LUCKY 13

Publisher- Anchor Group Publishing

Pub. Date- June 7, 2016

Genre- YA Contemporary

Rating- 3.5

Source- E-book from author 

Goodreads- http://bit.ly/29bY6sM

Blurb:

Most people have a fear of the number thirteen. Be it superstition or otherwise, they believe it to be unlucky. For Madison and Grant, a chance encounter, and the number thirteen, sets in motion a series of events that forever changes their paths.

Madison Thompson: I’m a military brat. I’ve lived in more cities and on more bases than I can count. Friends? I’ve had plenty over the years. But those have come and gone as often has I have. I’m about to be a senior in high school… my fifth high school in the last four years. This time, it’s going to be different. My father says were here to stay. The question is… for how long?

Grant Fisher: One more year. Then, I can leave this town and move on to bigger and better things. Small town life isn't for me. I want to travel the world and live in a city big enough that not everyone knows my name. There are plenty of reasons that I want to leave but only one that makes me want to stay. 

Review:

I'm very up on the fence about this one. On one hand I liked the premise of the story and the characters that came along with it. But on the other hand, things were at times slow, predictable, and unsatisfying. This is supposed to be a sweet book about children who fall in love one summer and then find each other again years later. Then an accident happened that caused Madison to lose weeks of the summer she had spent with Grant. 

Sounds wonderful. It was but there were still a few issues I had. Such as the storyline involving Madison's father. I felt that both parties needed to give in, in some way. I get her father is trying to be good and protect his daughter but we see how well that did. I'm not saying what Madison did was okay, but I think her father needed to lighten the hell up. Literally. 

The love between Madison and Grant was sweet at best and at times I really felt the chemistry. But I just find it so hard to believe a boy would wait that long and never have a girlfriend because he was waiting for be girl he already met. It's just not realistic to me. Could it happen? I'm sure it has. But I still couldn't get on board with the fact that Grant had never even kissed a girl before Madison. 

That's the part that I felt really unsatisfied about. And before you bring out the pitch forks, I get reading isn't always about being realistic. Hell, I read and love paranormal romance! But when it blatantly involves a teenage boy who doesn't act upon certain urges, it's hard for me to believe. 

The story is still very engaging aside from some of the minor issues I had. Would I recommend this? Absolutely! It's
a cute story and I think the majority of readers will like it. I'm just a picky person ha-ha. Overall, if you're looking for something to love or to find a new book boyfriend, I don't think you'll be disappointed. 

*Thank you to the author or providing a copy for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Buy the Book!

Amazon- http://amzn.to/29bXNhH

Amazon UK- http://amzn.to/293Iunq

Know the author!

Rachael Brownell was born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where she currently resides with her boyfriend and son. She is a graduate of Grand Valley State University where she studied Advertising and Public Relations.

When she’s not working, building Lego’s or writing her next book, Rachael enjoys scrapbooking, photography, is learning to golf and is an avid reader.

To be the first to know about where Rachael will be signing, read passages from her upcoming releases and sign up to read ARC copies, make sure you subscribe to her newsletter.

Website

http://authorrachaelbrownell.com/

Twitter

HoldingOn2013

SUMMER DREAMING GIVEAWAY

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June 21st to July 15th

An awesome group of bloggers and authors have joined with me to bring you one fabulous prize!

  One lucky winner will receive… $250 Amazon.com Gift Code or $250 in Paypal Cash   Thanks to these fabulous Sponsors!!

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  Giveaway Details $250 in Paypal Cash or a $250 Amazon.com eGift Card Ends 7/15/16 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use money sent via Paypal. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the authors, bloggers and publishers on the sponsor list. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review Tour- THE GIRL FROM THE SAVOY by Hazel Gaynor

About the Book

Presenting a dazzling new historical novel … The Girl From The Savoy is as sparkling as champagne and as thrilling as the era itself.

‘Sometimes life gives you cotton stockings. Sometimes it gives you a Chanel gown …’

Dolly Lane is a dreamer; a downtrodden maid who longs to dance on the London stage, but her life has been fractured by the Great War. Memories of the soldier she loved, of secret shame and profound loss, by turns pull her back and spur her on to make a better life.

