Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Release Blitz feat Giveaway:
The Weight of Life by Whitney Barbetti!!!


Mila


“Don’t let go.” Those were my first words to him, as I hung over the side of a London bridge. The words I would soon say again, in a moment that didn’t involve bridges, but something much more fragile: my heart.

He held onto me for three weeks, in a time when I needed to be held. Needed to connect to someone who understood how loss tunneled unrepentantly through the fabric of your soul.

Although he said he'd stay, we both knew he wouldn't. I had already survived one loss—I didn't know if I'd survive another. 

Ames

She spun into my life like a tornado of smiles and chatter and everything else I'd long avoided, with a persistence that I admired, albeit begrudgingly. She broke down each neat wall I’d constructed without even trying. Her presence alone caused me to remember what it felt like to smile, to look forward to what the day would bring.

But it was only supposed to last three weeks.

“Don’t let go,” she’d pleaded.

I’d promised her I wouldn’t—but I would. I didn't have a choice.
I like nachos and champagne and clean sheets. I spend far too much time at Starbucks. I wrote a couple books

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Blog Tour Review + Giveaway - WHY I LOATHE STERLING LANE by Ingrid Paulson


Publisher: Entangled Teen
Published: June 6, 2017
Genre: YA Contemporary
Source: E-ARC

Rating: 3 Stars

GOODREADS


Blurb:
Per her 537 rules, Harper Campbell keeps her life tidy—academically and socially. But the moment Sterling Lane transfers into her tiny boarding school, her twin brother gets swept up in Sterling’s pranks and schemes and nearly gets expelled. Harper knows it’s Sterling’s fault, and to protect her brother, she vows to take him down. As she exposes his endless school violations, he keeps striking back, framing her for his own infractions. Worst of all, he’s charmed the administration into thinking he’s harmless, and only Harper sees him for the troublemaker he absolutely is. 

As she breaks rule after precious rule in her battle of wits against Sterling and tension between them hits a boiling point, she’s horrified to discover that perhaps the two of them aren’t so different. And maybe she doesn't entirely hate him after all. Teaming up with Sterling to save her brother might be the only way to keep from breaking the most important rule—protecting Cole.


Review:

This is a great example as to why you should never give up on a book. For the first few chapters, all I wanted to do was quit. The main character, Harper, was the most annoying characters I've had the pleasure of reading in a long time. In the end, my view completely changed of her and I see why the author made her so unlikeable in the beginning. It was such great character development. Sterling was pretty cool, I'll admit and I enjoyed seeing him ruffle up Harper's feathers. 

I always love the twin concept in books and life in general. Harper is a twin and other half of her brother, Cole. Who I might add, has gotten himself into some deep crap. It's up to Harper, of course, to save him. The love that Harper has for her brother was probably my favorite part of the whole book. You could tell how much she wanted to help and save him, even when he didn't want her to. Aside from me thinking she was annoying, she's actually pretty clever, quirky, and at times we were able to see her vulnerable side. I always like seeing all the ways a character can show us the good, the bad, and the ugly. 

By the last page, I thought it was a nice, sweet YA romance. If you're looking for something sweet and light by not too heavy, this is the perfect read. 

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


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About the Author:
Ingrid Paulson does not, in fact, loathe anyone. Although the snarky sense of humor and verbal barbs in Why I Loathe Sterling Lane might suggest otherwise (and shock those who think they know her best).
Ingrid lives in San Francisco with her husband and children and enjoys long-distance running, eavesdropping, and watching science documentaries. She has always loved books and writing short stories, but was surprised one day to discover the story she was working on wasn’t so short any more. Valkyrie Rising, a paranormal girl power story was Ingrid’s first novel. Expect another humorous contemporary romance to join the list soon.

You can visit Ingrid on the web at www.ingridepaulson.com/.


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Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Review: THE IMPOSSIBLE VASTNESS OF US by Samantha Young


Publisher: Harlequin TEEN
Pub.Date: June 27,2017
Genre: YA Contemporary
Source: Print ARC
Rating: 5


Blurb:
I know how to watch my back. I’m the only one that ever has.

