Wednesday, July 31, 2013

|| Amazon Ebook Sales ||


 
Of Poseidon (The Syrena Legacy) by Anna Banks $2.99


Darkness Of Light (Darkness Series) by Stacey Marie Brown $0.99


Paris Love Match by Nigel Blackwell $0.99


Runes (Paranormal Romance, YA) by Ednah Walters $1.50

[Price subject to change without warning. 
Please, please check price before you push 'buy']

Waiting on Wednesday (12)



"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, created by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm waiting on: 



The Chaos of Stars by Kiersten White

Isadora’s family is seriously screwed up.

Of course, as the human daughter of Egyptian gods, that pretty much comes with the territory. She’s also stuck with parents who barely notice her, and a house full of relatives who can’t be bothered to remember her name. After all, they are going to be around forever—and she’s a mere mortal.

Isadora’s sick of living a life where she’s only worthy of a passing glance, and when she has the chance to move to San Diego with her brother, she jumps on it. But Isadora’s quickly finding that a “normal” life comes with plenty of its own epic complications—and that there’s no such thing as a clean break when it comes to family. Much as she wants to leave her past behind, she can’t shake the ominous dreams that foretell destruction for her entire family. When it turns out there may be truth in her nightmares, Isadora has to decide whether she can abandon her divine heritage after all. (Blurb via Goodreads)
Expected publication: September 10, 2013
What are you waiting on?

Summer Giveaway Hop 2013




This hop is hosted by I Am A Reader and Bookhounds
There are over 100 blogs participating and each has their own entry rules and geographic limits, so be sure to read the rules for each one. This hop runs from August 1st to August 7th
My prize:

1 Kindle ebook of Fallen Too Far by Abby Glines or Just For Now by Abby Glines



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Fine print:  
One winner will choose one e-book
Must be able to receive a kindle e-book  
Enter via Rafflecopter
Winner will be contacted via e-mail and will have 72 hours to claim their prize
Must 18 years old or have parental permission

Be sure to hop along! Each of these blogs will be hosting a giveaway as part of the hop. The linky will be accurate on Thursday morning.  This is a Blog Hop!

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Teaser Tuesday (12)


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read(s)
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) -- or more -- “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!)
 "Mari looked up occasionally, but she was glued to her iPad, probably reading submissions about monsters that fall in love with humans and the dangers of having a deadly, immortal boyfriend. I didn't know how those girls managed - I could barely handle a few flirty innuendos from a nonmonster who wasn't out to kill me."
page 190, The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler
"Either fate had conjured the poster boy of all my fantasies and deposited him on my doorstep or I was dreaming.
I closed my eyes tight and then opened them again.
He was still there, the only thing missing was a bow or a note with my name pinned to his forehead."
page 8, Runes by Ednah Walters
 

Monday, July 29, 2013

{Minute YA Review} This is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith

{Minute YA Review} This is What Happy Looks Like by Jennifer E. Smith
If fate sent you an email, would you answer?

When teenage movie star Graham Larkin accidentally sends small town girl Ellie O'Neill an email about his pet pig, the two seventeen-year-olds strike up a witty and unforgettable correspondence, discussing everything under the sun, except for their names or backgrounds.

Then Graham finds out that Ellie's Maine hometown is the perfect location for his latest film, and he decides to take their relationship from online to in-person. But can a star as famous as Graham really start a relationship with an ordinary girl like Ellie? And why does Ellie want to avoid the media's spotlight at all costs? (Blurb via Goodreads)


{Details} Hardcover, 416 pages. Published April 2nd 2013 by Poppy. Source: library

{Rating} 4/5

{Minute Review} I loved Smith's The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight and though TIWHLL isn't quite as full of awesome, this story is sweet and the characters are flawed and endearing. I liked the e-mail flirtation between Graham and Ellie, how they were honest in a way they never would have been if they'd met face to face. I did think the story was somewhat predictable and there was -- spoiler alert -- another crappy father figure, I still enjoyed this summer love story.


It's Monday! What are you reading?




It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a meme from Book Journey where we spotlight what we finished reading, are currently reading and plan to read next.

{Finished Reading}
 

{Currently Reading}
 


{What I'm Going to Read Next}


What about you? What have you read lately? What's next on your list?

