Monday, March 31, 2014

{Book Blitz + Giveaway} Uncovering Cobbogoth (Cobbogoth #1) by Hannah L. Clark


Uncovering Cobbogoth (Cobbogoth #1)
Release Date: 05/13/14

Summary from Goodreads:
Norah Lukens needs to uncover the truth about the fabled lost city of Cobbogoth. After her archaeologist uncle’s murder, Norah is asked to translate his old research journal for evidence and discovers that his murder was a cover-up for something far more sinister.

When she turns to neighbor and only friend James Riley for help, she realizes that not only is their bitter-sweet past haunting her every step, but James is keeping dangerous secrets. Can Norah discover what they are before its too late to share her own.




About the Author
Hannah L. Clark is the author of the YA fantasy-adventure "Uncovering Cobbogoth." It is the first book in a planned 7 book series. It will be released by Cedar Fort Publishing on May 13, 2014.
Hannah lives in Pleasant Grove, UT with her husband and son.

Author Links:
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Excerpt



James hadn’t always had the power to break my heart. In the beginning, things had been simpler between us—we were only friends, and having never had a friend before, I was perfectly content just being there for him during Gram’s illness.
But one day, out of the blue, it all changed.
James had asked me to stay with Gram one night toward the end of July. Uncle Jack was on a dig, and James had a shift at the fire station. I was supposed to stay up with her through the night, but around midnight she was sleeping peacefully. I’d decided to lie down for a few minutes in the guest room. I even left the door open so I could hear her if she needed anything, but it turned out that I was more tired than I’d realized.
The light of the morning woke me up. I jolted forward, horrified. The door to the bedroom was closed. Why was the door closed? Had Gram needed me in the night? Or worse, had she passed away with no one there to send her off?
With no other thought than getting to Gram, I ran to the door and flung it open. I had to make sure she was still breathing.
When I stepped out into the hall, I didn’t see the long, knobby bundle sprawled across the threshold.
“What the—?” I tripped, heading for a face-first tumble down the stairs, when hands reached up out of nowhere and caught me by the waist. Before I knew it, I was pulled back into cradling arms.
“Let go!” I struggled to get away.
“Morning to you too, sunshine.” The hall light burst down on me, and I squinted up into a familiar face.
“James?” I panted. “What are you doing here?”
Lowering his arm from the light switch, he shifted in his sleeping bag, stifled a yawn, and grinned at me sleepily. “Well, right now I’m cuddling a gorgeous girl on my lap. Aren’t you gonna thank me for that extremely chivalrous catch?” He rested his chin on my shoulder and playfully batted thick brown eyelashes at me.
I flushed, feeling the panic drain away only to be replaced by something equally unsettling. Knowing it was somehow connected to the way James was holding me close, I struggled to get to my feet again.
“Whoa there! Where ya going?” James groaned. “I was just getting’ comfy.” He tightened his hold on me, and I was forced to stop wriggling.
“I—well, I just—I need to check on Gram.” James’s breath was tickling my neck. I swallowed a mass of butterflies threatening to burst from my stomach. What was happening to me?
“I-I’m so sorry, James.” I managed to scrape my thoughts together. “I totally fell asleep, and I didn’t hear anything in the night. And then—” I shook my head. “Wait. Why are you home?” I finally asked. “I thought you didn’t get off until ten or so.”
“It’s eleven.” James pushed his chocolate-brown curls out of his eyes and reached for his baseball cap, which was resting on a nearby chair. “But don’t worry about it. They let me off early ’cause it was a slow night.” He shrugged. “When I got home, you and Gram were both sleeping, so rather than take you home, I thought I’d just wait ’til morning. I stayed out here in case she woke up.”
“Oh.” His gaze was making me jittery. I glanced down at my hands. “Did she need anything?”
James leaned his head against the wall, watching me with a dreamy sort of half smile. “She slept through the night—first time in weeks. I think you’ve got a magic touch.”
I smiled, a strange warmth spreading through my chest.
“So how’d you sleep?” he asked, returning his arm around me as if it belonged there. Then he reached up and pushed a wispy strand of silver-blonde hair off my face.
My heart went berserk. The confusion mixed with pleasure coursing through me was powerful to the point of painful. “I slept good. Pretty deeply too apparently.”
James didn’t seem to hear; he was busy twisting my hair around his finger. “You know, I don’t think I’ve ever seen your hair down like this. It’s usually in that tight braid,” he mumbled, not meeting my eyes. “Jack’s right. It really does look like vanilla ice cream.”
My throat constricted as I swallowed hard. “Um . . . thanks?”
He grinned and again pushed my hair back from my face. This time, however, he let his palm linger against my cheek, then trail down my neck. It came to rest on my shoulder.
James looked at me with his blue eyes. They were deeper somehow.
And then all of a sudden, the recognition of my feelings floored me. I liked James! He was more than just a friend!
I’d wanted to look away, but I couldn’t. I was trapped in his gaze. I was no match for this new side of James. Up to this point he’d been all friendliness and easygoing comic relief.
“Nor,” he whispered, his own rapid breathing making his voice sound a little strained.
“Hmm?”
“There’s something I need to—”
“Jimmy?” Gram’s weak voice trailed down the hall. “You’re home early?”
He hesitated a moment, his eyes not budging from mine. Then he sighed. “Yeah, Gram. I’ll be there in a sec.”
The moment was gone, and James helped me to my feet. He didn’t say anything more. I was okay with that; I convinced myself that whatever it was wasn’t important. Then I let him lead me down the hall toward Gram’s room. My skin tingled with a strange heat when he placed his hand at the small of my back.

