{Cover Reveal + Giveaway} Cinder & Ella by Kelly Oram

It’s been almost a year since eighteen-year-old Ella Rodriguez was in a car accident that left her crippled, scarred, and without a mother. After a very difficult recovery, she’s been uprooted across the country and forced into the custody of a father that abandoned her when she was a young child. If Ella wants to escape her father’s home and her awful new stepfamily, she must convince her doctors that she’s capable, both physically and emotionally, of living on her own. The problem is, she’s not ready yet. The only way she can think of to start healing is by reconnecting with the one person left in the world who’s ever meant anything to her—her anonymous Internet best friend, Cinder. 

… 

Hollywood sensation Brian Oliver has a reputation for being trouble. There’s major buzz around his performance in his upcoming film The Druid Prince, but his management team says he won’t make the transition from teen heartthrob to serious A-list actor unless he can prove he’s left his wild days behind and become a mature adult. In order to douse the flames on Brian’s bad-boy reputation, his management stages a fake engagement for him to his co-star Kaylee. Brian isn’t thrilled with the arrangement—or his fake fiancée—but decides he’ll suffer through it if it means he’ll get an Oscar nomination. Then a surprise email from an old Internet friend changes everything.

Teaser excerpt:
“You do have someone who cares,” he said softly. “No matter how bad things are at home or at school or whatever, you have me. You’re my best friend, too. You have my number now. Save it in your phone and call it anytime—day, night, the witching hour—it doesn’t matter. Okay?”

It took me a moment—and a series of deep breaths—before I could respond. “Okay.”

“Promise?”

“I promise. As long as I always have you, I’ll be fine.” I kicked myself internally and laughed. “Wow, that sounded really cheesy. You see? That’s why I didn’t want to call you. I can filter my stupid mouth so much better when I have to type out my thoughts.”

Cinder laughed again. “Ah, but then you would miss out on all the sweet nothings I plan to whisper in your ear now that I know how much you like my ultra-sexy voice.”

I blushed but refused to let him know that his flirting rattled me. “I never said ultra, you egomaniac. But you should definitely consider recording audiobooks for a living.”

“Hmm. That’s not a bad idea.” Cinder’s voice dropped to that slow, seductive purr again as he asked, “Would you like me to read to you, Ellamara?”

I thrilled at the thought and couldn’t quite mask my excitement. “Seriously?”

“Why not? Before you called, I was getting ready to have a Top Gear marathon all by my lonesome.”

“You are such a liar. Tonight is Friday night, and it’s Halloween. There is no way you don’t have plans.”

“I don’t have important ones. It’s just a stupid party that my sort-of girlfriend wants me to go to.”

“Your ‘sort-of’ girlfriend?”

“Yeah.” Cinder stretched the word out in a long breath. “It’s a long story, but I’m not that into her. I’d much rather stay home and read with you. Besides, I can’t hang up on you when you’ve had the worst day ever. What kind of best friend would that make me?”

I almost cried again. The offer was so sweet. And thoughtful. Reading was a passion Cinder and I shared. We read and discussed books all the time. We’d even decided to read the same book at the same time before, but we’d never read one together. Cinder had to know how much that would mean to me.

“It has to be The Druid Prince,” I said.

Cinder laughed. “It’s already in my hands.”

Look for Cinder & Ella October 1, 2014!

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It's Monday! What Are You Reading? (44)

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?

{Book Blitz + Giveaway} Strange and Ever After (Something Strange & Deadly #3) by Susan Dennard

IFB is hosting the promo tour for the third and final book in Susan Dennard's steampunk, zombie trilogy. Continue below for a sample and a cool giveaway.

Series: Something Strange & Deadly #3

Release date: July 22nd 2014

Publisher: HarperTeen

Purchase: Amazon | B&N

Synopsis via Goodreads:

In the conclusion to the trilogy that Publishers Weekly called “a roaring—and addictive—gothic world,” Eleanor Fitt must control her growing power, face her feelings for Daniel, and confront the evil necromancer Marcus...all before it’s too late.