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Stacking the Shelves (11)

 Stacking The Shelves, a weekly meme from Tynga's Reviews, where I write, and squee, about the books I've added to my physical and virtual shelves, what I've read, and what I'm planning to read

  • Soulless by Gail Carriger
  • Go Fetch by Shelly Laurenston
  • Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep
  • Firelight by Sophie Jordan
  • The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler
  • Marrying Cade by Sally Clements
  • Prank Wars by Stephanie Fowers
  • Officer Off Limits by Tessa Bailey
  • Scandal By The Ton by Virginia Henley
  • Beneath a Rising Moon by Keri Arthur
  • Biting Nixie by Mary Hughes
  • Runes by Ednah Walters
  • Let the Sky Fall by Shannon Messenger
  • Rock Me: Crazy by Arabella Quinn



Officer Off Limits by Tessa Bailey

Dirty Little Secret by Jennifer Echols
*Book image property of Microsoft

New feature/category? Maybe. We'll see.

I read many more books than I review. I don't have anything to say about some books, other books I pretend I didn't read because I hated them. The majority of the books I read I only have a few words to say, maybe a few sentences and for those I'm going to do super short reviews. I need a clever name though. Hmm.

Minute reviews.

Min-ute [min-it] as a noun "an indefinitely short space of time" via dictionary.reference.com and mi-nute [mahy-noot] as an adjective "extremely small".

Friday, July 26, 2013

{Romance Review} Officer Off Limits (Line of Duty #3) by Tessa Bailey

{Romance Review} Officer Off Limits (Line of Duty #3) by Tessa Bailey


His need to possess her is non-negotiable.

Story Brooks’ fiancé just called off their wedding two weeks before the happy day. As if that isn't bad enough, her semi-estranged father, an infamous NYPD hostage negotiator, has suffered a heart attack. Not wanting to examine her lack of emotion over the broken engagement, she hops on a plane to reconnect with her father before it’s too late.

Playboy hostage negotiator Daniel Chase has never, not once, been refused by a woman, so when a debate over hospital snack foods with a delectable kindergarten teacher ends in flat-out rejection, he makes it his mission to seduce her. His only obstacle? She’s the daughter of his mentor who implicitly forbade Daniel from pursuing her.

Despite her father’s warnings and Daniel’s troubled past, Daniel and Story can’t resist their intense attraction to one another. But when the reason for her fiancé’s abrupt wedding cancellation comes to light, can Story and Daniel's already forbidden relationship survive? (Blurb via Goodreads)

{Details} ebook, 250 pages, Published June 10th 2013 by Entangled: Braze. Source: Amazon

{Rating} 4/5

{Review} An oh so likable tale of two people who aren't looking for love but find it anyway.

Story is rediscovering herself. She had lost herself in being the perfect doctor's fiance and all it got her was dumped. After getting news of her estranged father's heart attack she heads to NYC and she meets Daniel. Daniel who gets under her skin. Daniel who makes her want things she doesn't think she should. Daniel who can do mind blowing things in 60 seconds.

I adored Daniel. Scarred. Scared. Sexy. Adorable. He's totally out of his depth when it comes to Story. He likes Story. He actually likes her and he has no idea what to do about it.

The banter between Daniel and Story was clever and amusing. Daniel is arrogant and Story can stand up to him, serving back witty quips.
"You know, I could have sworn you were going to pick the trail mix."
"Oh, yeah? Why is that?"
"Because you're both full of shit."
location 184
 and
"If I do decide to go out by myself at night, what are you going to do about it? Put an APB out on me?" She did her best imitation of a man. "Yeah, officers, be on the lookout for a fully grown adult female out past eight o'clock. She's gone rogue."
location 605
As you can see Story doesn't take any crap from Daniel. I laughed out loud at their interactions and antics. And their chemistry? The chemistry between the two is hot and the love scenes are steamy.

Brent and Hayden are great secondary characters, they are likeable and entertaining and I hope to see their story or stories soon.

The writing was fresh, fast paced and never lagged. At times it seemed a bit obvious and predictable but I was still happy to be along for the ride. I was sad when the story came to an end and I will definitely be keeping my eyes out for more of Tessa Bailey's work.




Wednesday, July 24, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday (11)



"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, created by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

This week I'm waiting on: 


Where the Stars Still Shine by Trish Doller
Stolen as a child from her large and loving family, and on the run with her mom for more than ten years, Callie has only the barest idea of what normal life might be like. She's never had a home, never gone to school, and has gotten most of her meals from laundromat vending machines. Her dreams are haunted by memories she’d like to forget completely. But when Callie’s mom is finally arrested for kidnapping her, and Callie’s real dad whisks her back to what would have been her life, in a small town in Florida, Callie must find a way to leave the past behind. She must learn to be part of a family. And she must believe that love--even with someone who seems an improbable choice--is more than just a possibility. (Blurb via Goodreads)
Expected publication: September 24, 2013
What are you waiting on?