“What are you involved in, James?” I whispered, looking around the Rileys’ guest room and wishing with all my heart that I could have the old James—my James—back.


***GIVEAWAY***
1 $50 Amazon gift card (INT)
a Rafflecopter giveaway


You can also click here to enter to win a print copy from Goodreads!

Book Blitz Organized by:

{Fantasy Review} White Hart (White Hart #1) by Sarah Dalton

{Fantasy Review} White Hart (White Hart #1) by Sarah Dalton

White Hart (White Hart, #1)
Mae never asked to be craft-born. She never wanted that burden.

The realm needs magic again, and the the King of Aegunlund has been waiting for the first craft-born girl to marry his son, Prince Casimir.

In Mae's town of Halts-Walden, the ambitious miller claims his daughter Ellen is craft-born. Mae knows this is a load of hogwash, but she's glad Ellen will have the unfortunate pleasure of becoming queen instead of her. All she has to do is sit back and wait until Casimir and Ellen are married, then she will finally be free of the threat of her fate. But on that day an event so shocking and terrible occurs that Mae finds herself entering the neighbouring cursed forest on a quest she never thought she'd have to follow.

Join Mae as she rides her white stag through the Waerg Woods with a pampered prince at her heels. She's out for revenge and nothing, no one, will get in her way. (Blurb via Goodreads)
Purchase: The Book Depository + Amazon + Barnes & Noble

{Details} ebook, 394 pages. Published March 5th 2014 by Sarah Dalton. Source: Netgalley/author in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Sarah Dalton.

{Rating} 4/5 -- I really liked it!

{Review}
"When you live on the edge of a cursed forest, you do a lot of staring into the dark." (page 1, line 1)
An enjoyable tale filled with all the trappings of my favorite fairy tales: a cursed forest, fantastical creatures, a prince, a quest, loss and sacrifice.

Mae is a snarky Cinderella - if Cinderella climbed trees and was treated badly by everyone, not just her step-family. I liked Prince Cas, he's a good guy, smart and kind. How could you not fall in love with him?

As Mae learns more about what it means to be craft-born she realizes has a choice, what she wants, her happiness and what the world needs. The exciting ending left me eagerly awaiting book two in the White Hart series.

{Cover Reveal} The Chronicles of Moxie by Z.B. Heller


Title: The Chronicles of Moxie
Author: Z.B. Heller
Genre:
Adult Romantic Comedy
Publication Date:
May 6, 2014
Cover Designer:
Carrie from Cheeky Covers
Event Organized By:
Literati Author Services, Inc.

