotionally charged novel for fans of Carrie Ryan and The Walking Dead.


Let me just start by saying this, zombies have never really been my thing. I'm terrified by just the thought of them. (Also, the  "Connies" aren't really zombies) With that said, I will admit, I LOVED this book. I literally finished it in one sitting.

I have never read anything like it. On one hand, it was scary, mysterious, and nerve wracking. But on the other, it was sweet, loving, and romantic. Not words that I use together often.

I'm just going to put this out there. I want to be like Velvet. She is a total bad ass. But she's also sweet. And kind.  And smart. I loved reading her story.

CONTAMINATED is definitely one of my favorite reads of the year so far. And I hope that you all go out and get it. You will not be disappointed.




And here's the best part....a GIVEAWAY! Em graciously sent me some things to give away! There will be two winners! First prize is a SIGNED copy of CONTAMINATED plus some swag! Second prize will be a swag pack! So, just leave me a comment, and let me know how you feel about zombies! I'll except entries for one week! Also, please leave me a way to contact you if you win!





Em's Website!
Find Em on Twitter!
Em's Facebook!

Friday, June 14, 2013

CANARY by Rachele Alpine TRAILER REVEAL!

Hey guys!
Who can't wait to read CANARY by Rachele Alpine? THIS GIRL!
Today, I have a treat for you. The CANARY TRAILER REVEAL!
I hope you all love it as much as I do!
Without further adieu, here it is!








Also! Rachele's giving away an annotated ARC of CANARY
You can find that giveaway here! Good Luck!

Monday, June 10, 2013

Book Spotlight: The Georgia Corbins by Kara Leigh Miller






Title: The Georgia Corbins
Author: Kara Leigh Miller
Publisher and Imprint: Entranced Publishing
Genre: YA contemporary romance
Release Date: June 10 2013
Length: 265 pages
Blurb:

Ali Philips never thought anything could be more devastating than the day Levi and Tucker Corbin, her two best friends—her only friends—moved away. Three years passed without a single phone call, text message, or email from them and she’s resolved to the fact that she will probably never see them again. Until one morning when she comes face-to-face with Levi Corbin in physics class. 

Little does she know, the Corbins have returned to Haldeen with only one thing on their minds: winning Ali’s heart. Ali soon finds herself in the middle of a love triangle she doesn’t want any part of. As she tries to reclaim the friendships she’s lost and to adjust to the unfamiliar feelings she’s having, she struggles with making the one decision that will forever change their lives: Levi or Tucker Corbin? 

She’s always had a special bond with Tucker and feels most comfortable when she’s with him. But Levi brings her to life in a way she didn’t think was possible and makes her feel things she didn’t think she would ever feel. Torn between the two, Ali is certain of only one thing–by the time it’s over, she’ll lose one of her best friends.


Check out a sample from Levi's POV:

From Chapter Two: (Levi's POV)
The bell rang and Al was out of the room in a flash. Jimmie Allen and Brody tried to talk to me, but I ignored them and followed Al. It took me a moment to find her in the crowded hallway, but when I did, I didn't waste any time going to her. She was standing at her locker.  
I cautiously approached her. "Got a minute?"
She slammed her locker closed and walked in the opposite direction.
"Al!" I chased after her.
She spun around and faced me. "I'm sorry, do I know you?"
Ouch, that was harsh. "I guess I deserved that."
"Oh, you deserve a heck of a lot more than that, Levi," she said angrily.
"I know I do. Look, Al, I'm real sorry. Can you please let me explain?"
"I've been waiting three years. This had best be good." She clutched her books to her chest and tapped her foot impatiently.
I took a deep, shaky breath. "Dad wouldn't let us visit. He said he didn't want to worry about cleaning up after our trouble making ways."
"And your Momma wouldn't let you use the phone? Or did you just forget how?"
Had she always been this feisty? "I have no excuse for that." I shoved my hands in the pockets of my jeans and stared at the ground. "I'm sorry, Al."
"And what's Tucker's excuse?"
"He doesn't have one either."
"I gotta get to class." She turned her back on me again and proceeded to walk away.
"Ali!"
She stopped cold and just stood there, her head down and her back still to me. I'd never called her Ali before. Had I crossed the line?





Giveaway:
To celebrate the release of The Georgia Corbins, Kara Leigh Miller is giving away exciting prizes. The Grand Prize, which is open to US residents only, includes a signed copy of The Georgia Corbins, The Georgia Corbins hardcover journal and postcards, The Georgia Corbins tote bag, Kara Leigh Miller pens and notebooks, and Legasea bookmarks.

