Friday, September 27, 2013

Chicken Soup for the Soul Living Social Deal

Chicken Soup for the Soul Soup-er-Blogger
Hey everyone!  I don't think I've mentioned it, but I'm now a Chicken Soup for the Soul Soup-er Blogger.  With that I will be bringing you reviews of these wonderful books and their new product line.  I'll also announce from time-to-time special deals like the one I have for you today.



You can find this deal on the wonderful Living Social site and it's a great one.  For $29, you get two Chicken Soup for the Soul ebooks, an audio book, a puzzle book, five of their brand-new comfort food products and six additional exclusive gift items. This is actually a $130 Value. This is a great gift idea, especially with Christmas around the corner!  The cups below are just part of the deal, read on or follow the link to see exactly what is in the package.


In this Living Social Deal ($130 value for $29)

1 Chicken Soup for the Soul’s flagship, ready to eat, chicken noodle soup, rich with tender chunks of chicken
1 Signature classic chicken broth, for all your cooking needs
1 BBQ-style beef flavored broth for hearty stews and winter meals
1 Smooth and delicious turkey gravy – just in time for the holidays
1 Zesty pasta sauce bursting with imported Italian tomatoes and herbs
2 ebooks – Chicken Soup for the Soul bestsellers: Chicken Soup for the Soul 20th Anniversary Edition and Chicken Soup for the Soul Cookbook
1 audiobook of the bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul: Think Positive
1 fun word-puzzle book filled with inspirational quotes
1 limited edition photo frame with an exclusive inspirational quote, perfect for gifting
2 limited-edition Chicken Soup for the Soul ceramic mugs, complete with their own spoons
And a special apron, potholder, and oven mitt set, complete with an original inspirational quotation

So go here and check it out, I'm thinking about a few for Christmas gifts myself!

Have a great Friday all!


Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Book Review: The Good Sister by Wendy Corsi Staub

The Good SisterThe Good Sister by Wendy Corsi Staub
Publisher: Harper
Publish Date: Sept. 24, 2013
Paperback, 432 pages
ISBN: 9780062222381





My Review:
I love Wendy Corsi Staub and was very excited to get to read this one for review. And not only was it Wendy Corsi Staub but it had a plot line that centered around the dangers of the internet for teenagers. So I had to read it. And it was a good book, it kept me hooked and kept me reading, but sadly it seemed missing something for me. It was still a good read and not something I was sorry I spent my time reading, but still there was just something.

First there are the characters, Carley has been troubled ever since starting Sacred Sisters Catholic School. There have been obvious bullying events. Also she has been separated in high school from her best friend since they were in diapers. And not only is there separation there has been a rift between them as well so Carley's only friend is "Angel" who she meets online in a bullying forum. Angel understands her much better than anyone else in her life does. Jen is Carley's Mom who is trying her best to communicate with Carley and understand what is going on in her life. She's an attentive Mom and caring, but finds it hard to get through to Carley, but she knows there is something more going on especially when other teens who have no reason in the community begin to commit suicide. I liked the characters, Carley while truculent is relatable. There is a lot of bullying these days taken to extremes like in this book and I was sad for her and wanted her to find a friend. I rooted for both Jen and Carley in this book because I did like them both and that was the redeeming quality of the novel. The fact that the characters were likeable.

Where the book fell more flat for me was in the plot. It was plotted out wonderfully. I understood where Ms. Staub wanted to go with the book and loved that part. But somewhere in the execution it just lost me. It's like it took a long time to set up and then suddenly was speeding along but not in a good way. I would get kind of lost at times. Then bam! It was the ending everything was explained and tied up in a neat bow. It just felt slow then rushed. Maybe there was a page/word constraint and she was working with that. I understand that. And while I still enjoyed the book, it was here in the plot that I just found it to be lacking that thing that makes me say Wow! when I finish a book.

With likeable characters and an interesting plot, The Good Sister is still a book to be checked out especially if you like/love Ms. Staub. I will willingly admit that these are all my opinions and this maybe the book you gush about. And if you do, please leave me a comment because I would love to see your review and hear what you loved. Maybe I missed something completely. So if you love a good mystery centered around revenge and internet danger, this could be just the book for you. But for me I think I will eagerly await Ms. Staub's next book!