When she finds employment as a chambermaid at London’s grandest hotel, The Savoy, Dolly takes a step closer to the glittering lives of the Bright Young Things who thrive on champagne, jazz and rebellion. Right now, she must exist on the fringes of power, wealth and glamor—she must remain invisible and unimportant.

But her fortunes take an unexpected turn when she responds to a struggling songwriter’s advertisement for a ‘muse’ and finds herself thrust into London’s exhilarating theatre scene and into the lives of celebrated actress, Loretta May, and her brother, Perry. Loretta and Perry may have the life Dolly aspires to, but they too are searching for something.

Now, at the precipice of the life she has and the one she longs for, the girl from The Savoy must make difficult choices: between two men; between two classes, between everything she knows and everything she dreams of. A brighter future is tantalizingly close—but can a girl like Dolly ever truly leave her past behind?

Review- 

In the last year or so, I've gotten into historical fiction like nobody's business. So it was no surprise when I jumped at the chance to read 'The Girl from The Savoy'. A richly written novel about two girls who couldn't be anymore the same as they are different. Dolly wants to make it in the bright lights as a singer, while Loretta has already made it. Both are searching for something the other one has. 

While enjoyed reading about an era that I desperately wished came back, there were times when I felt the story fell just a bit flat. There were times when I just wanted to put the book down because I was bored to tears. But I trudged on...and I'm glad I did. By the end, I ended up enjoying the characters much more than I initially thought. Especially Dolly. 

I liked her story the best because I like the 'rags to riches' storyline and I feel it never gets old. Dolly starts off the book by tragically saying goodbye to her boyfriend as he goes off to war. Meanwhile, she goes to find work as a chambermaid at The Savoy Hotel. By doing this, it brings her that much closer to fulfilling her dreams. 

Overall, I think that the story was one that had heart and soul. Sure, there were some minor hiccups but for the most part it truly was able to catch the charm of the 20s. I look forward to reading more from the author seeing as how she truly has a gift of bringing characters to life.

*Thank you the publisher for providing a finished copy for a honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Purchase Here:

THE GIRL FROM THE SAVOY –https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062403483/the-girl-from-the-savoy

About the Author:

Hazel Gaynor is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of A MEMORY OF VIOLETS and THE GIRL WHO CAME HOME, for which she received the 2015 RNA Historical Novel of the Year award. She was selected by US Library Journal as one of ‘Ten Big Breakout Authors’ for 2015 and her work has been translated into several languages. Hazel is a contributing author to WWI anthology FALL OF POPPIES: Stories of Love and the Great War. As features writer for national Irish writing website writing.ie Hazel has interviewed Philippa Gregory, Sebastian Faulks, Kate Mosse, Jojo Moyes and Cheryl Strayed, among others.

Connect with Sandra Hill

Website - http://www.hazelgaynor.com/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/HazelGaynor

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/hazelgaynorbooks

Goodreads –http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5774172.Hazel_Gaynor

Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/hazelgaynor/

Cover Reveal feat Giveaway:Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas!!!

Title: Punk 57 Genre: New Adult Author: Penelope Douglas Release Date: September 20, 2016

Synopsis:

"We were perfect together. Until we met."

Misha

I can’t help but smile at the words in her letter. She misses me.

In fifth grade, my teacher set us up with pen pals from a different school. Thinking I was a girl, with a name like Misha, the other teacher paired me up with her student, Ryen. My teacher, believing Ryen was a boy like me, agreed.

It didn’t take long for us to figure out the mistake. And in no time at all, we were arguing about everything. The best take-out pizza. Android vs. iPhone. Whether or not Eminem is the greatest rapper ever…

And that was the start. For the next seven years, it was us.

Her letters are always on black paper with silver writing. Sometimes there’s one a week or three in a day, but I need them. She’s the only one who keeps me on track, talks me down, and accepts everything I am.

We only had three rules. No social media, no phone numbers, no pictures. We had a good thing going. Why ruin it?