Second and third prizes are an ebook copy of The Georgia Corbins, and one lucky person will win a first chapter critique. International entries are welcome. Good luck! Winners will be announced July 1st! a Rafflecopter giveaway







About the Author:

Born and raised in the small town of Mexico, New York, Kara was an only child who was forced to find ways to entertain herself. Playing make believe with her Barbie dolls and stuffed animals was her first real taste of storytelling before she became old enough to develop a love affair with the written word. In early 2010, Kara picked up her very first erotic romance novel, and she was instantly hooked. She loves to write contemporary romance, erotica, and young adult romance. Currently she has several full-length novels in the works, a series of novellas, and a handful of short stories. Kara is an active member of the CNY Creative Writers Café and the CNY Romance Writers. Today, Kara resides in New Haven, New York with her husband, five kids, and three cats. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s thinking about reading and writing. And when she’s not doing that, she’s spending time with her family and friends.

Author Social Media Links:












Monday, April 15, 2013

Review: Fracture by Megan Miranda





Taken from GoodreadsEleven minutes passed before Delaney Maxwell was pulled from the icy waters of a Maine lake by her best friend Decker Phillips. By then her heart had stopped beating. Her brain had stopped working. She was dead. And yet she somehow defied medical precedent to come back seemingly fine. Everyone wants Delaney to be all right, but she knows she's far from normal. Pulled by strange sensations she can't control or explain, Delaney finds herself drawn to the dying. Is her altered brain now predicting death, or causing it?

Then Delaney meets Troy Varga, who recently emerged from a coma with similar abilities. At first she's reassured to find someone who understands the strangeness of her new existence, but Delaney soon discovers that Troy's motives aren't quite what she thought. Is their gift a miracle, a freak of nature-or something much more frightening?

For fans of best-sellers like Before I Fall and If I Stay, this is a fascinating and heart-rending story about love and friendship and the fine line between life and death. 


My Review: I went into this book not really knowing what to expect. A girl that survives after being under ice for 11 minutes is something I've never even heard of. So, I was intrigued. 

I started reading this book, and after the first few pages, I was hooked. I didn't put it down until I was finished. Not only did I completely enjoy the story, it made me think about my own life. What would it be like to survive something like that? I couldn't even imagine being trapped under ice. I panic just thinking about it. 

The book's main character, Delaney,  is one of my most favorite characters that I've read to date. She's a fighter. She's strong, smart, funny. And, she essentially came back from the dead. I loved reading her story. 
Also among my favorites, Decker, Delaney's best friend. He was so charming and witty. And he stayed by Delaney's side. Which just completely makes me melt. Their story was sweet, and sad at the same time. Every time I thought something was going to happen with them, the story would take a turn. Which as it went on, I found that I liked it this way. It made for better reading.

All in all, I really loved this book. And I can't wait to read more of Megan Miranda's books. 


Also, a big thank you goes out to the girls that run ARCycling! Thank you guys for the amazing opportunity to obtain books that I might not otherwise be able to read!

Friday, March 8, 2013

{Book Blast + Giveaway} Moonset by Scott Tracey

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With one month to go until MOONEST hits the shelves, we want to make sure you are all ready for it. Be sure to add MOONSET to your TBR piles, and don’t forget to check out the giveaway below for $25.00 gift cards to iTunes and B&N!

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Moonset Legacy of Moonset #1 Author: Scott Tracey
Release Date: April 8th 2013
Publisher: Flux
Justin Daggett, his trouble-making sister, and their three orphan-witch friends have gotten themselves kicked out of high school. Again. Now they’ve ended up in Carrow Mills, New York, the town where their parents—members of the terrorist witch organization known as Moonset—began their evil experiments with the dark arts one generation ago.
When the siblings are accused of unleashing black magic on the town, Justin fights to prove their innocence. But tracking down the true culprit leads him to a terrifying discovery about Moonset’s past . . . and its deadly future
PRE-ORDER NOW FOR ONLY $5.55 AMAZON | B&N

THE GIVEAWAY
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The Prizes! 1- $25.00 Barnes & Noble Gift Card
1- $25.00 iTunes Gift Card
Open Internationally
Gift Card to be delivered Electronically
a Rafflecopter giveaway

THE AUTHOR
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Scott Tracey is a YA author who lived on a Greyhound for a month, wrote his illustrated autobiography at the age of six, and barely survived Catholic school (and definitely not for the reasons you might think).
He is the author of WITCH EYES, chosen as one of Amazon’s Best LGBT Books of 2011, as well as an ALA Popular Paperback in the Forbidden Romance category.  The final book in the WITCH EYES trilogy, PHANTOM EYES, will be released in the fall of 2013.
He is also the author of MOONSET, a new series which will be released April 8, 2013, as well as a contributor to the SHADOWHUNTERS & DOWNWORLDERS anthology, edited by Cassandra Clare.
His career highlights include: accidentally tripping a panic alarm which led to nearly being shot by the police; attacked in a drive-thru window by a woman wielding a baked potato, and once moving cross country for a job only to quit on the second day.
His gifts can be used for good or evil, but rather than picking a side, he strives for BOTH (in alternating capacity) for his own amusement.
STALK SCOTT
TWITTER | FACEBOOK | TUMBLR

Monday, February 18, 2013

Review: UNRAVEL ME by Tahereh Mafi



tick
tick
tick
tick
tick
it's almost
time for war.
Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.
She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.
Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.
In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life.