My rating: 3.0/5.0

About the Book:
In New York Times bestselling authorWendy Corsi Staub's electrifying new thriller,a mother races to save her daughter beforeher darkest nightmare comes true.

Sacred Sisters Catholic girls' school has hardly changed since Jen Archer was a student. Jen hoped her older daughter would thrive here. Instead, shy, studious Carley becomes the target of vicious bullies. But the real danger at Sacred Sisters goes much deeper.

The only person Carley can talk to is "Angel," a kindred spirit she met online. Carley tells Angel everything—about her younger sister, about school, about the sudden death of her former best friend. Angel is her lifeline. And Angel is closer than she knows.

When another schoolgirl is found dead, Jen's unease grows. There are too many coincidences, too many links to her past. Every instinct tells her that Carley is the next target. For someone is intent on punishing the guilty, teaching the ultimate lesson in how to fear . . . and how to die.




***I received this book from the publisher for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free.  ***

The Ripple Effect Romance Novella Series Spotlight, Cover Reveal & Giveaway



The Ripple Effect Romance Novella Series 
Enjoy this exciting new series of clean novellas by six critically-acclaimed authors.

"Like a pebble tossed into calm water, a simple act can ripple outward and have a far-reaching effect on those we meet, perhaps setting a life on a different course—one filled with excitement, adventure, and sometimes even love."

Book 1: Home Matters by Julie N. Ford
Book 2: Silver Linings by Kaylee Baldwin
Book 3: Righting A Wrong by Rachael Anderson
Book 4: Lost and Found by Karey White
Book 5: Second Chances 101 by Donna K. Weaver
Book 6: Immersed in Love by Jennifer Griffith



Home Matters by Julie N. Ford

According to her mother, Olivia Pembroke was born to be a star. But how is she supposed to be famous when she can't even get a decent acting gig? Her lucky break comes when she lands an audition for a wildly popular home improvement show. Even though she has no design training and has never even held a power tool, she refuses to let that stop her. She's confident that her destiny is finally within reach.

When her affections are torn between her heartthrob co-host and the irritating, yet somehow endearing lead contractor, does she continue to reach for the stars? Or does she design a new happily ever after? One that leads not to the fading lights of fame and fortune, but to a love that will burn forever.



Silver Linings by Kaylee Baldwin

Drew Westfall wants nothing more than to forget what he had to do in the name of "smart" business. Cutting off all ties with his parents—including handing over the entire contents of his trust fund to a charity—he takes off for Bridger, Colorado where his best friend has an extra room for him. It doesn't take long for him to realize that his business degree won’t do him much good in a town as small as Bridger, but he's broke and has nowhere else to go.

Eden Torresi has every reason to wallow. Not only did she lose her mother, but she had to drop out of nursing school and is in a relationship with a guy unwilling to commit. But Eden isn't the wallowing type. Instead, she chooses to spend most of her time taking care of the seniors at Silver Linings Nursing home. When she learns that her boyfriend's new roommate is down on his luck, her caring nature makes her want to reach out to him and offer what help she can. But the more time they spend together, the more complicated things get, especially when the seniors of Silver Linings decide to play matchmaker.



Righting a Wrong by Rachael Anderson

Seven years ago, Cambri Blaine fled her small hometown of Bridger, Colorado after her senior year ended in a fiasco. Only Jace Sutton knew the real reason why—that she was a spineless coward. Now, seven years later, her father's been in an accident and needs help, and Cambr has no choice but to return home. So with trepidation, she takes a leave of absence from the landscape architecture firm where she works and boards a plane, hoping against hope that Jace is no longer around and that the past can stay where it belongs—in the past.

If only life worked that way.

Jace never expected to see Cambri again. After she’d led him on, bruised his heart, and left town without a backward glance, he was forced to pick up the pieces and try not to hate her for it. Eventually, he put it behind him and moved on, creating a life for himself in his beloved hometown. But now that Cambri is back and looking more beautiful and sophisticated than ever, some of those old feelings resurface, and Jake instinctively knows, for the sake of his heart, that he needs to avoid her at all costs.

