{Blog Tour + Review + Favorite Quote + Giveaway} Storm Siren (Storm Siren #1) by Mary Weber

Storm Siren (Storm Siren #1)

by Mary Weber
Publisher: Thomas Nelson / HarperCollins
Release Date: August 19th 2014

Synopsis:

“I raise my chin as the buyers stare. Yes. Look. You don’t want me. Because, eventually, accidentally, I will destroy you.”

In a world at war, a slave girl’s lethal curse could become one kingdom’s weapon of salvation. If the curse—and the girl—can be controlled.
As a slave in the war-weary kingdom of Faelen, seventeen-year-old Nym isn’t merely devoid of rights, her Elemental kind are only born male and always killed at birth — meaning, she shouldn’t even exist.
Standing on the auction block beneath smoke-drenched mountains, Nym faces her fifteenth sell. But when her hood is removed and her storm-summoning killing curse revealed, Nym is snatched up by a court advisor and given a choice: be trained as the weapon Faelen needs to win the war, or be killed.
Choosing the former, Nym is unleashed into a world of politics, bizarre parties, and rumors of an evil more sinister than she’s being prepared to fight . . . not to mention the handsome trainer whose dark secrets lie behind a mysterious ability to calm every lightning strike she summons.
But what if she doesn’t want to be the weapon they’ve all been waiting for?

Set in a beautifully eclectic world of suspicion, super abilities, and monsters, Storm Siren is a story of power. And whoever controls that power will win.

BOOK TRAILER:

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Direct Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k79C_iOmpvQ

BOOK LINKS:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18806259-storm-siren?ac=1

Amazon paperback: http://tinyurl.com/q8ogfsl

Barnes & Noble (B&N): http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/storm-siren-mary-weber/1117260740?ean=9781401690342

Bookdepository: http://www.bookdepository.com/Storm-Siren-Mary-Weber/9781401690342

Kobo: http://store.kobobooks.com/es-ES/ebook/storm-siren

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Aside from Goodreads, I hang out on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, and my BLOG. Come say hi!

Officially though: Mary Weber is a ridiculously uncoordinated girl plotting to take over make-believe worlds through books, handstands, and imaginary throwing knives. In her spare time, she feeds unicorns, sings 80’s hairband songs to her three muggle children, and ogles her husband who looks strikingly like Wolverine. They live in California, which is perfect for stalking L.A. bands, Joss Whedon, and the ocean. She likes orange trees, tattoos, and ALL the music. ;0) 

BOOK 1 in my YA fantasy STORM SIREN trilogy releases Aug 2014 from Thomas Nelson, HarperCollins. Eep!

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website: http://mchristineweber.com

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7391763.Mary_Weber

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mchristineweber

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marychristineweber

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/maryweberYA/

GIVEAWAY:

Win (1) of (5) copies of Storm Siren by Mary Weber 

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Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/ZDk2ODFiODY3NDEwM2NiMjgzNjI4NzAwNDkzZTRhOjcw/

Rules & Giveaway details on the terms & conditions of the rafflecopter

{Details} ebook, 320 pages, Expected publication: August 19th 2014 by Thomas Nelson / HarperCollins Source: ebook provided in exchange for a honest review. Many thanks.

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

{Review}

"Fourteen circles for fourteen owners." (page 1, line 1)

A beautifully written story with an imaginative plot, memorable characters, full of grief and guilt and challenges, political intrigue, storms and battles and an ending that will leave you craving more.

Nym has endured horrific things. She has done horrific things. Every day she has to deal with the guilt, the risk she poses to everyone around her. I felt for her. I cheered for her as she struggled with her abilities, with the idea that she is more than the things she's done. I so wanted her to find some measure of peace. 

Colin. Eogan. Breck. Adora. The supporting cast was just as well imagined as Nym's character with rich backstories and each having a special role to play - frustrating her, encouraging her, teaching her, giving her hope.

Favorite quote:

"I think some have to fight harder to choose good over evil because the evil's got it out for them. And maybe it's because those're the ones evil knows will become the strongest warriors, recognizing true wickedness when it rears its head." (location 2708)

The ending? Nooooo. Huh? What? Did that really happen? 

I loved Weber's writing style, her choice of words, her rhythm and pacing. She does a fabulous job of worldbuilding, completely immersing me in Faelen, a world with elementals, with slaves and war. She's also not afraid to put her characters through the wringer, to challenge them, to hurt them and to devastate them.