India Maxwell hasn’t just moved across the country—she’s plummeted to the bottom rung of the social ladder. It’s taken years to cover the mess of her home life with a veneer of popularity. Now she’s living in one of Boston’s wealthiest neighborhoods with her mom’s fiancé and his daughter, Eloise. Thanks to her soon-to-be stepsister’s clique of friends, including Eloise’s gorgeous, arrogant boyfriend Finn, India feels like the one thing she hoped never to be seen as again: trash.

But India’s not alone in struggling to control the secrets of her past. Eloise and Finn, the school’s golden couple, aren’t all they seem to be. In fact, everyone’s life is infinitely more complex than it first appears. And as India grows closer to Finn and befriends Eloise, threatening the facades that hold them together, what’s left are truths that are brutal, beautiful, and big enough to change them forever…

Review:
I knew from the moment I saw this book on Goodreads, that I would love it. Don't ask me how I knew, I just did. I finished the story a few minutes ago and I think I more than loved it. India, Finn, and Eloise have broken me in the best way possible. Ahhh, I just want to scream from the rooftops how much I adored the crap out of the book! It's left me on such a high and reminded me on why I love reading so damn much. The Impossible Vastness of Us was such a beautiful story about three very lost kids, who find the courage to be free. And while that may not make sense to you, it will once you've been able to read it for yourself. 

India's life gets turned upside down when her mother springs that she's getting married and they're moving across the country into Boston's high society. India has no choice but to leave behind her safe and comfortable life, to live with a man she doesn't know and his daughter, Eloise. I'll admit, I was very iffy about Elle when we first get introduced to her. She's beautiful and cold. When India arrives in Boston, she's most certainly not welcomed in with open arms. Then there's Eloise's boyfriend, Finn, whose equally as cold and standoffish. 

Secrets start coming out and the three become connected in a wonderful, beautiful way. There were so many times when I couldn't help but shed some tears. I felt that deeply connected to India, Eloise, and Finn's story. Young has written such a profound and uplifting novel and I hope that if you're reading my review, that you take a chance and pick it up! It has romance but most of all it comes with such a great message. One that I think you need to discover for yourself. I'm happy to say that I don't think the story will be leaving me anytime soon. In fact, I hope it doesn't. 


"Things change us, things will always change us, but who you are, that thing inside you that determines your choices, controls your actions, your reactions, it's still yours."

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About the Author:
Samantha Young is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author from Stirlingshire, Scotland. She's been nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award 2012 for Best Author and Best Romance for her international bestseller ON DUBLIN STREET, Best Romance 2014 for BEFORE JAMAICA LANE, and Best Romance 2015 for HERO. ON DUBLIN STREET is Samantha's first adult contemporary romance series and has sold in thirty countries. Samantha's YA contemporary lit debut THE IMPOSSIBLE VASTNESS OF US releases from Harlequin Teen June 2017.

Visit http://authorsamanthayoung.com for more information.
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Sunday, June 25, 2017

Blog Tour Review - WORDS ON BATHROOM WALLS by Julie Walton


Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Published: July 4, 2017
Genre: YA Contemporary
Source: E-ARC
Rating: 4.5 Stars

GOODREADS


Blurb:

Fans of More Happy Than Not, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and It’s Kind of a Funny Story will cheer for Adam as he struggles with schizophrenia in this brilliantly honest and unexpectedly funny debut.

Adam has just been diagnosed with schizophrenia. He sees and hears people who aren’t there: Rebecca, a beautiful girl who understands him; the Mob Boss, who harasses him; and Jason, the naked guy who’s unfailingly polite. It should be easy to separate the real from the not real, but Adam can't.

Still, there’s hope. As Adam starts fresh at a new school, he begins a drug trial that helps him ignore his visions. Suddenly everything seems possible, even love. When he meets Maya, a fiercely intelligent girl, he desperately wants to be the great guy that she thinks he is. But then the miracle drug begins to fail, and Adam will do anything to keep Maya from discovering his secret.


