Friday, February 28, 2014

Cover Reveal: How to Seduce a Band Geek and How to Hook a Bookworm by Cassie Mae


How to Seduce a Band Geek (How To #2)
Release Date: 05/06/14
Swoon Romance

Summary from Goodreads:

Sierra Livingston’s got it bad for her sister’s best friend, Levi Mason—the boy who carries his drumsticks in his pocket, marches with the school’s band, and taps his feet to whatever beat runs through his head. Sierra racks her brain for ways to impress the sexy drummer, but the short skirts and bursting cleavage don’t seem to cut it.



When Sierra gets paired with Levi’s sister, Brea, for a mentorship program, they strike a deal. In exchange for Sierra keeping her mouth shut about Brea ditching the program, Brea lets Sierra dig for more info on Levi to help get the guy of her dreams.



But when Sierra discovers Levi no longer plays the drums, his family has moved into a trailer, and he’s traded in his Range Rover for a baby blue moped, Sierra’s not sure if she can go through with violating his privacy. She’ll have to find the courage to ask him straight out—if he’s willing to let her in—and explore other ways to seduce the school’s band geek.



How to Hook a Bookworm (How To #3)
Release Date: TBD

Swoon Romance



Summary from Goodreads:

It’s Brea Mason’s sixteenth birthday, and she has three wishes. 1. Be magically eighteen like the rest of her friends. 2. Grow a money tree for her family whose financial problems are well known about town.  3. Overcome her test anxiety before she flunks out of every class.


But one day later, she's still sixteen, her family's money worries abound, and she's no closer to passing than she was the day before!


Then a very sexy transfer student—with gobs of cash—shows up. Brea figures she has a better chance of burping up glitter than attracting the new guy, but he seems extremely interested in her.



Just when Brea thinks things are looking up, her report card arrives marked with four giant F’s. Enter resident bookworm and Brea's loyal friend, Adam Silver. If he can't help Brea pass, no one can.


Even with Adam's help, Brea can't handle the mounting pressure, and finds an escape with the new student who knows little about her problems. 

But spending oodles of time with her boyfriend strains the friendship with Adam she relies so heavily on. Faced with losing the only real comfort and support she has ever had, Brea starts to wonder if she can hook a bookworm before it's too late. 


Link to book one:
(cover linked to Goodreads)


About the Author

Amazon multi-category and international bestselling author of HOW TO DATE A NERD, HOW TO SEDUCE A BAND GEEK and HOW TO HOOK A BOOKWORM

Cassie Mae is a nerd to the core from Utah, who likes to write about other nerds who find love. Her angel children and perfect husband fan her and feed her grapes while she clacks away on the keyboard. Then she wakes up from that dream world and manages to get a few words on the computer while the house explodes around her. When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with the youth in her community as a volleyball and basketball coach, or searching the house desperately for chocolate.

Cassie Mae is an Amazon.com bestselling author of the teen contemporary romance novel REASONS I FELL FOR THE FUNNY FAT FRIEND, which she self-published. In addition to publishing with Swoon Romance, she is published by Random House Flirt.

Author Links:
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Cover Reveal: When You are Mine and Loving You Always by Kennedy Ryan

Today I have two beautiful covers to reveal for the first two books in Forever's debut author Kennedy Ryan's The Bennett's series.  The first one releases in June and Loving You Always will follow in October.  But for now get a look at these covers and add them to you Goodreads wishlist!


WHEN YOU ARE MINE (June 17, 2014; 9781455556816) introduces the story of Kerris Moreton, a foster child who has thrived despite her circumstances and is ready to open her own business and accept a marriage proposal. Unfortunately, the only thing missing in her would-be-fiancé Cam is the passionate connection he believes is overrated but Kerris craves. Lucky for her, she meets a man who lights her up like the Fourth of July.

Walsh Bennett is one of the East Coast’s most eligible bachelors, and Cam’s best friend. He’s used to plenty of female attention, but lately he’s been distracted by the one woman he can’t have. Kerris is the soulmate Walsh never thought he would fine, but too bad his best friend found her first.








LOVING YOU ALWAYS (October 17, 2014; 9781455556861) is book two in The Bennett’s Series. We don’t want to spoil anything, so you’ll just have to wait to see what happens with Kerris, Walsh and Cam in WHEN YOU ARE MINE first!

 


Author Kennedy Ryan has had several signs that she would be a writer, and finally circled back after years of gainful employment. She is a mom to a wonderful son living with autism. This is her debut novel and a percentage of her royalties are donated to families living with autism through her personal foundation as well as through TACA, Talk About Curing Autism. You can learn more about Kennedy Ryan at her Website, Facebook, Twitter, and Goodreads.