He took her brother, he took her mother, and now, Marcus has taken her good friend Jie. With more determination than ever to bring this sinister man to justice, Eleanor heads to the hot desert streets of nineteenth-century Egypt in hopes of ending this nightmare. But in addition to her increasingly tense relationships with Daniel, Joseph, and her demon, Oliver, Eleanor must also deal with her former friend, Allison, who has curiously entangled herself in Eleanor’s mission.

With the rising dead chomping at her every move and Jie’s life hanging in the balance, Eleanor is convinced that her black magic will see her through to the bitter end. But there will be a price. Though she and the Spirit Hunters have weathered every battle thus far, there will be consequences to suffer this time—the effects of which will be irreversible. And when it’s over, only some will be able to live a strange and ever after.

Susan Dennard will leave readers breathless and forever changed in the concluding pages of this riveting ride.

About the Author

Susan Dennard is a writer turned marine biologist turned writer again. Strange and Ever After is the conclusion to her trilogy, which includes A Darkness Strange and Lovely and Something Strange and Deadly. Among the traits she shares with her heroine Eleanor are a weakness for Shakespeare quotes, a healthy appetite for baked goods, and an insatiable curiosity. Sadly, Susan does not get to wear a corset or wave a parasol on a daily basis.

WEBSITE | GOODREADS | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

The Complete Series

---------------------------------------------

   

 

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Stacking the Shelves (63)

 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

A note from Clever Girl: postings may be sparse or erratic for the next few weeks, I have a huge project that is taking up all of my free time and then some.

• Irresistible Force by D.D. Ayers
• Patient Mates by E.A. Price
• Wolf Signs by Vivian Arend
• Fetching Love by Tamara Hoffa
• Crave by Kiara Delaney
• Claimed by the Alpha by Lyra Fawn
• Aria by M.D. Luis
• Shifter in Ascent by Vivian Wood

4 Star Review

4 Star Review

 

*Book image property of Microsoft  

{ARC Romance Review} Irresistible Force (K-9 Rescue #1) by D.D. Ayres

When adrenaline runs high, so does the force of desire…

For Shay Appleton, it’s love at first sight when a gorgeous stray dog is brought into the animal shelter where she works. She just knows he’ll make a terrific watch dog—and with an abusive ex who won’t let go, she needs all the protection she can get. But Shay never suspected that her new pet is actually a trained police K-9 named Bogart—until Bogart’s even more gorgeous, human partner shows up on her doorstep.

Officer James Cannon is one tall, strong alpha male who’s convinced that Shay stole his dog. But once he gets closer to the suspect, he realizes that this stubborn, independent woman not only needs a guard dog, she needs James as well. It seems that someone from her past is stalking her, and threatening her life. When danger meets desire, will James risk his career and his best friend…to protect the woman who’s stolen his heart? (Blurb via Goodreads)

{Details} eARC, 320 pages, Expected publication: August 26th 2014 by St. Martin's Paperbacks. Source: Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to D.D. Ayres and St. Martin's Paperbacks.

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

{Review}

"Surveillance was much simpler in the South in autumn." (page 1, line 1)

A steamy, exciting, suspense-filled love story. I liked the premise - and that there's a dog, a really awesome dog - the characters, and the emotional and character development.

Shay has been through so much. She has been failed by family, the police, people she should have been able to trust. She not only carries scars, she's still suffering. She is strong, flawed, tender-hearted and a survivor.

James has gone to great lengths for his dog - which I really understand - I would have done it too! He screws up, more than once, but he has a good heart, he's a guy you want on your side when everything goes wrong.

And Bogart, the dog, he's such a big part of the books and was, hands down, my favorite part of the book. I really appreciated the research D.D. Ayres put in to make the K-9 elements of the novel authentic. It was really interesting. The story did feel a little long, there was a little too much yes/no, come here/go away, but I'm very eager to read the next story in the K-9 Rescue series.

{ARC YA Review} Dare to Kiss by S.B. Alexander

Besides her family, Lacey Robinson’s only other love is baseball. She’s on top of the world when Arizona State University approaches her to discuss a scholarship. To be the first girl ever to grace a college boys’ team is beyond what she has ever dreamed. Her fastball is impeccable, her curveball equally as good, and her slider annihilates anyone who dares to step in the batter’s box. But fate has its own way of throwing curveballs.