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Teaser Tuesday (11)


Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
• Grab your current read(s)
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) -- or more -- “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!)
"What choice have I got? Die at the hand of some mullet-headed freak, or at least get a shot at having a normal life some day by taking a crazy hiatus to help a friend save his world from utter destruction? Sure, why not?" Sarcasm was the only tone I could muster."
"When she had gone, Thorne let out a low whistle. "I know, I know. She seems a little" - crossing his eyes, he swirled both fingers around his ears - "But it's really part of her charm, once you get to know her."
 
"Elissa grinned back at her, suddenly warm with a flicker of something familiar, something she'd always taken for granted until she'd had to do without it."

Monday, July 22, 2013

{YA Review} Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer

{YA Review} Scarlet (The Lunar Chronicles #2) by Marissa Meyer



The fates of Cinder and Scarlet collide as a Lunar threat spreads across the Earth...

Cinder, the cyborg mechanic, returns in the second thrilling installment of the bestselling Lunar Chronicles. She's trying to break out of prison—even though if she succeeds, she'll be the Commonwealth's most wanted fugitive.

Halfway around the world, Scarlet Benoit's grandmother is missing. It turns out there are many things Scarlet doesn't know about her grandmother or the grave danger she has lived in her whole life. When Scarlet encounters Wolf, a street fighter who may have information as to her grandmother's whereabouts, she is loath to trust this stranger, but is inexplicably drawn to him, and he to her. As Scarlet and Wolf unravel one mystery, they encounter another when they meet Cinder. Now, all of them must stay one step ahead of the vicious Lunar Queen Levana, who will do anything for the handsome Prince Kai to become her husband, her king, her prisoner. (Blurb via Goodreads)
{Details} Hardcover, 454 pages. Published February 5th 2013 by Feiwel and Friend. Source: library

{Rating} 4/5

{Review} If you haven't read Cinder be warned there are some spoilers ahead. Still here? Good. Let's talk about Scarlet.

In Cinder we had Cinderella, in Scarlet we have Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf. I liked the twist Meyer put on the Little Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf fairytale. Scarlet is a great heroine, strong, independent, driven. Wolf is a complicated character. He's got layers. He's a street fighter who has never tasted tomatoes, who says unbelievably sweet things, who has secrets.

When we see Cinder again she's still in jail, dealing with the revelations about her past, her destiny, knowing her time is limited unless she escapes. Of course she does, there are two more books after all, and she picks up a new comrade, Captain Thorne. I thought the addition of Captain Thorne was fantastic, he's so unlike any of the other characters, bringing a sense of humor and irreverence. He's exactly what we need when the tale turns dark.

As Cinder searches for answers we find out a bit more about her, her past, her abilities, who she can be. When Cinder's path collides with Scarlet and Wolf it's time for her to make a choice, to decide who she's going to be.

We also continue to follow Kai. Ugh. Kai loses the 'charming' moniker here. He's less charming and more idiot. I wanted to knock him upside the head and tell him to grow a backbone. Or a brain. Well, both really. He'd better redeem himself sometime soon.

There are three separate groups and the alternating focuses annoyed me at times. I found myself wanting to hurry through them to find out what happened in the other storylines, but mostly that's just me being impatient and unable to handle suspense.

And now here's the part I whine about the 4 books over 4 years publishing schedule. Cress doesn't come out until February 2014. That's 6+ months. And then we have to wait again. Winter doesn't come out for another YEAR after that. Seriously. If I didn't like this world so much I'd be furious instead of just impatient.


And because I can't resist, some mushy Wolf quotes: (be warned again, spoilers ahead)
"I think I realized that I would rather die because I betrayed them, than live because I betrayed you." (Meyer, 444)

"I know. We met less than a week ago and in that time I've done nothing but lie and cheat and betray you. I know. But if you give me a chance ... all I want is to protect you. To be near you. For as long as I'm able." (Meyer, 446)

It’s Monday! What Are You Reading?





It’s Monday! What Are You Reading? is a meme from Book Journey where we spotlight what we finished reading, are currently reading and plan to read next.