Until I run across a photo of a girl online. Name’s Ryen, loves Gallo’s pizza, and worships her iPhone. What are the chances?

F*ck it. I need to meet her.

I just don’t expect to hate what I find.

Ryen

He hasn’t written in three months. Something’s wrong. Did he die? Get arrested? Knowing Misha, neither would be a stretch.

Without him around, I’m going crazy. I need to know someone is listening. It’s my own fault. I should've gotten his number or picture or something.

He could be gone forever.

Or right under my nose, and I wouldn’t even know it.

About The Author:

Penelope Douglas is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She dresses for autumn year round, loves anything lemon flavored, and shops at Target almost daily.

Her books include the Fall Away Series (Bully, Until You, Rival, Falling Away, and Aflame), as well as, Corrupt and Misconduct. Please look for Punk 57, coming September 2016 and Next to Never (A Fall Away Novella), coming January 2017.

She lives in Las Vegas with her husband and their daughter.

Follow Her Here: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Instagram, Pinterest

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Cover Reveal feat Giveaway:Hideaway by Penelope Douglas!!!

Title: Hideaway Series: Devil's Night Series Genre: Erotic Suspense Author: Penelope Douglas Release Date: TBD - 2017

Synopsis:

COMING in 2017, HIDEAWAY is the second installment in the Devil's Night Series! If you've read CORRUPT, this is Kai's story.

Banks

You don’t even see me, do you, Kai Mori? No one does.

I’m the kid in the back, the one everyone dismisses, the no-life street punk with dirty finger nails and ripped jeans.

But I’m quiet, and I do my job. I can hang tough and no one does me any favors. I’ve always been on my own.

But then I see you...

Your perfect black suits. Your clean hands. The way you charge into the room, not afraid of the man I work for, and all of a sudden, I feel different.

Like maybe I want to know what you’re like with a woman.

As quickly as the urge comes, though, it disappears. You see, my boss has an agenda. He’s decided to put me in your path, but what he doesn’t realize is, I have plans of my own. A score to settle.

And you won’t know who I really am until it’s too late.

So sit tight. I’m coming to you.

Kai

You’re wrong. I’ve seen you before.

You’re the girl who looks like a fourteen year old boy and pretends everyone around her is public enemy #1. Yeah, I remember you.

Thunder Bay. Devil’s Night. Four years ago.

But the thing was…when your hat fell off that night, you looked nothing like a boy. And when I put my hands on you, you didn’t feel like one, either.

Now, after all this time, you’re in Meridian City, and while I don’t know who you are or want you want, I can’t wait to find out.

So come on. Door’s unlocked.

Just be warned, though…Devil’s Night is coming again, and I’m not alone this time.

My friends like to play, too.

Note from the Author: HIDEAWAY still has no definite release date. Erotic suspense takes longer for me to write, and while I hate to keep anyone waiting, I know you'd rather have a good book than a quick one. Bear with me. Getting this book to you is a priority. xoxo.

Buy Corrupt, Book 1

Amazon / Amazon UK / Amazon CA / Amazon AU / Kobo / Barnes and Noble / IBooks

About The Author:

Penelope Douglas is a New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She dresses for autumn year round, loves anything lemon flavored, and shops at Target almost daily.

Her books include the Fall Away Series (Bully, Until You, Rival, Falling Away, and Aflame), as well as, Corrupt and Misconduct. Please look for Punk 57, coming September 2016 and Next to Never (A Fall Away Novella), coming January 2017.

She lives in Las Vegas with her husband and their daughter.

Follow Her Here: Website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Instagram, Pinterest

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Review- LIARS AND LOSERS LIKE US by Ami Allen-Vath

Publisher: Sky Pony Press

Pub. Date: March 22, 2010

Genre: Realistic YA

Source: Print ARC from Pub

Rating: 3.5

Goodreads- http://bit.ly/22X68It

Blurb:

Keep calm and make it to prom night—without a legit panic attack.

For seventeen-year-old Bree Hughes, it’s easier said than done when gossip, grief, and the opportunity to fail at love are practically high-fiving her in the hallways of Belmont High.