If only it were that easy.


Lost and Found by Karey White

Lydia was supposed to have an adventurous and exciting summer. Instead she's done nothing more than read and eat takeout. Now it's time to go home, and what does she have to show for it? A big fat nothing. Unless, of course, her trip to the airport somehow turns into something more than just a flight home.

Blake feels like he's been sent on a wild goose chase. While work is piling up back in Denver, he's on the other side of the country, hunting for some mysterious box that his grandfather left him. Well, no more. Nothing inside that box could possibly be more important than the opportunity to make it as the youngest partner at his firm. So he's going home, and that's that. But that's before he discovers his flight has been cancelled.

When these two strangers meet at the airport, they make a split-second decision to search for the box together. Maybe with both of them on the hunt, Lydia can have her adventure and Blake can find the box. And maybe, if they’re lucky, they’ll even find some romance.



Second Chances 101 by Donna K. Weaver

Thirty seven year old Francie Davis, a recent widow and empty nester, gets to attend college at last. She’s sure her luck has changed when she also lands a job on campus that will pay her tuition, as administrative assistant to a history professor. When her handsome new boss yells at her on the first day of work, Francie worries she will never be good enough.

For Professor Alex Diederik, life is going downhill fast. Not only is his bitter ex-wife trying to poison their only daughter against him, but now his one place of solace—his work environment—is being complicated by his attractive new administrative assistant. She drives home his feelings of failure as a husband and father, and Alex wonders if hiring her was the right thing to do.

Francie will have to put aside her hurt and insecurities or risk her dreams, while Alex must look outside himself if he’s to mend the breach with his daughter. And, perhaps, find someone who can help heal his pain.


Immersed in Love by Jennifer Griffith

Lisette Pannebaker speaks five languages and has a brilliant business plan—personal language immersion. Clients can hire her to shadow them and speak all day in any language they need to learn for business or travel—whatever.

But there’s a major hitch: she’s far too pretty. Clients with less than honorable intentions sign up just have Lisette at their side. Solution? A make-under. Way under.It works like a charm. None of her male clients show her the least bit of interest.

Until… Erik.

Erik Gunnarsson is charming, kind, and smart—everything she’s ever looked for. Even though he seems to have a secret and she swore she'd never date a client, Lisette is tempted to shed her disguise—even if it means jeopardizing her career.



Giveaway Details
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 10/31/13

Bloggers who put up a spotlight post about these books on their blog can enter to win an additional $25 gift card or paypal cash.  See details in the Rafflecopter.

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


a Rafflecopter giveaway





Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Book Spotlight & Giveaway: Facade by Nyrae Dawn





FACADE by Nyrae Dawn
Publication Date: September 24, 2013
Genre: New Adult
Mass Market
ISBN: 9781455576319



Summary:
No one knows who twenty-one year-old Adrian Westfall is behind his façade. After what he's done, he deserves to live alone with his pain, even if he'd do anything to forget. Anything for a moment of quiet without his past haunting him.

Eighteen year-old Delaney Cross wants nothing more than to absolve her family from her father's sins. To keep her suicidal mom off that ledge, and help her brother Maddox get the light back in his eyes. She thinks their road to freedom is through Adrian.

Adrian and Delaney are bound together by tragedy... Only Adrian doesn't know it.  As their lives intertwine, they find a solace in each other they never knew existed. Laney knows she needs to tell him-to come out from behind her smoke screen, but to say the words could mean losing him.

Two people. Two disguises. True love. Will it be enough to save them when all secrets are bared?


Author Bio:
Writing has always been Nyrae Dawn's passion. Nyrae gravitates toward character-driven stories. She loves going on emotional journeys with characters whether it be reading or writing. And yes, she's a total romantic at heart and proud.

Nyrae resides in sunny Southern California with her husband (who still makes her swoon) and her two awesome kids.

When she's not with her family, you can be pretty sure you'll find her with a book in her hand or her laptop and an open document in front of her. Nyrae also writes adult romance under the name Kelley Vitollo.
 