{Finished Reading}
 


{Currently Reading}
 


{What I'm Going to Read Next}


What about you? What have you read lately? What's next on your list?

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Stacking the Shelves (10)

 Stacking The Shelves, a weekly meme from Tynga's Reviews, where I write, and squee, about the books I've added to my physical and virtual shelves, what I've read, and what I'm planning to read

  • Linked by Imogen Howson
  • Empath (Book 1 of the Empath Trilogy) by HK Savage
  • Tortured Soul (Tortured Series) by Julia Laque
  • Sapphire Universe (The Universe Series) by Devon Herrera
  • Markings by S.B. Roozenboom
  • Change (Kitsune) by Melissa Stevens
  • Veiled Eyes (Lake People) by C.L. Bevill
  • Morning Star (Ethos) by Desiree Finkbeiner
  • To Have and To Cody by Debora Geary
  • Body and Soul (Body and Soul Trilogy) by Jamie Loeak
  • Blood Warrior (The Alexa Montgomery Saga) by H.D. Gordon
  • Broken at Love (Whitman University) by Lyla Payne



To Have and To Code by Debora Geary

Frigid by J Lynn
Catching Liam by Sophia Bleu
Runes by Ednah Walters


Legend by Marie Lu

*Book image property of Microsoft

{Free Audiobook} Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers at Sync

{Free Audiobook} Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers at Sync through July 24, 2013

In the fifteenth-century kingdom of Brittany, Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where she learns that the god of Death has blessed her with dangerous gifts.
 Download here!



Saturday, July 20, 2013

{YA Review} Cinder by Marissa Meyer

{YA Review} Cinder (Lunar Chronicles #1) by Marissa Meyer


Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl.

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.
(Blurb via Goodreads)
{Details} Hardcover, 1st Edition, 387 pages. Published January 3rd 2012 by Feiwel & Friends. Source: library

{Rating} 4/5

{Review} When Cinder first came out in January of 2012 I saw bloggers going ga-ga over it and now that I've read it I definitely agree, it has lived up to all the hype. Meyer has written a clever series, it's original while being one of the best known fairytales.

It's also awesome. Cinderella is a cyborg. And then it gets even weirder. Read it to find out the weirder, that's a major spoiler. Cinder is a great heroine, she's strong, smart, loyal, selfless, kind. I wanted to be friends with her, I wanted to give her a hug, I wanted to follow her on her quest.

And because this is Cinderella (but better because Cinderella is a cyborg!) there's a Prince Charming, Prince Kai. The 'charming' element is debatable at several points but he's a good guy. A good but imperfect guy. Even when I wasn't too happy with his choices I empathized with Prince Kai, he's trying to do the best, weighing his needs against the needs of the rest of the world. He saw the Cinder no one else saw. He saw past the grease and the grime and her job as a mechanic to see the girl beneath.

It's an absorbing tale. There are moments of humor, of fairytale love, of family and moments of heartbreak, of loss and grief and the devastating truth.

The Lunar Chronicles is a four book series, yay because I love the world and the characters, but over four years? Really? We have to wait that long? That's torture. The only advantage of being so late to jump on the bandwagon is that Scarlet has already been published. I managed to wait a whole week before diving into that one. Now if only it was February 2014 when Cress comes out.


Wednesday, July 17, 2013

|| Amazon Ebook Sale || Frigid by J Lynn

|| Amazon Ebook Sale || Frigid by J Lynn  $0.99 on 7/17
For twenty-one-year-old Sydney, being in love with Kyler isn't anything new. They'd been best friends ever since he pushed her down on the playground and she made him eat a mud pie. Somewhere over the years, she fell for him and fell hard. The big problem with that? Kyler puts the 'man' in man-whore. He's never stayed with a girl longer than a few nights, and with it being their last year in college, Syd doesn't want to risk their friendship by declaring her love. Kyler has always put Syd on a pedestal that was too high for him to reach. To him, she's perfect and she's everything. But the feelings he has for her, he's always hidden away or focused on any other female. After all, Kyler will always be the poor boy from the wrong side of tracks, and Syd will always be the one girl he can never have. But when they're stranded together at a posh ski resort due to a massive Nor'easter, there's nothing stopping their red-hot feelings for each other from coming to the surface. Can their friendship survive the attraction? Better yet, can they survive at all? Because as the snow falls, someone is stalking them, and this ski trip may be a life-changer in more ways than one. (Blurb via Amazon)

[Price subject to change without warning. 
Please, please check price before you push 'buy']