I'd love to see Storm Siren as a motion picture, the storms, the battle, Adora's clothes.... it would be amazing. 

Be sure to visit the rest of the blog tour

{Cover Reveal + Giveaway} Horror Business by Ryan Craig Bradford

Welcome to the Cover Reveal for

Horror Business by Ryan Craig Bradford

presented by Month9Books!

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

Armed with a passion for classic B-grade horror movies, a script co-written by his twin brother, and a wicked crush on his death-obsessed neighbor; hardcore horror fan Jason Nightshade must finish his student film.

But his plans are derailed when the children of suburban Silver Creek start disappearing – his twin brother among them. Battling a possessed video camera, a crazy zombie dog, a monstrous bully, and a frighteningly broken down family life, Jason embarks on a mission to find his lost brother so the two can write an ending for his story.

As any horror fan knows, saving the day won't be easy, as Jason finds himself forced to face the real world where death isn't just a splash of fake blood on a camera lens.

Title: Horror Business
Publication date: February 2015
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
Author: Ryan Craig Bradford

Ryan grew up in Park City, Utah. His fiction has appeared in Quarterly West, Paper Darts, Vice, Monkeybicycle and [PANK]. He currently lives in San Diego where he acts as Creative Director for the nonprofit literary arts organization So Say We All. He’s the co-editor of the anthology Last Night on Earth and founder of the literary horror journal, Black Candies.

Connect with the Author: Website | Twitter

Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!

(Winners will receive their book on release day)

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{Blog Tour + Review + Giveaway} Songbird (A Sinclair Story #1) by Jaymin Eve @JayminEve1

Songbird (A Sinclair Story #1)

by Jaymin Eve

Release Date: July 2014

New Adult

Summary from Goodreads:

I live my life by two rules. Never trust anyone and you don’t need a weapon when you are one.
Melodee Lee aka Songbird

Melodee Lee is not your average twenty-three year old. Her parents were government trained assassins and the base definition of evil. The best thing they ever did was leave her an orphan at thirteen.

Life’s circumstances have honed her into a strong, independent outsider. She’s made it a point to never settle down, and trust is the last thing she gives. Utilizing her only skill, she makes money in the underground cage fighting scene and anyone who doesn’t like it … well, Melodee can kick their ass as well.

Nathan Sinclair is a man with the world at his fingertips. His family is rich, politically connected and owns half of Syracuse, NY. A rising basketball star, set to be signed by the NBA, the last thing he needs is a woman with attitude crashing into his life.

Tragic circumstances bring these two people together when their worlds should never have collided. Will Nathan be the man to show Melodee that trust and a real home are not as unattainable as she believes? Or will his own demons and Sinclair family drama destroy the life they could have before it has begun?

Note from author - This is a full length, standalone HEA romance. It is recommended for 18+ due to language and sexual situations.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22462891-songbird?ac=1

Buy Links:

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository

About the Author
Jaymin Eve is a 29 year old with a passion for reading, writing and arithmetic ... okay maybe not the last one but definitely the first two.

Living on the beautiful Gold Coast, in Australia, the family loves spending lots of time on the beach. And travelling as frequently as possible.

When Jaymin isn't trying to wrangle two daughters, a puppy and her husband, you will find her hiding in a corner trying desperately to write her stories (without little fingers pressing random keys). She asks forgiveness if you notice the occasional sskkkkssjs appearing in her book, her children are proud of their contribution.

Author Links:

http://jaymineve.blogspot.com.au/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7184104.Jaymin_Eve

https://twitter.com/JayminEve1

https://www.facebook.com/JayminEve.Author

{Details} ebook, 306 pages, Published July 2014 by CreateSpace. Ebook provided in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Jaymin Eve and YA Bound Book Tours

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

{Review}

The smell in the room is always the same, an intermingling of sweat, blood and death that tingled her senses and left an imprint of every moment before." (page 1, line 1)

Hot and steamy, full of drama, sweetness, excitement and love. I'm a fan of Jaymin Eve. I've been enjoying her First World series, check out my review of the first book in the series here, but in the Songbird Eve tackles new adult contemporary romance. 

I enjoyed the storyline, the characters, the dual povs, and Melodee and Nathan's relationship but more on that later. Songbird takes some popular tropes, exes and fighters, and turns them on their head but I won't spoil just how - go read and find out for yourself.