Review:

I knew going into this, that the book would hit me hard. A lot of people in today's society don't like talking about mental health; although, I do believe that it's getting better and better as the years go on. Schizophrenia is one so complex and interesting. And I say that not trying to be offensive at all. I remember one year when I took college psychology, my professor told us a story about a man he was treating for schizophrenia. The man's brother was the one taking care of him and the brother would wake in the middle of the night to find the young man missing. He would then find him in an abandoned field fighting like he was in the avengers - saving us from the evil. And that's exactly what it was. He had a vision that demons would be coming to invade our world. Now the whole point of my story is my professor and the response he had for his patient. When the young man was explaining to him what was happening, my professor looked at him and said, "I believe you". And the look at the patient's face was something he couldn't explain; it was such deep relief and elation, that someone believed him. It touched me deeply and I never ever forgot that story. 

Adam has struggled with schizophrenia and all the symptoms that manifests with it. Such as seeing things and people that aren't really there. He's the test subject for a new drug to help with the hallucinations. And for a while there, it's working. Adam can actually have a normal life and not have to worry about jumping at things that aren't actually there. He meets Maya, and she's perfect. Everything is perfect, until it isn't. The drugs start having a negative effect and Adam will do anything to keep Maya in the dark. 

The book starts off with Adam explains his illness to his therapist, who allows him to write in a journal instead of talking. I immediately liked Adam; he's funny, tries to keep a positive attitude, and he's a character I could see myself being friends with. Overall, I think it's one of the better YA novels about
mental health. Also, Adam is a totally Harry Potter nerd. That right there means he must be awesome! Now I leave you with the wise words of Dumbledore himself. 

“Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on earth should that mean that it is not real?”

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

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Friday, June 23, 2017

Review - GONE TO DUST (Gravediggers #2) by Liliana Hart


Publisher: Pocket Books
Published: June 20,2017
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Source: Print ARC


Rating: 3 Stars


Blurb:
The Gravediggers aren’t exactly what they seem. They’re the most elite of the world’s fighting forces—and all they have in common is that they’ve been betrayed by the countries they’ve died for. Because they are dead. To their country, their military, and their families.

Sometimes the dead do rise....

Miller Darling is one of the most popular romance novelists of her time. Not bad for a woman who doesn’t believe in romance. She’s as logical as they come, and she doesn’t believe in happily-ever-afters. What she does believe in is family, so when her brother disappears, she doesn’t think twice about packing her bag and her laptop and heading out to find him.

Elias Cole lived and breathed the life of a Navy SEAL. Now he’s “dead” and his hero’s honor tarnished. The only thing keeping him sane are the men who are like him—The Gravediggers—and the woman who makes his head spin. He’s never met anyone like Miller Darling. Her smart mouth and quick wit keep him on his toes, and damned if he doesn’t find that appealing.

When Miller receives a package from the brother who abandoned her asking for help, it’s clear she’s in over her head with the mess he’s gotten himself into. She needs a professional, and Elias is just the man for the job. Only her brother is a former SEAL—the man who left his team to die—and Elias is more interested in vengeance than saving his life.

Review:
I liked that better than I thought I would. And let me tell you, Elias is HOT. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about him and Miller of course. Which brings me to Miller, I liked her unique name. She was a riot and it was nice being in her head where her inner dialogue was interesting, to say the least. Miller is a novelist and Elias is a gravedigger. He's the perfect type of broody!

The two are thrown together when Miller's brother turns up missing. To make it a tad bit awkward, the two aren't exactly happy to work together since Elias left Miller high and dry. So to speak. If you ask me, that's about as rude as you can get, leaving someone wanting...more. But the dialogue and interaction between them was well worth it. 

If you haven't read this series yet, I suggest you do. They are a fast and quick read. One that will keep you reading until the very end. It's highly entertaining and it has some major swoon moments that you're unlikely to forget anytime soon! I'm more than excited to get the next book to read!

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

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About the Author:
Liliana Hart spent five years teaching music in the public education system. She molded America’s youth, busted kids for smoking pot in the restrooms, and broke up illicit affairs behind the stage on a regular basis. (Liliana’s Addison Holmes Mystery Series, about a small town teacher who gets into a whole lot of trouble, is somewhat autobiographical, but she won’t confess to which parts).