So, I would just like to start by saying, this review is going to be all sorts of insane. I apologize in advance.

To be quite honest, I don't even know where to start. My brain is currently mush.
This book was amazing on so many levels. I started reading around 8pm, and by midnight, I was finished. My body was completely drained. SO. MANY. FEELS.

Let's start with Juliette, shall we? In Shatter Me, I felt kind of bad for her. But during the first few chapters of UNRAVEL ME, I became quite annoyed with her. I'm not too fond of girls who sit around and sort of wallow in their own self pity. I was like, okay Juliette, I get it. Things kind of suck right now. But wake up and smell the coffee! Get off of your backside and FIGHT! And boy, did she! By the end of the book, I was so incredibly proud of her. She had gone through so much, and she was so much stronger for it. I can't really go into many details, because I don't want to be spoilery, but wow. She was amazing.

Adam and Warner. HOLY MOTHER OF GOODNESS. Like, what?! Did I read that correctly?!
They were both shining stars in this book. I went into it thinking that maybe I'd just stick with Team Adam. But, whoa. I am now and forever Team Warner. He was amazing. We got to see a side to him that we never have before, and I was eating it up. 

And I can't forget Kenji. I love him! He lent some much needed comic relief to some pretty intense scenes. And he's so charming. 

I'm just going to put this out there. UNRAVEL ME is, by far, the BEST book I have ever read. And that speaks volumes. I've read tons of books. But nothing compares. It had absolutely EVERYTHING I want in a book. Romance, Guns, Love, Fighting, Humor, Chapter 62, Mystery...I could go on and on. 

The only other thing I can say is...Please read this book. Please.




Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Review: Hysteria by Megan Miranda




Mallory killed her boyfriend, Brian. She can't remember the details of that night but everyone knows it was self-defense, so she isn't charged. But Mallory still feels Brian's presence in her life. Is it all in her head? Or is it something more? In desperate need of a fresh start, Mallory is sent to Monroe, a fancy prep school where no one knows her . . . or anything about her past.But the feeling follows her, as do her secrets. Then, one of her new classmates turns up dead. As suspicion falls on Mallory, she must find a way to remember the details of both deadly nights so she can prove her innocence-to herself and others. In another riveting tale of life and death, Megan Miranda's masterful storytelling brings readers along for a ride to the edge of sanity and back again.


This book really took me by surprise. I went into it thinking it would be something I might enjoy a bit, but I never expected to like it as much as I did. 
The story kept me guessing all the way to the end. Miranda was right on with the mystery aspect of the story. I was so confused, but I liked it. I kept trying to come up with my own answers, but I was always way off. Most mysteries are so predictable, so it was quite refreshing.

And I would just like to talk about the amazing boy in this book. Reid was wonderful. I loved how understanding he was with Mallory. He never doubted her, and he was always trying to protect her. It was so sweet.

All in all, this book is now one of my favorites. If you love a good mystery, you should definitely give it a try. And if you don't like mysteries, try it anyway! :)

Saturday, January 26, 2013

Review: SHATTER ME by Tahereh Mafi


Blurb: Juliette hasn’t touched anyone in exactly 264 days.

The last time she did, it was an accident, but The Reestablishment locked her up for murder. No one knows why Juliette’s touch is fatal. As long as she doesn't hurt anyone else, no one really cares. The world is too busy crumbling to pieces to pay attention to a 17-year-old girl. Diseases are destroying the population, food is hard to find, birds don’t fly anymore, and the clouds are the wrong color.

The Reestablishment said their way was the only way to fix things, so they threw Juliette in a cell. Now so many people are dead that the survivors are whispering war– and The Reestablishment has changed its mind. Maybe Juliette is more than a tortured soul stuffed into a poisonous body. Maybe she’s exactly what they need right now.

Juliette has to make a choice: Be a weapon. Or be a warrior. (taken from Goodreads)


Let me just start by saying, I LOVED this book! So many feels!

I finished this book within a matter of hours. Once I started, I just could not put it down.
Tahereh Mafi has a brilliant gift when it comes to storytelling. She pulls you in and doesn't let you go.

The story is unlike anything I have read before. Most books start out slowly, and pick up the pace as the pages go by. With SHATTER ME, it started high and stayed there. Romance, intrigue, suspense, mystery....this book has it all and more.
 I cannot say enough good things about it. Just please, read it. You will not be disappointed.
And look for book #2, UNRAVEL ME, being released February 5, 2013!