Melodee has survived a horrific childhood, a childhood that taught her to be independent, strong, cautious and so terribly alone alone. 

"Rich people problems were not the same as assassin parent problems. But she had long ago realized that there weren't many people who'd lived the life she had. It was not like there was a Facebook page she could join." (eARC location 1617)

She avoids relationships, connections, love. But then Nathan and a tiny baby start to worm their way into her life, making her want all the things she's convinced she doesn't deserve, but also showing herself how fierce, loyal and devoted she can be. 

Nathan. He's a really good guy despite being rich and an athlete and having been a player in his not so distant past. He's also generous, loving, patient and kind. He's the kind of guy who, after meeting a woman that he feels a connection with, who turns everything on its head, is determined to win her.

Like I said, I loved Nate and Melodee's relationship. Though neither were looking for love or forever they are so good for each other and develop a relationship based on honesty and respect.

And the Sinclair brothers? Three brothers just as awesome as Nate is in their own ways and with back stories that I'm dying to learn. I want the next Sinclair story please.

I did think that there was an awful lot going on and I would have liked more time with some of the plot lines and resolution of some of the things still left up in the air.

{Giveaway}

a Rafflecopter giveaway

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MjM0OGI5ZGJmNWUwNzllYTYzNjAyYzhhZGU0MDc0OjMwNw==/

Be sure to visit the rest of the stops on the blog tour

Blog Tour Schedule: http://yaboundbooktours.blogspot.com/2014/07/tour-sign-up-songbird-sinclair-story-1.html

{Blogoversary + Giveaway} Clever Girls Read's 2nd Blogoversary

Today marks Clever Girls Read's 2nd Blogoversary! Yay! I can't believe I made it this long and am still enjoying it. I tend to get really excited about starting things, about all the possibilities, and then my interest wanes. But not blogging. Despite the fact that I'm on a bit of a vacation - renovating two houses, preparing to move and not sleeping, none of which contribute to blog health or reading - I'm still excited about books and blogging.

Over the last two years - and even before I started blogging - I've read so many awesome books, read recommendations that led me to so many more awesome books. I'm still excited about sharing my love for books, about promoting authors and their books. I can't wait for the next two years.

To celebrate I'm going to give away some (??) of my favorite ebooks over the last two years (maybe longer - did I mention that I'm exhausted and sleep deprived?). It's open internationally as long as you can receive ebooks through Amazon.

Though I'm not sure what will be included - I refer back to the sleep deprived thing - I'm definitely going to give away Full Measures by Rebecca Yarros, one of my very favorite books. 

Thanks so much for taking time to stop by whether this is your first visit or your fifteenth.

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Teaser Tuesday (63) Songbird

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!)

"Rich people problems were not the same as assassin parent problems. But she had long ago realized that there weren't many people who'd lived the life she had. It was not like there was a Facebook page she could join."

eARC location 1617, Songbird by Jaymin Eve

{YA Review} Magnolia by Kristi Cook

{YA Review} Magnolia by Kristi Cook

In Magnolia Branch, Mississippi, the Cafferty and Marsden families are southern royalty. Neighbors since the Civil War, the families have shared vacations, holidays, backyard barbecues, and the overwhelming desire to unite their two clans by marriage. So when a baby boy and girl were born to the families at the same time, the perfect opportunity seemed to have finally arrived.

Jemma Cafferty and Ryder Marsden have no intention of giving in to their parents’ wishes. They’re only seventeen, for goodness’ sake, not to mention that one little problem: They hate each other! Jemma can’t stand Ryder’s nauseating golden-boy persona, and Ryder would like nothing better than to pretend stubborn Jemma doesn’t exist.

But when a violent storm ravages Magnolia Branch, it unearths Jemma’s and Ryder’s true feelings for each other as the two discover that the line between love and hate may be thin enough to risk crossing over. (Blurb via Goodreads)

{Details} ebook, 384 pages. August 5th 2014 by Simon & Schuster. Source: Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. Many thanks to Kristi Cook and Simon & Schuster.

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

{Review}

"Glancing out my window, I hold up my finger and thumb, creating a little frame around Ryder Marsden, who stands outside on the lawn below." (page 1, line 1)

It was sweet and cute and emotional with a good dash of excitement. I love the concept, the twist on Romeo and Juliet. What if Romeo and Juliet hated each other? What if the Capulets and Montagues had been pushing Romeo and Juliet together since birth?