 
 
 
 
Author’s Social Networking links:
Blog 
 


Excerpt:


When I see my sister, Angel, walk over to Ash’s grave I don’t get out of the car. When some guy walks up and grabs her hand, I don’t know who he is and yet, I don’t bother finding out. They hug and I don’t walk over and do the same thing to her. It’s not our thing to stand around having some group, mourning session over the two year-old boy who died too soon.
            Nope. This is real life. Not like all the stupid fucking books I read or the movies people watch or the reality shows that couldn’t be farther away from reality.
            Without moving an inch, I watch her. Watch as she sets flowers on Ashton’s grave. As the guy pulls her into a hug. As they kneel on the ground, probably talking to him in a way I’ll never have the balls to do.
            The guy says something to her and then gets up and walks away. I duck further down in my seat, but no one is paying attention to me. He heads back to a little car and waits.
            Angel’s hands go to her face and I know she’s crying in them. Know she’s mourning the loss of Ash, the boy she loved so much. The boy she took care of better than any mom could. I know she sent the guy away because she’s like me and needs to handle shit on her own. Only unlike me, she’ll never run.
            She cries out there for probably thirty minutes. The whole time my chest is tight. Aching. It’s hard to breathe and I want to turn away, but I don’t. I deserve to feel this way and deserve to see this.
            A fist squeezes tighter and tighter around my heart. My face is wet, but I don’t bother to wipe away the tears, either. Real men don’t fucking cry. That’s what dad always said before he hit me in a series of body shots, until I couldn’t stop myself from doing just what he said I shouldn’t do.
            Then he’d beat me harder for being weak.
            Angel’s shoulders are shaking. I can tell from this far away.
            I’m not an idiot. Never have been. I know it wouldn’t make me weak to walk over there and hug her. To hold her and tell her it’ll be okay, but I still won’t do it. What right do I have to try and console her, when I’m the one who destroyed everything?
            When I’m the one who let Ash die?
            So I sit here and watch her, just so I’ll never forget the pain I caused.


Giveaway:
1 WINNER: $25 gift card to the e-retailer of your choice, plus a print copy of FAÇADE
5 WINNER: Forever New Adult Prizepack including print copies of: FAÇADE, THE COINCIDENCE OF CALLIE & KAYKEN (Jessica Sorensen), THE EDGE OF NEVER (J.A Redmerski), and ELITE (Rachel Van Dyken).

  a Rafflecopter giveaway


Monday, September 23, 2013

Book Review: A Little Too Far by Lisa Desrochers

A Little Too Far (A Little Too Far, #1)A Little Too Far by Lisa Desrochers
Publisher: William Morrow
Publish Date: September 17, 2013 (ebook), October 1, 2013 (paperback)
ebook, 336 pages
ISBN: 9780062298997 (ebook), 9780062299017 (paperback)
New Adult, A Little Too Far #1

My Review:

Are you ready for an amazing new adult novel? I know I always am. I love Lisa Desrochers as a young adult author, and wondered how well she could make the slight changeover to new adult. Would she disappoint, would she rock it? Well let me tell you she rocked it! I love new adult but she took it somewhere I never expected and I liked it. It's hot, has lots of angst and finally an ending I loved. So I would say go and get this one and then be ready to be anxious for book #2, A Little Too Much which comes out in November. I know I am.

So what did I love? The characters, there is Lexie who is a college student with a bad breakup who escapes to a school halfway across the country. And then she's escaping for a year abroad to study. It can't get much better. There is Trent, her amazing step-brother. They can talk about anything and are so close. And then they get closer. And no I didn't have a problem with it. They are {STEP}-siblings and Lisa Desroches writes the book in such a way that you get their closeness and how this could happen. Then lack-of-communication happens and Lexie heads off to Italy unsure of what exactly is going on between her and Trent. Then enter Alessandro a handsome young reverend who will be a priest soon. I loved all three main characters, they each had some growing to do and they were all pretty amazing. I wasn't really sure how I wanted things to end until they did and I felt really good about it.