Liliana began reading romance novels with all her new found free time, and when she ran out of things to read, she decided to write her own novels. The result was a 150,000 word thriller—a dazzling adventure—where the heroine was a thirty-year-old virgin assassin (Yes, you read that right). She couldn’t imagine why people weren’t knocking down her door to read it, but she persevered and began writing a second book. She finally got the hang of things, and eventually learned that losing one’s virginity wasn’t all that romantic after all. All of her books involve some kind of suspense (she just can't help herself), laughter, and a lot of steamy sex. 

Since the failure of her first attempt, Liliana’s books have won awards such as: The Daphne Du Maurier, The Suzannah, The Linda Howard Award of Excellence, The Maggie, and many others. Her affiliations include Romance Writers of America and Mystery Writers of America. 

Liliana loves to cook, and is addicted to reading, Internet Boggle, kickboxing, and Bones. She lives in a big, rambling house in Texas with a couple of cats to keep her company. She loves to get emails from readers.

Enjoy the Adventures!
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Tuesday, June 20, 2017

Book Blitz + Giveaway for Kristen Ashley!


THE GAMBLE by Kristen Ashley (June 20, 2017; Forever Trade Paperback; $9.99)
SWEET DREAMS by Kristen Ashley (June 20, 2017; Forever Trade Paperback; $9.99)
LADY LUCK by Kristen Ashley (June 20, 2017; Forever Trade Paperback; $9.99)

ANNOUNCING THREE BEAUTIFUL NEW TRADE PAPERBACK EDITIONS FROM THE COLORADO MOUNTAIN SERIES!

THE GAMBLE
Life isn't meant to be perfect. It's meant to be lived . . .

Nina Sheridan thought she'd found the perfect man who would become the perfect husband. She was wrong. When Nina realizes the man she planned to grow old with doesn't know her at all, it's time to rethink her idea of perfect. And what better place to get her life in order than a remote Colorado mountain town halfway around the world?

Gnaw Bone, Colorado, may not be flashy or cosmopolitan, but it's got a brand of hospitality all its own. Nina isn't entirely sure she's ready to trade the life she thought she wanted in England for cozy evenings in her mountain retreat, and she definitely isn't sure she's ready to handle the connection she feels to the owner of her rental house, Max Holden . . .

Nina didn't come to Colorado to find love, but even the best-laid plans can go awry. Now, if Nina can let go of her past, Max-and a future in Gnaw Bone-might just be the perfect second chance she's been waiting for.

Buy the Book!
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2qbOF44
IndieBound: http://bit.ly/2raSZ28

Add The Gamble to your shelf on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2ptNSwR


SWEET DREAMS
When you lose everything, anything is possible.

Lauren Grahame needs a whole new life. A simpler life. After leaving her cheating husband, she moves to Carnal, Colorado, takes a job as a waitress, and realizes she might have finally found the hometown she'd been searching for. Except things are about to get a lot more complicated . . .

Lauren's fresh start does not include her growing feelings for her boss, Tate Jackson. She'll take the new friends, the new job, not to mention the incredible banana bread from the local coffee shop, but love is not on the agenda.

However, the people of Carnal know chemistry when they see it, and they're not about to let Tate and Lauren miss their chance.



Buy the Book!
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2pGOESz
IndieBound: http://bit.ly/2qb20Ky

Add Sweet Dreams to your shelf on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2ptNlLd


LADY LUCK
All you need is a little luck.

Lexie Berry has had nothing but bad luck. You name it, Lexie has probably survived it-or worse. But there's only so much bad luck a girl can take, and now one promise is all that stands between her and a brand-new life.

When that promise brings her to Carnal, Colorado, Lexie isn't sure the rough, yet strangely charming, town is for her. But there's something Carnal has that might just make staying around worth it . . . and that's Ty Walker.