I liked Jemma, she's a loyal and supportive friend, a loving sister and daughter. She can also sew and shoot a gun better than anyone else. And she hates Ryder Marsden. With reason, of course, but boy, that girl can hold a grudge.

Ryder. Smart, hot, athletic, perfect. At least Jemma thinks he's perfect - and it's just another reason she hates him. He's really a good guy. A guy who wants Jemma to be happy, to follow her dreams. I wish that we could have seen things from his POV too.

Their lives are firmly entwined, born within weeks of each other, sharing cradles, growing up together, being best friends ... then things changed and everything went wrong. I won't spoil it for you - go read Magnolia!

I liked the use of the storm, showing how things can change in life threatening situations. And with the 'what happens in the storm shelter stays in the storm shelter' (loc 1411) seeing their vulnerabilities, giving them the chance and the impetus to be honest with each other about how they feel and what they want. But the storm changes more than just things between Jemma and Ryder.

Cook has a great writing style and the story never lagged. I loved the setting, Magnolia Branch,  Mississippi, and how Cook conveyed the feeling of the deep south, the sultry heat, the oaks and spanish moss, and the architecture. 

When I reached the end I had a smile on my face. I'll definitely be looking forward to future releases by Kristi Cook.

{Blog Tour + Two Reviews + Giveaway} Revelation + Restraint by Randi Cooley Wilson

About Book 1 REVELATION:

Revelation by Randi Cooley Wilson

Published May 1st, 2014

Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance

Pages: 314

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20787232-revelation

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Revelation-Randi-Cooley-Wilson-ebook/dp/B00JWXAWUE/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1406152797&sr=1-2-fkmr1&keywords=randy+cooley+wilson

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/revelation-randi-cooley-wilson/1119059118?ean=2940045798358

ibookstore: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/revelation/id850865950?mt=34

A DIVINE SECRET,
A LOYAL PROTECTOR,
A FORBIDDEN LOVE.
Eve Collins starts her freshman year at college blissfully unaware that one revelation will challenge everything she’s believed to be true about her family, life, and future, and right in the midst of it all is Asher St. Michael.
Mysterious and aloof, Asher is appointed to protect Eve at all costs. Bound by his oath of loyalty to mankind, loving her is forbidden. 
Dark and enigmatic, Gage Gallagher may be even more dangerous to Eve than the demonic army that hunts her.
Caught in the middle of a centuries old war, Eve must choose sides knowing that the wrong choice will cost more than just her life. 
Can Asher and Eve fulfill their destinies or will their love destroy everything?

Revelation is a journey of self-discovery, love, and sacrifice. 
This is volume one of a series

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

{Review}

Randi Cooley Wilson uses popular tropes (and my favorite tropes) - secrets, star crossed lovers, a destiny - but adds in interesting elements - all the secrets of Asher St. Michael which I won't spoil - to create an intriguing, unique story filled with characters I love, a bit of action and excitement, and romance.

Eve's a good heroine. She's a loyal friend, she's imperfect. And she doesn't deal well with all the revelations, because really, when all that crap gets dumped on you? No one would deal well. She doubts herself even as she discovers her hidden reserves. And the boy problems? Almost as difficult to deal with as the secrets.

Asher. The mysterious, brooding, difficult, appealing Asher. After a bit I found the on/off switch in his emotions a little off-putting but it does really show how torn he is between want and duty. I'm a sucker for a protector and I loved his commitment to Eve's safety. And the fact that he has secrets? I couldn't wait to discover them.

The other characters. Aria. Callan. Abby. Keegan. Even Kenna. Callan was hands-down my favorite character. His charm, optimism, sweetness and the baking.

I liked the pacing. I didn't feel like there was too much filler before we found out more about what was going on, the whos and whys, even as Randi Cooley Wilson teases us about the secrets we've yet to discover. I did sometimes find her writing style a little jarring. There would be ways she phrased things that would take me out of the story, but that's really a minor complaint. And the cover? Perfect for the storyline.

When I got to the end of the story - gasp! - I couldn't wait to dive into book two, Restraint.