As for the plot, it kept me reading. The love scenes are scorching. The scenes at the Catholic Church for confession are rather amusing. It makes me glad I'm not Catholic and have to do confession. There is humor, there are sexy scenes. There is growth of characters and there is the decision that all three characters have to make. This makes the book. Well along with the good sex and the jealousy and the stupid miscommunication and lack of communication that comes with all relationships. But it all works and works well together.

I cannot wait for the second book in this series. While this one ties everything up pretty well for one couple, I can't wait to see what Lisa does in a second book in the series since I think she knocked this one out of the park. With a sassy main character who has some issues and insecurities to deal with to two hot secondary characters, this book will make you want more and you'll be finished with it before you know it. I loved it!

My rating: 5.0/5.0

About the Book: 
Have you ever gone just a little too far?

Lexie Banks has.

Yep. She just had mind-blowing sex with her stepbrother. In her defense, she was on the rebound, and it’s more of a my-dad-happened-to-marry-a-woman-with-a-super-hot-son situation. But still, he’s been her best friend and confidant for the better part of the last few years … and is so off limits. It’s a good thing she’s leaving in two days for a year abroad in Rome.

But even thousands of miles away, Lexie can’t seem to escape trouble. Raised Catholic, she goes to confession in hopes of alleviating some of her guilt … and maybe not burning in hell. Instead, she stumbles out of the confessional and right into Alessandro Moretti, a young and very easy-on-the-eyes deacon … only eight months away from becoming a priest. Lexie and Alessandro grow closer, and when Alessandro’s signals start changing despite his vow of celibacy, she doesn’t know what to think. She’s torn between falling in love with the man she shouldn’t want and the man she can’t have. And she isn’t sure how she can live with herself either way.

 

***I received this book from the publisher through Edelweiss for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free.  ***

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Come Join Jay Asher for a Literary Hangout on Air for Banned Books Week (9/24)


It's Banned Books week and you'll want to check this out.  Thirteen Reasons Why is one of my favorite books and I have The Future of Us on my Kindle.  I'm going to be there, so come join in as well!






Thursday, September 19, 2013

Giveaway to chekc out: Entangled in the Wild






This is a contest you will want to check out.  Entangled Select and Entangled Teen is hosting a contest and giving away an iPad mini. 


The low-down:
  1. Take a picture of yourself with any of the books listed on the website in a bookstore.  (The books will change with new releases, so come back to see which books we’re looking for each month!)
  2. Post the picture to Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest, Instagram, Google Plus, or your blog. Make sure to use the hashtag #EntangledInTheWild so we can keep track and RT. We’d love to know what bookstore you found our books at so when you tweet, make sure to tweet, “I’m in xx bookstore in xx state. #EntangledInTheWild.”  So, for example if you’re in B&N in California, you’d tweet, “I’m in B&N in Palm Desert, CA. #EntangledInTheWild.”
  3. Enter the post’s link in the Rafflecopter at their website.

 So run and check out your bookstore for these great books, I know I will be!





Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Book Review: Teardrop by Lauren Kate

Teardrop (Teardrop, #1)Teardrop by Lauren Kate
Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
Pub date: Oct. 22, 2013
Hardcover, 464 pages
ISBN: 9780375990694


My Review:
So this will be two days in a row of absolutely gushing reviews, but I lucked into a spell of absolutely amazing new releases. First with 3:59 which I reviewed yesterday and now with Teardrop, which is completely different, but again an amazing book.

I also should probably say I love Lauren Kate, though I was not paid to say that. So when I saw her newest offered on Amazon Vine, I had to read it. But like 3:59 for some reason I put it off. I think it may have been the size, it's over 400 pages and I'm always afraid I won't like it and I always feel like I should finish. And 400 is minor I know, I've read 800+ page books frequently. Maybe too I was afraid of being disappointed by a Lauren Kate book after all the book synopsis sounds really different. However I should not have feared. The book flew by and Lauren Kate could never disappoint!