When she looses her mother and sister to a home invasion, baseball and her dreams die with them. Tragedy has a way of seeping deep into her psyche, causing nightmares, panic attacks and blackouts. Diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, her psychiatrist recommends a change of scenery and picking up the things that she loved to do, and for Lacey that is baseball.

After a move clear across the country, only two things matter to Lacey—overcome her PTSD and make Kensington High’s baseball team. However, she never counted on meeting someone who wants her as badly as Kade Maxwell. The tall, sexy and drool-worthy bad boy has a magical touch that awakens her feminine side, and a kiss that slowly erases her nightmares. But getting involved with him may be dangerous when Kade’s nemesis returns to town to settle a vendetta. To complicate matters, her PTSD has taken a turn for the worse. She has to find a way to heal otherwise she may not have a chance at anything in life, especially love. (Blurb via Goodreads)

{Details} eARC, ebook, 309 pages. Expected publication: September 2014. Source: Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to S.B. Alexander

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

{Review}

"The ball left my hand and zigzagged on its way to home plate, missing Tyler Langley's glove." (page 1, line 1)

Lacey is a different kind of heroine. She's struggling with her past, with a horrific loss and the way that it has changed every facet of her life. She's quick to react, to overreact, to hit out - literally and figuratively. She's reckless and impulsive. I didn't always understand Lacey and her actions and I didn't always like her but I was fascinated by her and her story and I was dying to know what was going to happen next. Though I'm not a baseball fan - or sports fan of any variety - I liked how Alexander showed Lacey's passion for the game and her drive and commitment.

Kade. A guy with his own demons. A guy who has been hurt too. A guy who sees something in Lacey that calls to him. I found him to be a little over the top, trying a little too hard to be an alpha male, but I did like him. He's a caretaker and a fixer and he's good for Lacey. He gets that she has issues with trust, with love, and he pushes her to open up, to trust, to give him a chance. I liked his imperfections, how he screws up, more than once, and we get to see how he deals.

The triplets. Ahh. I love their dynamic. How they are with each other, with Lacey. Alexander does a great job with making each of the Maxwell brothers distinctive and interesting, and giving just a hint of their histories and struggles. I so want to know more about them.

Though Dare to Kiss is only the first part of Lacey and Kade's story it doesn't end on a cliffhanger (halleluiah!) there are still unanswered questions. I want to know what happens next. And I want to see more of the Maxwell boys.

First Line Friday (42) Her Best Shot (Hot & Nerdy #1) by Shannyn Schroeder

First Line Friday is a meme hosted on Rampant Readers, where we share the first line of the novel we a currently reading in order to pique the interest of other readers like you. So basically, we just share the first sentence or two of the novel you are currently reading, and tell us whether or not it hooked you in!

The book:

With college graduation looming, three childhood friends vow to make spring break their last blast of pure fun. But at least one of them didn’t count on such incredible heat…

Layla Sharpe is definitely more math ninja than bikini babe, and her future has been calculated with razor precision. Convinced to let loose over spring break, Layla is finally ready to party—until her car breaks down halfway to her destination, leaving her stranded in Georgia with a mouthwateringly hot pool shark. She knows more than enough about angles to learn the game, but this week she wants him to appreciate her curves…

Phin Marks has never met a girl like Layla. She’s more Star Wars geek than seductress, and when he offers her a place to stay while her car is in the shop, he’s counting on the attraction between them to set the nights ablaze, no strings attached. But every moment he spends with Layla makes it harder to let her go. Can he persuade her to gamble in the most dangerous way possible…on forever? (Blurb via Goodreads)

 The first line(s): 

"Layla Sharpe held her composure until she reached her car."

Hooked?

Intrigued.