Write On Review-A-Thon

Write On Review-a-Thon 

Today starts the Write On Review-A-Thon at The Book Vixen.  This week has been a whirlwind of my 40th birthday celebrations, so I'm late putting up my post that I'm joining, but I am.  I hope to clear out some reviews and get this blog going with reviews again!

Information about the review-a-thon can be found by clicking on the button above, but it's pretty simple and takes place every month.  This month it's today and tomorrow, and it's time to get those reviews written or videoed.  So have fun, sign up or just be prepared to actually see reviews on my blog again!



Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Unraveled by Jen Frederick Book Blitz + Giveaway


Unraveled by Jen Frederick
Genre: New Adult Romance


Summary
Twenty-five-year-old Sgt. Gray Phillips is at a crossroads in his life: stay in the Marine Corps or get out and learn to be a civilian? He’s got forty-five days of leave to make up his mind but the people in his life aren’t making the decision any easier. His dad wants him to get out; his grandfather wants him to stay in. And his growing feelings for Sam Anderson are wreaking havoc with his heart…and his mind. He believes relationships get ruined when a Marine goes on deployment. So now he’s got an even harder decision to make: take a chance on Sam or leave love behind and give his all to the Marines.


Twenty-two year old Samantha Anderson lost her husband to an IED in Afghanistan just two months after their vows. Two years later, Sam is full of regrets—that she didn’t move with her husband to Alaska; that she allowed her friends to drift away; that she hasn’t taken many chances in life. Now, she’s met Gray and taking a risk on this Marine could be her one opportunity to feel alive and in love again. But how can she risk her heart on another military man who could share the same tragic fate as her husband?

Excerpt
THIS WAS ONLY TEMPORARY, I reminded myself, as Samantha so sweetly kissed me back. I'm only here for a short time I reminded myself but as I felt her tongue stroke the side of my tongue, as she nipped her teeth against my lip, I wanted to just drown in the sensation. Her scent filled my head and the air around us shrank until all I knew was her small body sitting so close to mine. I moved my hand from her shoulder to cup her neck and angled her face for deeper penetration. I licked every inch inside of her mouth until the taste of her was all that I knew on my tongue.
And all that time I stared in to her green eyes and not once did she look like she was anywhere but right here with me. I saw my reflection there. Her heartbeat was made wild by my kisses.
And temporary was the farthest thing from my mind.


Buy Links

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1kl4Gd9
Smashwords: http://bit.ly/1bdZ0yN


Author Biography
Bestselling author Jen Frederick lives with her husband, child, and one rambunctious dog. She's been reading stories all her life but never imagined writing one of her own. Jen loves to hear from readers so drop her a line at jensfrederick@gmail.com.


Social Networking Links
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JensFred

Giveaway:


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Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Cover Reveal: Perfectly Messy by Lizzy Charles

Today I get to share this beautiful cover for Perfectly Messy by Lizzy Charles, check it out, learn more about the book and enjoy.

Perfectly Messy
Release Date: May 2014

Summary from Goodreads:

Popularity isn't everything it's cracked up to be. Justin Marshall knows this better than most. For the captain of the basketball team, small business owner, and son of Minnesota's next governor, life can get pretty overwhelming. But Justin can handle anything as long as he has Lucy, the girl who fell for the man he’s trying to be.



But for Justin and Lucy, finding time together proves challenging. Stolen kisses and whispered promises just aren't enough. That is, until scandalous photos of the couple are leaked to a press intent on creating a juicy scandal during Justin's dad's gubernatorial campaign. And when Lucy becomes fair play for the tabloids and gossip pages, Justin does the only thing he can to protect her: he breaks her heart.



For Lucy, junior year is everything she hoped it would be: new friends, second chances, and a boyfriend she can’t stop kissing. That is, until the boy she’s pretty sure she loves chooses the life his family wants for him, over her.


Now it’s up to Lucy to teach him what it really means to have everything. Because for Justin, being who everyone needs him to be just might cost him the one person he can’t live without.


Book One:
(linked to Goodreads)

About the Author
When Lizzy Charles isn’t scrambling to raise her two spunky toddlers or caring for premature and sick babies as a neonatal intensive care nurse, she’s in a quiet corner writing or snuggled up with a novel and a few squares of dark chocolate. Black tea keeps her constant and she loves guacamole. She married her high school sweet heart, a heart-melting musician, so it’s no surprise she’s fallen in love with writing contemporary YA romance novels.