What did I like? Eureka for one, she's a great main character. Her life has been devastated and everything has turned on it's ear with her Mom's death. She honestly feels she has nothing to live for but Brooks and her Mom's memory. And then a strange boy comes into her life and sets things into motion that changes everything. Yeah, I like her. I also like Ander, yes he's mysterious and yes we know there are some things he's hiding, but I wanted to know what those were and I was cheering for him through the whole book. I also loved the setting. Lousiana, but not New Orleans really drew me in (not that I don't love New Orleans stories, but it was interesting to see a slightly different more small-town area). And the plot, what was not to love about that. Also it uses the myth of Atlantis, what's not to love? It's fast-paced, I read most of it in one afternoon and gripping. I cared about the characters and I was dying to figure out just where the book and the series were heading. So that made for a book I could not put down.

What I didn't like? While the ending wraps up that book fine, I don't want to wait another 6 months-1 year until the next book! This is me whining, this was so good I need more Eureka now! I need to know where the next book will go because I know I will like it. So it really isn't a complaint, more of a whine. You'll understand when you read it and you just have to read it now, don't you.

So with great plot, interesting characters and an exciting start to a series, Teardrop is one amazing book. It goes on sale next month, but I recommend putting it on your wishlist now if you haven't yet! And after you read it you'll be stalking Lauren's pages to find out when the next book releases, which reminds me, I'm off now to look around and see!

My rating: 5.0/5.0

About the Book:
Never, ever cry. . . . Eureka Boudreaux's mother drilled that rule into her daughter years ago. But now her mother is gone, and everywhere Eureka goes he is there: Ander, the tall, pale blond boy who seems to know things he shouldn't, who tells Eureka she is in grave danger, who comes closer to making her cry than anyone has before.

But Ander doesn't know Eureka's darkest secret: ever since her mother drowned in a freak accident, Eureka wishes she were dead, too. She has little left that she cares about, just her oldest friend, Brooks, and a strange inheritance—a locket, a letter, a mysterious stone, and an ancient book no one understands. The book contains a haunting tale about a girl who got her heart broken and cried an entire continent into the sea. Eureka is about to discover that the ancient tale is more than a story, that Ander might be telling the truth . . . and that her life has far darker undercurrents than she ever imagined. From Lauren Kate comes an epic saga of heart-stopping romance, devastating secrets, and dark magic . . . a world where everything you love can be washed away



***I received this book from Amazon Vine for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free.  ***

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Book Review: 3:59 by Gretchen McNeil

3:593:59 by Gretchen McNeil
Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Publish Date: September 17, 2013
Hardcover, 368 pages
ISBN: 9780062118813



My Review:

First off I would like to thank Krys at Bibliopunk who I won this wonderful arc from! When I entered to win I was really excited about the book and really excited to win it and then it sat on my shelf for awhile. I think I was scared to read it. But I shouldn't have been, it was an easy read and a fascinating one. I mention easy because the parallel universe part scared me. How scientific would it be, would it just go over my head and confuse me. But there is none of that. The story flows smoothly and the explanations work well and I never felt bogged down by the whats and whys.

So let me move on. I loved this book. I could not put it down. It was an absolutely fascinating premise that was well executed and has Gretchen McNeil on my must-read list from now on! First there are the characters, Josie is one of those girls you can't help but like. But her life is falling apart. Her parents are divorcing, her Mom is acting strange and so is her boyfriend. Then the mother of all betrayals happens. Wow, Ms. McNeil set this one up well for when Josie finally sees Jo and understands the parallel world thing they have going on. Because Josie's life is in the toilet and Jo's life looks wonderful. But then all hell breaks loose. Because the grass is not always greener . . .

So then let's talk about the story. Amazing. Did I already say that? I can't help it. I read and read and read and when it was over I didn't want it to be. I was in love with Josie, rooting for her and those who were close to her. I hated the bad guys. I couldn't wait to turn the page and see what surprises were next. And then it was over. And I sighed, and thought about the book and weeks later I can still think about the book. Simply amazing and thought-provoking.

Okay I realize this is an extremely gushy review, but this book was so great. I love thrillers and this being a YA thriller just made it so much better. Ms. McNeil knows how to write a tight story with great characters that you can root for. She weaves the suspense and the everyday in a way that makes you want to be part of the story. It is a can't-put-down thriller that I cannot recommend enough. Simply put: read 3:59, you won't regret it!