Join the fun, link up at Rampant Readers

{Promo Tour + Excerpt + Giveaway} Walk with Me (The Thin Blue Thread) by Kaitlyn Stone

Title: Walk with Me (The Thin Blue Thread)

Author: Kaitlyn Stone

Genre: Contemporary New Adult

Publish Date: July 22nd, 2014

Publisher: BookStrand

Oraganized by Literati Author Services

~ Synopsis ~

After escaping her abusive parents, nineteen-year-old Kenna Sloane is determined to create an independent life, free of emotional distraction. The last thing this focused college student wants is a relationship, especially with a hot rookie cop popular with the badge bunnies. When Kenna reluctantly agrees to a double date with Santa Monica cop Donovan Alexander, she’s launched on an exciting and dangerous journey. With time, she discovers some souls are instinctively drawn together to quiet the pain of their traumatic pasts. But even after the revelation of Donovan’s own secret burden, Kenna continues to battle the fear she may be too broken for her modern day knight in blue. Can Kenna open her heart to the healing light of true love before peril strikes?

Purchase Links

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | BookStrand

       

Excerpt:

He clutches my hand and pulls me into the dining room and onto the dance floor. A slow song is now playing and couples are clinging to one another. My heart flutters with nerves. The first dance between a couple can be as intimate as the first kiss.

With confidence driving his actions, Donovan takes me in his arms and pulls me by the waist close to his body. The instant closeness changes my heart from a flutter to a steady drumming. Like I’m wrapped in a cocoon of Donovan, the rest of the dancers fade away and the loud music is subdued to my ears. My hands rest on his chest as we sway to the music in our secluded world. I’m reminded of our first meeting at the coffeehouse and how he made me feel the same way, like I was the only one in the room.

Donovan reaches up and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear before grazing his finger around my bare earlobe and down my neck. The touch sends electricity right to the ends of my fingertips. He lowers his lips to my ear. “Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?”

I blush at his words. The other guys I go out with never compliment me, at least like Donovan. I never expect the compliments and they never offer. I wasn’t looking for a boyfriend and they weren’t looking for a girlfriend, so there was no need to court me or try to win me over.

“I think you may have said something like that earlier.” I focus on his lapel, stroking the smooth material between my fingers with a smile blooming on my lips like a flower that’s been deprived of the sun for years.

Donovan lifts my chin with his index finger to meet his eyes. “A girl as beautiful as you deserves to hear it again.”

I drink in his words, trying to quench my thirst, and lay my head against his strong chest. I exhale with pure contentment as Donovan enfolds me once again in a protective embrace and we sway rhythmically to the music.

About the Author

Since childhood, Kaitlyn Stone has gravitated toward fairy tales and happily- ever-after's, forever chasing the first love dragon. She is a self-professed adventure junkie, constantly talking her husband and family into some new life adventure, where they’ve learned to just buckle up for the exciting ride. When they do stay home, it’s in sunny Southern California located along the Pacific Ocean.  

Connect with the Author

Website | Facebook | Twitter| Goodreads

Giveaway $25.00 Gift Card

Entry-Form

{Cover Reveal + Giveaway} Fire in the Woods by Jennifer M. Eaton

Welcome to the Cover Reveal for

Fire in the Woods by Jennifer M. Eaton

presented by Month9Books!

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

When a plane crashes in the woods near Jess’s home, the boy of her dreams falls out of the sky—literally. But David’s not here to find a girlfriend. He’s from another planet, and if Jess can’t help him get back to his ship, he’ll be stuck on Earth with nothing to look forward to but the pointy end of a dissection scalpel.

But her father runs their house like an army barracks, and with an alien on the loose, Major Dad isn’t too keen on the idea of Jess going anywhere. Ever. So how the heck is she supposed to help the sweetest, strangest, and cutest guy she’s ever met?

Hiding him in her room probably isn’t the best idea. Especially since her Dad is in charge of the squadron searching for David. That doesn’t mean she won’t do it. It just means she can't get caught.

Helping David get home while protecting her heart—that’s gonna be the hard part. After all, she can't really fall for a guy who’s not exactly from here.

As they race through the woods with Major Dad and most of the U.S. military one breath behind them, Jess and David grow closer than either of them anticipated. But all is not what it seems. David has a genocide-sized secret, and one betrayal later, they are both in handcuffs as alien warships are positioning themselves around the globe. Time is ticking down to Armageddon, and Jess must think fast if she's to save the boy she cares about without sacrificing Earth—and everyone on it.