About Book 2 RESTRAINT:

Restraint (The Revelation Series, Volume Two) by Randi Cooley Wilson

Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance

Pages: 300

Publication Date: August, 2014

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22370204-restraint

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Restraint-Revelation-Randi-Cooley-Wilson/dp/1495429296/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1406152797&sr=1-3-fkmr1&keywords=randy+cooley+wilson 

A FORBIDDEN LOVE WILL BECOME DEEPER.

A LOYALTY WILL BE TESTED.

AND ONLY DARKNESS WILL REMAIN.

One revelation changed everything, turning Eve Collin’s world upside down with grief and questions of identity and allegiance. Now as she flees enemies that refuse to give up, Eve must also face the mounting attraction between herself and her gargoyle protector. Will she ever truly be safe? How much will she sacrifice to survive and who will she become?

Restraint is an addictive pleasure a spellbinding continuation of Eve’s journey of self-discovery, love and sacrifice.

Readers captivated by Revelation will eagerly devour Restraint.

Restraint is volume two in The Revelation Series.

Excerpt:

"Sleep Over" - Asher and Eve, Restraint Excerpt

I’m brushing my teeth when Asher swaggers into the bathroom. He leans his hip against the counter and just watches me. It’s starting to freak me out. I squint at him before spitting.

     “Can I help you?”

     “Huh?” he asks.

     “You’re staring.” I tip my toothbrush at him.

     “Am I?” He tilts his head to the side and crosses his arms.

     I spit one last time and start my flossing routine and gargle my mouth rinse, all while Asher just stands there, observing me. Seriously, what’s he doing?

     “Curious about dental care?”

     “Curious about you,” he shoots back.

     “Okay.”

     He shrugs. “I like watching you do normal, everyday things.”

     I blink. “Did you get clocked in training today?”

     “No.” He slides his hands into the pockets of his pajama bottoms. “Want to have a sleep over?”

     “Sleepover?” I repeat, less than enthused.

      “Pajamas, pillow fights, gossip. You know, sleepover,” he clarifies, like I’m an idiot.

      I sigh. “You’re freaking me out. What the hell is going on?”

      He reaches for me and grabs the hem of my tank top, pulling me towards him. I stumble a bit and have to place my hands on his shoulders for balance as he tugs me closer. “I want you in my bed tonight. I was hoping you’d fall asleep in my arms.” His eyes lock onto mine.

{Rating} 4/5 - I really liked it! 

{Review}

If you haven't read book one, Revelation, stop here. Go read Revelation, it's great, - don't worry, I'll wait. Ready?

Randi Cooley Wilson turns up the dial on everything in Restraint, the sexual chemistry, the danger, the connection between Eve and Asher, the romance, the risk they take if they pursue their attraction.

The world gets a little bigger in Restraint. We meet other characters, both good and bad and jealousy inducing. We also get to see a little more about the effects of the bond and the sacrifices Eve and Asher each have to make. As to their relationship, despite the continuing on/off nature of their relationship I really like them together in their sweet moments - the Property of London tee shirt - and their steamier ones, even when they're at each other's throats.

I like that Randi Cooley Wilson isn't afraid to hurt her characters, to injure them physically and emotionally, to take away what they love the most, it definitely makes for an interesting read. And the end? Another gasp! What?! Where is book three? Must read now!

The Giveaway:

Signed copy of Revelation and Restraint open Internationally

a Rafflecopter giveaway

In addition to the giveaway the winner will also be able to choose Callan's next Apron Saying in book 3.

Love Callan St, Michael's aprons? Now is your chance to pick the saying for book 3, Redemption:

"Be a flirt and lift your shirt."

"If I want your opinion, I'll give it to you."

"Can I check to see if my hot dog fits your bun?"

Choose one, winner will be put into book 3!!!

About the Author:

Randi was born and raised in Massachusetts where she attended Bridgewater State University and graduated with a degree in Communication Studies. After graduation she moved to California where she lived happily bathed in sunshine and warm weather for fifteen years. Randi and her husband recently moved back to Massachusetts with their daughter where she was encouraged to begin writing again. Revelation is her first novel and The Revelations Series is her first New Adult Paranormal Romance book series.
“I’ve had a love affair with books, writing and storytelling since childhood. It has been a dream of mine to introduce this world and these characters to you. I hope I’ve done them justice.” Randi loves to hear from readers, you can reach out to her via Twitter: R_CooleyWilson and/or Facebook: authorrandicooleywilson

Twitter: R_CooleyWilson

Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorrandicooleywilson

Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/RCooleyWilson