My rating: 5.0/5.0

About the Book:
Josie Byrne's life is spiraling out of control. Her parents are divorcing, her boyfriend Nick has grown distant, and her physics teacher has it in for her. When she's betrayed by the two people she trusts most, Josie thinks things can't get worse.

Until she starts having dreams about a girl named Jo. Every night at the same time—3:59 a.m.

Jo's life is everything Josie wants: she's popular, her parents are happily married, and Nick adores her. It all seems real, but they're just dreams, right? Josie thinks so, until she wakes one night to a shadowy image of herself in the bedroom mirror – Jo.

Josie and Jo realize that they are doppelgängers living in parallel universes that overlap every twelve hours at exactly 3:59. Fascinated by Jo's perfect world, Josie jumps at the chance to jump through the portal and switch places for a day.

But Jo’s world is far from perfect. Not only is Nick not Jo's boyfriend, he hates her. Jo's mom is missing, possibly insane. And at night, shadowy creatures feed on human flesh.

By the end of the day, Josie is desperate to return to her own life. But there’s a problem: Jo has sealed the portal, trapping Josie in this dangerous world. Can she figure out a way home before it’s too late?

From master of suspense Gretchen McNeil comes a riveting and deliciously eerie story about the lives we wish we had – and how they just might kill you.




***I won this book from Krys at Bibliopunk. ***

Monday, September 16, 2013

Cover Reveal: Recklessly Royal by Nichole Chase

Today I'm here to share to beautiful and sassy cover for Recklessly Royal by Nichole Chase out from Avon Books March of 2014.  Check out this lovely cover and get your preorder in, I know I will be!




RECKLESSLY ROYAL by Nichole Chase
On Sale from Avon Books March 25, 2014

Catherine has spent her life being the perfect princess. She’s kept her hands clean, her head down, and most importantly-men at arm’s length. After all, most men are after only one thing, and for Cathy there’s a lot more at stake than her bed; she has to worry about the fate of an entire nation. But at the rate she’s going, Cathy is afraid she’ll give the Virgin Queen a run for her money. She is tired of waiting for someone good enough to come along. She has a plan, and it all hinges on seducing the one man who seems utterly unimpressed by all things royal. The one man she is tempted by more than any other . . . 

When David arrives at the royal wedding of his friend, the newly ordained Duchess Samantha Rousseau, he expected to feel uncomfortable and out of his element, but he wasn’t prepared to be targeted by Prince Alex’s gorgeous younger sister. With Cathy’s giant blue eyes, killer figure, and sense of humor, it won’t take long before he gives in. But when he finds out just how innocent the crown princess really is, will he play the part of knight in shining armor or the dashing rogue? 




Tuesday, September 10, 2013

September Kindle Fire Giveaway!

Kindle Fire September 

  This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER GIVEAWAY EVENT!

Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HD 7″.
Kindle Fire HD 7″ Giveaway
The winner will have the option of receiving a 7″ Kindle Fire HD (US Only)

Or $199 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

Or $199 in Paypal Cash (International)


Sponsoring Authors & Bloggers

  1. I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
  2. Feed Your Reader
  3. Candace's Book Blog
  4. Every Free Chance Book Reviews
  5. Author Lori Verni-Fogarsi
  6. Ketch's Book Nook
  7. Author Rachael Renee Anderson
  8. Author Karey White
  9. Buku-Buku-Didi
  10. Author Marcia Lynn McClure
  11. Author Bella Street
  12. Brooke Blogs
  13. Author Anna Kyss
  14. Author Ednah Walters
  15. These are but Shadows
  16. The Real Bookshelves of Room 918
  17. Fae Books
  18. Magical Manuscripts
  19. Chair in the Shade
  20. The Book Bellas
  21. Page Flipperz
  22. Romance Schmomance
  23. A Bookish Escape
  24. bookitty blog
  25. Author S.A. Larsen
  26. The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something Year Old Girl
  27. Jessabella Reads
  28. Author Jennifer Laurens
  29. Bea's Book Nook
  30. Books 4 Tomorrow
  31. Meredith's Musings
  32. Libby's Library
  33. Author Deanna Roy
  34. Word to Dreams
  35. Bookhounds
  36. Diva Book Nerd
  37. Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf
  38. Author Kim Cresswell
  39. Author Inger Iversen
  40. Author Elizabeth Isaacs
  41. Lori's Reading Corner
  42. Author Lena Sledge
  43. Author Kerry Taylor
  44. Author Brinda Berry
  45. Author Niecey Roy
  46. Author Kary Radar
  47. Author Josh Baker
  48. Author Helen Smith
  49. Author Annette K. Larsen
Giveaway Details
1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire 7″ HD (US Only), $199 Amazon Gift Card or $199 in Paypal Cash (International).
There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire.
Sponsor a future Kindle Fire Giveaway.  Details can be found here.
Ends 9/30/13
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Book Release and iPad mini Giveaway: Breaking Nova by Jessica Sorenson