~Synopsis ~

Moxie Summers is a curvy, twenty-six year-old teacher who has not had the best track record with relationships. In a drunken stupor at a bar, she meets Miles who turns out to be her sparing equal, until she vomits all over his shoes. Just when she thinks things couldn’t get worse, her dream man turns out to be the single father of the newest student in her class. While fighting an attraction for Miles, Moxie’s conniving stepmother tries to advise Moxie she needs to get in shape if she’s ever going to catch the man of her dreams. To make matters worse a Girl Scout plans Moxie’s demise, a surprise party makes everyone blush, and then there was the skunk… Can Moxie overcome all the Girl Scout cookies, food poisoning and a showdown at Costco to get to Miles?

Add to Goodreads

  ~ About the Author ~
As a little girl it was always a dream for Z.B. Heller to become She-Ra Princess of Power. Since this dream was unobtainable, she spent what was probably way to long in college trying to "find herself". Becoming an artist scratched the creative itch until the stories in her head were getting to be to loud for her to get anything else accomplished. She lives in St. Louis with her husband, son and Flemish Giant rabbit Chloe. In her spare time she likes to read, stalk celebrities on Twitter and create the type of art that people scratch their heads about.
Connect with the Author: Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads
 

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (27)


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}

Killer Frost (Mythos Academy, #6)The Hunt (Project Paper Doll, #2)


{Currently Reading}


Dazed (Connections, #2.5)Romancing the Duke (Castles Ever After, #1)
 
 {What I'm Going to Read Next} 
Part of Me

Tangled (Tangled, #1)

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

{Release Day Blast + Giveaway} Nothing To Lose by Christy Reece




Nothing to Lose
A Grey Justice Novel
By: Christy Reece
Releasing March 31st, 2014

Choices Are Easy When You Have Nothing Left To Lose
Kennedy O’Connell had all the happiness she’d ever dreamed—until someone stole it away. Now on the run for her life, she has a choice to make—disappear forever or make those responsible pay. Her choice is easy.
Two men want to help her, each with their own agenda.
Detective Nick Gallagher is accustomed to pursuing killers within the law. Targeted for death, his life turned inside out, Nick vows to bring down those responsible, no matter the cost. But the beautiful and innocent Kennedy O’Connell brings out every protective instinct. Putting aside his own need for vengeance, he’ll do whatever is necessary to keep her safe and help her achieve her goals.
Billionaire philanthropist Grey Justice has a mission, too. Dubbed the ‘White Knight’ of those in need of a champion, few people are aware of his dark side. Having seen and experienced injustice—Grey knows its bitter taste. Gaining justice for those who have been wronged is a small price to pay for a man’s humanity.
With the help of a surprising accomplice, the three embark on a dangerous game of cat and mouse. The stage is set, the players are ready…the game is on. But someone is playing with another set of rules and survivors are not an option.
Buy Links 