Author Links:
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Friday, February 21, 2014

I'm Wondering This Week about series books (+ $5 GC giveaway)


First let's get the winners from the last two weeks out of the way.  Both have been notified by email, but if you missed the email, please email me at readingcrystal74*at*gmail*com.

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Now onto new business.  This week I'm wondering about series books.  I'm about to finish The Inn Boonsboro triology by Nora Robert and I'm listening to her In the Garden trilogy as audiobooks right now (I'm on the first one).  It's kind of fun to compare how her trilogies are alike but that doesn't really bother me.  The storyline is great and I like the continuity of getting to know the characters.  I also enjoy her In Death series.  Other series I have enjoyed, Stephanie Plum by Janet Evanovich, Alex Cross & Women's Murder Club by James Patterson, Tempe Brennan by Kathy Reichs, the Divergent series by Veronica Roth and so many others.  So what is your favorite series?  Do you like series?  Is there a time that a series might should end? (somehow I'm starting to wonder that with Stephanie Plum, but I enjoy the antics and would miss her).  Let's hear it and be entered to win a $5 GC to Amazon or B&N.

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Thursday, February 20, 2014

Hot Cover Alert + Giveaway


Like rock star romance? Then get prepared to Rock It with Jennifer Chance.  March 4th is the release date and to get the word out Jennifer Chance is hosting a giveaway of a $20 gift card to Amazon or B&N for sharing some book love.  And what's even cooler about this book?  I'll be reviewing it on it's release date, so stay tuned for that!


Oh, and get a sneak peek at the first chapter at Jenn's Facebook page HERE!

“Jennifer Chance’s Rock It is perfect for those of us who like our books the way we like our rockers: smart, sexy, sweet, and a damn good time!”—Lexi Ryan, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Unbreak Me



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Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Series Review (so far): Breaking Nova and Saving Quinton by Jessica Sorenson

Breaking Nova (Nova, #1)Breaking Nova by Jessica Sorensen
My rating: 4.25/5.0

I enjoyed Breaking Nova if it can be said that you enjoy a novel where the character actually does break before she starts to mend. I don't enjoy pain in characters, but somehow in New Adult it works. Though this is the grittiest New Adult novel I have read to date. If you don't like drug use (I don't mean personally, but in books) then this may not be the book for you. I actually wasn't sure how I would feel about it, but Ms. Sorensen makes it work. As a reader you understand why the characters feel they must do it and you go with it. But there is always the hope at least in this book that Nova will find her way out.

I liked Nova, Quinton and Tristan. I really felt that though they are all stuck in a downward spiral of guilt, drugs and alcohol that there is always hope for each of the three. This book focuses on Nova and her spiral after finding her boyfriend had committed suicide. The book focuses on summer break after her first year of college. I felt engaged in the book, felt like I got to know the characters and the situation well. At times I felt like I was truly there with them.

After I finished Breaking Nova I could not wait to start Saving Quinton because I had to know what would happen next. This is a great start to what I think will be an interesting series. And I plan on trying out Ms. Sorensen's other books after I finish this series (or maybe before, because I'm now waiting for Nova and Quinton: No Regrets, please hurry up and get here April!

Saving Quinton (Nova, #2)Saving Quinton by Jessica Sorensen
My rating: 4.25/5.0

Jessica Sorensen does gritty very well. As the second book in the Nova series, this was even grittier than the first. Talk about hitting rock bottom. However I think I will now have a lot of respect for anyone who takes rehab seriously.

Saving Quinton starts roughly a year after Breaking Nova. It's summer break after Nova's sophomore year and she can't seem to get Quinton off her mind. Nova has cleaned up with help of her Mom and her friend Lea. She's finished her second year of school and is dealing with her feeling now instead of burying them. Everything is not perfect for her, but life is definitely on an upswing. But the one thing that tears at her, is how she can help Quinton who she walked away from that day. She doesn't want him to end up like her boyfriend Landon, someone she regretted not being able to help.

So that is what the majority of this book focuses on. Told from alternating point-of-view of Nova and Quinton. The reader sees how hard Nova will go to help Quinton and how dark things have really gotten for Quinton. This book is not for the faint-of-heart, but if you enjoy gritty New Adult and don't mind getting a bit grittier, I promise this book has a lot to offer. Raw emotion, addiction, guilt, love, all are themes and contributed to a book that was well worth the time to read. I now cannot wait for the third installment Nova and Quinton: No Regrets where I hope everything will finally come together for these two, but I don't expect it to be easy. But that's what really makes these books.