 BREAKING NOVA
by Jessica Sorensen
Publication Date: September 3, 2103
Genre: Contemporary, New Adult
ISBN: 9781455582723
Summary:
Nova Reed used to have dreams-of becoming a famous drummer, of marrying her true love. But all of that was taken away in an instant. Now she's getting by as best she can, though sometimes that means doing things the old Nova would never do. Things that are slowly eating away at her spirit. Every day blends into the next ... until she meets Quinton Carter. His intense, honey brown eyes instantly draw her in, and he looks just about as broken as she feels inside.

Quinton once got a second chance at life — too bad he doesn't want it. The tattoos on his chest are a constant reminder of what he's done, what he's lost. He's sworn to never allow happiness into his life ... but then beautiful, sweet Nova makes him smile. He knows he's too damaged to get close to her, yet she's the only one who can make him feel alive again. Quinton will have to decide: does he deserve to start over? Or should he pay for his past forever?

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Author Bio:

 The New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Jessica Sorensen, lives in the snowy mountains of Wyoming. When she's not writing, she spends her time reading and hanging out with her family.







Book Excerpt

I get caught up in it all—in her—and suddenly I’m pressing my lips against hers. I’ve done this a lot before, as a way to distract myself from my life. But this isn’t the same. This means something, but I’m still trying to figure out what and if I want it or even deserve to get it.
At first she stiffens, but then she hooks her arms around the back of my neck and inches closer, opening her mouth to me as she spreads her legs open and my hands travel higher toward the bottom of her shorts. She tastes like beer and smells like pot. Tristan’s gone but he could come back at any moment. I should stop this. I should care enough to stop Tristan from seeing this, but my will to care about doing the right thing at this moment has died. My thoughts are blurred by the lingering high and the scent and feel of Nova. All I seem to care about is caressing her tongue with mine and feeling her skin because it’s soft and soothing and in another life I’d touch it all the time.
I’m about to pull away, because emotions are prickling inside me, when she swings her leg over me so she’s straddling my lap, then she grips the sides of my neck and pulls me closer. She kisses me fiercely, to the point where it feels like my lips are going to bruise, then she’s crushing her chest against mine as she gently rocks her hips. I dig my fingers into her waist, bringing her even closer, before I push her back, breaking the connection of our lips.
She’s panting, wild-eyed, her hair falling out of the braid. She glances to the side at Tristan’s empty chair and then looks back at me.
“We should stop,” I say, but it sounds like a lame attempt, my voice drifting off at the end.
“W-why?” She stutters a protest and I have to admit that it’s nice there are no tears in her eyes. “I don’t want to.”
I brush her hair back from her eyes and let my fingers linger on the bruise on her cheek. “You don’t even know me, Nova. I’m no good for you… you deserve so much better.” Please run away. Because I can’t seem to do it myself.
Her jaw tenses, like I struck a nerve. “I think I should get to decide that.”
“Whether I’m good enough for you?” I ask.
“Yeah, which I can only decide if I get to know you,” she says.
I motion my hand in front of myself, pressing the point. “This is pretty much it. What you see is what you get.”
“That’s never the case,” she disagrees, flattening her palms onto my bare chest right over the scar and my body goes rigid. “In fact, most of the time people hide who they really are.” Her throat bobs up and down as she swallows hard. “Most of the time you think you know someone, but you really have no clue.”

Giveaway (Publisher Sponsored):

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