For five years, Ty was imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit. Now he wants revenge on the people who framed him. Lexie knows there's a difference between vengeance and justice, and she'll do everything she can to make sure Ty gets the latter. And with the good people of Carnal on their side, Lexie and Ty might finally find their luck is changing for the better.



Buy the Book!
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2r9wr13
IndieBound: http://bit.ly/2qbXAmt

Add Lady Luck to your shelf on Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2qBpB8d


About the Author
Kristen Ashley grew up in Brownsburg, Indiana, and has lived in Denver, Colorado, and the West Country of England. Thus she has been blessed to have friends and family around the globe. Her posse is loopy (to say the least) but loopy is good when you want to write.

Kristen was raised in a house with a large and multigenerational family. They lived on a very small farm in a small town in the heartland, and Kristen grew up listening to the strains of Glenn MillerThe Everly BrothersREO Speedwagon, and Whitesnake.

Needless to say, growing up in a house full of music and love was a good way to grow up.

And as she keeps growing up, it keeps getting better.

Social Media Links


Giveaway
Enter to win 1 of 5 sets of The Gamble, Sweet Dreams, and Lady Luckhttp://bit.ly/2r26Avw
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Monday, June 19, 2017

Blog Tour Review - QUEST OF THE UNCHARTED LANDS (World of Solace, #3) by Jaleigh Johnson


Publisher: Random House
Published: June 13, 2017
Genre: Middle Grade
Source: Print ARC
Rating: 

Blurb:
From the acclaimed author of the New York Times bestseller The Mark of the Dragonfly comes another magical and thrilling story that takes readers on an exciting new adventure.

Stella Glass dreams of exploring worlds beyond her home of Solace, but when her famous parents are sent on a historic mission to the Uncharted Lands, it's simply too dangerous for her to join them. By order of the king, she is left behind.

Missing out on the excitement is one thing, but Stella is devastated at the thought of her parents flying into the unknown. So she takes matters into her own hands. Instead of staying with family as planned, she steals away and--right before takeoff--sneaks aboard the airship.

But Stella isn't the only stowaway. In the cargo bay is a boy who is also desperate to get to the Uncharted Lands. And someone else who's determined to keep the ship from making it there at all. . . .

Review:
Ms. Johnson doesn't fail to impress in the third installment in the World of Solace series. From the very beginning I just knew I was going to love this book. (Probably even more than the first two.) I was write about loving the book and how it's my favorite book of the series. Stella and Cyrus are a riot. Not only are they smart and resourceful, they're fun. Readers of all ages, these books are a MUST READ. 

The story starts with Stella setting up a diversion in order to sneak up on the ship her parents are on. It's there she meets a strange yet interesting boy. Together the two set their paths to an unforgettable adventure to the uncharted lands. The place where Cyrus is from and the the only place he needs to get back to. 

I finished the book one full sitting because I didn't want to put it down. I can't wait for readers and parents alike to read this amazing book. What more could you want from a book? It has a quirky and fun friendship between two kids who are, at first, strangers; a thrilling adventure, and the most lovable characters you could ever imagine. No kidding, who could want more? Side note for those that are parents, I really think this would be a perfect book to bond with your children with. Not only is it fun but it could help jump start reading for them! 

(All the books so far are standalone novels but it's so much better to read them from the beginning!)

*Thank you to the publisher for providing a copy for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. 
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Photo: Mark Jones

About the Author:

Jaleigh Johnson is a fantasy novelist living and writing in the wilds of the Midwest.  Her middle grade debut novel The Mark of the Dragonfly is a New York Times bestseller, was chosen for the ABA 2014 Spring Indie Next list, and was named one of Amazon’s Top 20 Children’s Books of 2014.  Her other books in the Solace series from Delacorte Press include The Secrets of Solace and the forthcoming The Quest to the Uncharted Lands.  She has also written several novels and short stories for the Dungeons and Dragons Forgotten Realms fiction line published by Wizards of the Coast.  Johnson is an avid gamer and lifelong geek, and in her spare time she also enjoys traveling, reading, baking, and going to movies with her husband.  Visit her online at www.jaleighjohnson.com or follow her on Twitter @JaleighJohnson.  
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