When Bree’s crush, Sean Mills, gives her his phone number, she can’t even leave a voicemail without sounding like a freak. Then she’s asked to be on Prom Court because Maisey Morgan, the school outcast nominated as a joke, declined. She apologizes to Maisey, but it’s too late. After years of torment and an ugly secret shared with their class’s cruel Pageant Queen, Maisey commits suicide. Bree is left with a lot of regret…and a revealing letter with a final request.

With Sean by her side, Bree navigates through her guilt, her parents’ divorce, and all the Prom Court drama. But when a cheating-love-triangle secret hits the fan after a night of sex, drinks, and video games, she’s left with new information about Sean and the class Pageant Queen. Bree must now speak up or stay silent. If she lets fear be her guide, she’ll lose her first love, and head to prom to avenge the death of the school outcast—as a party of one.

Review:

I enjoyed 'Liars and Losers Like Us' mainly because the main character, Bree, was so stinkin' adorable and quirky. The story as a whole was light with the dark showing up; such as a character committing suicide. We know that from the beginning Maisey is bullied and nominated as prom queen as a joke. It's the reason I thought she'd committed suicide but its in fact, much darker than that. And yes, it completely broke me.

Before I get to the much lighter stuff, I want to talk on the topic of suicide a little more. I, myself, have had thoughts that have been unflattering. The moment I had them, I told my mom and the next thing I knew, I went and checked in at a mental health facility. I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. And as it turns out, I was on the wrong medication anyways. I tell you this because it's not a weakness or a burden to let someone know. 

It breaks my heart that anyone feels like they could end the pain by taking themselves completely out of the equation. I get it though, I do. I'm just very lucky I had an amazing support system to have my back. 

Onto the light. On the outside looking in, the book is a cute contemporary romance. Bree is just a normal girl who gets thrust into being a nominee for Prom Queen when Maisey decides to drop out. Even better, Bree's crush, Sean, is talking to her and asking to hang out. The two have hit it off and are on their way to become a couple; much to Bree's joy.

I enjoyed seeing the playful banter and the realistic situations of high school life. I laughed out loud at a few situations and of course shed tears when it all came to an end. I look forward to reading more from the author, I find her writing both fun and serious. If you're looking for a new book to read, consider picking this one up!!

*Thank you so much to the publisher for providing a copy for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

Buy the Book!!

Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1rhDYKs

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/28rrsd5

About the Author-

Ami Allen-Vath was born and mostly raised in Minnesota.

Since college, (SCSU, Hunter College, City College) Ami has performed with Just The Funny improv troupe in Miami, FL. She's also performed in two productions of The Vagina Monologues in Atlanta, GA, the state she met her husband.

She now lives with her family, including their dog Yoda, in New Jersey.

Ami loves great and terrible TV, ice cream, books, and vacations. She loathes cilantro, live birds, and when guys do cartoon impressions.

Her debut novel, LIARS AND LOSERS LIKE US is forthcoming from Sky Pony Press in March of 2016.

*Please note, I do use this account as an author and book page, and to add books I want to read to my TBR list, but I don't rate or review here. But, if you ever have any questions on my personal book recs or tastes, don't be afraid to ask! 

Release Day Blitz- LUCKY BALL by Lisa N. Paul

Title: Lucky Ball
Author: Lisa N. Paul
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Release Date: June 1, 2016

Blurb

It's all in the luck of the ball...

Quirky yet adorable, Wren Jamison couldn't make a good decision if her life depended on it. When poor choices forced Wren to question her judgment, fate—in the shape of a small black ball—stepped in and took over. That orb became her lifeline. Now, years later, every move she makes revolves around her Fortune Ball. Every. Single. Decision.

Kissing Logan Enders isn't a strange twist of fate—the ball tells her to do it. And she does. After all, the ball is never wrong. The sexy song-writing musician needs Wren to put her trust in him—not in the small screen of a children's game. But just like any modern woman, Wren might prefer the dependability of the toy over the uncertainty of a man. So who will win?

All signs point to...

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