Title: Fire in the Woods
Publication date: September 2014
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
Author: Jennifer M. Eaton

Corporate Team Leader by day, and Ranting Writer by night. Jennifer M. Eaton calls the East Coast of the USA home, where she lives with her husband, three energetic boys, and a pepped up poodle.

Jennifer hosts an informational blog “A Reference of Writing Rants for Writers (or Learn from My Mistakes)” aimed at helping all writers be the best they can be.

Beyond writing and motivating others, she also enjoys teaching her dog to jump through hoops—literally.

Jennifer’s perfect day includes long hikes in the woods, bicycling, swimming, snorkeling, and snuggling up by the fire with a great book; but her greatest joy is using her over-active imagination constructively… creating new worlds for everyone to enjoy.

Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!

(Winners will receive their book on release day)

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Waiting on Wednesday (63) Rites of Passage by Joy N. Hensley

"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: 

Rites of Passage by Joy N. Hensley

Sam McKenna’s never turned down a dare. And she's not going to start with the last one her brother gave her before he died.

So Sam joins the first-ever class of girls at the prestigious Denmark Military Academy. She’s expecting push-ups and long runs, rope climbing and mud-crawling. As a military brat, she can handle an obstacle course just as well as the boys. She's even expecting the hostility she gets from some of the cadets who don’t think girls belong there. What she’s not expecting is her fiery attraction to her drill sergeant. But dating is strictly forbidden and Sam won't risk her future, or the dare, on something so petty...no matter how much she wants him.

As Sam struggles to prove herself, she discovers that some of the boys don’t just want her gone—they will stop at nothing to drive her out. When their petty threats turn to brutal hazing, bleeding into every corner of her life, she realizes they are not acting alone. A decades-old secret society is alive and active… and determined to force her out.
At any cost.

Now time's running short. Sam must decide who she can trust...and choosing the wrong person could have deadly consequences. (Blurb via Goodreads)

Expected publication: September 9, 2014

What are you waiting on?

{Cover Reveal} Rival Love by Natalie Decker

Rival Love

by Natalie Decker

Release Date: 08/26/14

Swoon Romance

Summary from Goodreads:
Skylar Fletcher is a proud Harris Academy Bulldog! She has everything she’s ever wanted: a perfect boyfriend, great friends, and her dream college waiting for her in the fall. But nothing lasts forever. Skylar's world shatters when her mom decides it is time to move and drags Skylar, kicking and screaming, into Bobcat territory.

At Delmont High School, home of the Bobcats, Skylar has no friends and is often bullied. To make matters worse, her home life sucks thanks to all-star quarterback Caleb Morgan, nephew of her mom's live-in boyfriend.

At first Skylar and Caleb want nothing to do with one another. But they soon discover they're not that different after all--and each is harboring a secret attraction to the other. But can a Bulldog and a Bobcat ever really be more than friends? And are Skylar and Caleb willing to risk everything to find out? Rival Love is a debut young adult contemporary romance from Natalie Decker.

About the Author
Natalie Decker is the Author of Rival Love. She loves oceans, sunsets, sand between her toes, and carefree days. Her imagination is always going, which some find odd. But she believes in seeing the world in a different light at all times. Her first passion for writing started at age twelve when she had to write a poem for English class. However, seventh grade wasn’t her favorite time and books were her source of comfort. She took all college prep classes in High school, and attended the University of Akron. Although she studied Mathematics she never lost her passion for writing or her comfort in books. She’s a mean cook in the kitchen, loves her family and friends and her awesome dog infinity times infinity. If she’s not writing, reading, traveling, hanging out with her family and friends, then she’s off having an adventure. Because Natalie believes in a saying: Your life is your own journey, so make it amazing!

Author Links:

   

Book Blitz Organized by:

Teaser Tuesday (62) Irresistible Force

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 less 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!)

"Shay Appleton had been messing with his head since the moment he first saw her. Now she had burrowed into something else a foot lower and to the left, which shook him more."

eARC location 2529, Irresistible Force by D.D. Ayres