{Excerpt}


Nick opened his apartment door and headed straight to his bedroom to change into a pair of shorts and an old sweatshirt. About the only way he had to battle the hopelessness inside him was to beat the hell out of his boxing bag and work himself into exhaustion. He was halfway to the kitchen for a bottle of water when he realized he wasn’t alone. The dark figure of a man sitting in a chair in the corner caught his eye.
Cursing his inattentiveness, he grabbed the closest weapon—a bust of Sherlock Holmes—and turned toward the intruder.
“Before you allow Mr. Holmes to bash my head in, wouldn’t you like to know why I’m here?”
The crisp British voice sounded familiar, but he couldn’t place it. Nick replied coolly, “I’m more of an attack-first-and-ask-questions-later kind of guy.”
“Pity. You don’t seem the type to go off half-cocked.”
“Depends on the situation. Having some asshole break into my house is the type of thing that pisses me off.”
“Understandable, but you can often learn more things if you wait awhile.”
“Or you can get yourself killed. Now, tell me who the hell you are and why you’re here.”
“Let’s talk first. Then we’ll decide if we want to exchange personal information.”
If the man was going to shoot him, he would’ve done so by now. Nick lowered the statue to his side but held on to it just in case. He reached for the light switch on the wall.
“No lights.”
“So I’m not allowed to know your name or what you look like?”
“Not yet. Have a seat.”
Despite the aggravation of having a stranger break into his house and the man’s numerous rules, Nick was intrigued. He pulled his hand back from the light switch. “I’ll stand. Now tell me what the hell you want.”
“I want what you want—to bring Mathias Slater and his goons to justice.”
If he hadn’t captured Nick’s attention before, he sure as hell had it now. “What do you know about Slater?”
“That he’s into more shit than anyone could ever imagine.”
“And why do you care?”
“Let’s just say that seeing bad guys get what’s coming to them is a hobby of mine.”
“And how can you assist me in seeing that Slater gets what’s coming to him?”
“By giving you access to information you can’t get through your channels.”
“You mean illegal channels.”
“Semantics. What you see as illegal, I see as creative license.”
Still wary but more interested than ever, Nick returned the statue to the end table and dropped down onto the sofa. “Okay, you have my undivided attention.”
“Excellent. However, we need to come to an agreement before we go further.”
“Such as?”
“If you decline my proposal, this discussion never happened.”
“Agreed.”
“Excellent.”
“You’re just going to take my word for it?”
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t already know you can be trusted, Mr. Gallagher.”
Where and how he’d gotten information on Nick could wait till another time.
“Okay, I’m listening.”
“Mathias Slater and his antics hit my radar several years ago. I’ve tried penetrating his tight-knit circle. Unfortunately, I’ve gotten only so far before someone ratted out my informant.”
“And how can I help? If you know that much about me, then you already know that I’ve run into a road block in every avenue I’ve taken against Slater.”
“That’s true. However, you have an avenue you don’t even know you can take.”
“And what’s that?”
“There’s a folder on the table in front of you. Take a look inside.”
Nick didn’t move…considered what could be inside.
“I’m glad to see that my informants were correct. You have a short fuse, but it’s tempered with a deliberative cautiousness.”
“I’m assuming that I’ll be allowed to turn on the lights to look at the folder.”
“That’s correct. Another reason why your deliberation is important. You turn on those lights, you will have information that could destroy not only me, but negatively impact the lives of thousands.”
Nick reached up and flipped on the lamp beside him. Light illuminated the man sitting in the corner and he knew why the voice had sounded so familiar. This was a man known to millions. And he was right—if anyone discovered the truth, thousands of lives would be affected.
Deciding to mull over the man’s identity later, Nick grabbed the folder and opened it. The instant he saw the first photograph, everything within him froze. He looked up at the man who sat so calmly across from him and whispered hoarsely, “What do I need to do?”
{Giveaway}
Two Digital Copies of NOTHING TO LOSE



Author Info
Christy Reece is the award winning and New York Times Bestselling author of dark and sexy romantic suspense. She lives in Alabama with her husband, four precocious canines, an incredibly curious cat, a very shy turtle, and a super cute flying squirrel named Elliott.
Christy also writes steamy, southern suspense under the pen name Ella Grace.

Author Links



Tasty Book Tours

Sunday, March 30, 2014

Stacking the Shelves (46) + March Month In Review


 Stacking The Shelves, a weekly meme from Tynga's Reviews
where I list what I've read, what I've reviewed, what I've acquired
and anything else worth mentioning
 
  • Being Sloane Jacobs by Lauren Morrill
  • Killer Frost by Jennifer Estep
  • The Solar Wind by Laura E. Collins
  • Unexpected by Amity Cross
  • Morning After by Melissa Hale
  • The Wager by Calista Kyle
  • Highlander Most Wanted by Maya Banks
  • Make Her Howl by Michelle Fox
  • Awakened by Kriston Johnson
  • Moon Struck by Jeanette Raleigh
  • This Side of the Sun by Blythe Santiago
  • Burning Down The House by Allison Goodson
  • Tattoo by Cambria Hebert
  • Once Upon a Billionaire by Jessica Clare
  • Kissed by Moonlight by Adrianne Brooks
Erased (Altered, #2)


Awakened (The Legends Of Elyndia, #1) 

Some Like it Royal (Going Royal, #1)

http://clevergirlsread.blogspot.com/2014/03/blog-tour-review-giveaway-gabby.html
Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg (Netgalley)
Dazed by Kim Karr (Netgalley)
Effortless With You by Lizzy Charles
Lick by Kylie Scott
***

March 2014 by the numbers:

55 books read
15 reviews posted
3   - 3 star reviews
7   - 4 star reviews
5   - 5 star review

Participated in blog tours for:
Gabby Revealed by Amy Gregory

*Book image property of Microsoft