Love New Adult, or edgy books in general. Don't mind drug use in books (but someone is always trying to help those using). Like that things don't resolve easy, yet you can kind of see there might be a happy ending eventually, then this is a book series for you. I have enjoyed both Breaking Nova and Saving Quinton and cannot wait for Nova and Quinton: No Regrets (April 15, 2014). I am hooked on Jessica Sorensen and can't wait to go read her other series.

About the Books:
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Breaking Nova (Breaking Nova #1):
Pub Date: September 3, 2013

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-but 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?


Saving Quinton (Breaking Nova #2):
Pub Date:  Feb. 4, 2014

Nova Reed can't forget him-Quinton Carter, the boy with the honey-brown eyes who made her realize she deserved more than an empty life. His pain was so similar to her own. But Nova has been coming to terms with her past and healing, while Quinton is out there somewhere, sinking deeper. She's determined to find him and help him . . . before it's too late.

Nova has haunted his dreams for nearly a year-but Quinton never thought a sweet, kind person like her would care enough about a person like him. To Quinton, a dark, dangerous life is exactly what he deserves. And Nova has no place in it. But Nova has followed him to Las Vegas, and now he must do whatever it takes to keep her away, to maintain his self-imposed punishment for the unforgivable things he's done. But there's one flaw in his plan: Nova isn't going anywhere . . .



Future Installments:

Delilah: The Making of Red (Breaking Nova #2.5)
Pub Date: March 18, 2014 (novella)

Delilah Peirce: the Invisible Girl. Men crane their necks around Delilah just to catch a glimpse of her bombshell mother. Delilah knows looks of indifference, of friendship-but never of desire.

Then she meets Dylan Sanderson, the impossibly gorgeous guy who thinks she's beautiful. When he looks at her, she feels needed. When he kisses her, her troubles disappear. And when he tells her he will never hurt her, she believes him . . 






Nova and Quinton: No Regrets (Breaking Nova #3) 
Pub Date: April 15, 2014

Today is the first day of Quinton Carter's new life. The toxic guilt of his past left him in pieces-but one girl unexpectedly put him back together. Thanks to Nova Reed, Quinton can finally see the world with clear eyes. She's the reason his heart is still kicking behind the jagged scar on his chest. And he would love to have her in his arms every minute of the day . . . but he's not ready yet.

Playing drums in a band and living with her best friends are just some of the highlights of Nova's life. But the best new development? Talking to Quinton on the phone each night. She wishes she could touch him, kiss him, though she knows he needs time to heal. Yet shocking news is on the way-a reminder of life's dark side-and Nova will need Quinton like he once needed her. Is he strong enough to take the final leap out of his broken past . . . and into Nova's heart?



***I received these books from the publisher through Netgalley for honest reviews.  I was not compensated in any other way except receiving the book for free.  ***

Cover Reveal: Falling By Design by Valia Lind






Falling By Design by Valia Lind
Release Date: March 12, 2014

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter, #4)



Summary:


Brooklynn Summers has a plan for her life: graduate from high school, get into a top fashion school, prove to her family that she’s not a failure. She wishes someone in her life understood her need to create because her parents sure don’t support her dreams, her sister hates her, and the deadlines are soon approaching.

Enter Grayson Banks.

There are a few things in life Brooklynn can’t stand: mismatched patterns, cheap polyester, and Grayson. No boy has ever publicly humiliated Brooklynn like Grayson has. When he suddenly moved away in eighth grade, Brooklynn happily wished him good riddance. But on the first day of senior year, Grayson comes back, with his piercing blue eyes and a smile that melts icebergs, he is not exactly the boy Brooklynn remembers. She quickly realizes that Grayson’s intentions have completely shifted, but she’s not sure if she can put their past behind her.

Grayson understands Brooklynn’s creative ambitions and he devises a plan to showcase her work to the world. When the two agree to work together, suddenly, there is more than just fabric paint that’s having a chemical reaction to its environment. Brooklynn cannot help but feel pulled into Grayson’s arms, but memories and misunderstandings surface, putting in danger whatever small comradeship these two childhood enemies have constructed.

Can Brooklynn overcome her own insecurities, finally making her dreams come true? Even a dream she didn’t know she had.



Author Links:
http://valialind.blogspot.com




Friday, February 14, 2014

I'm Wondering This Week . . . (+ $10 GC giveaway)






Now that I have a weekly feature, I needed a banner.  What do you think?  I kept it simple but I like it.

First let me thank you for all the responses last week.  It's great to hear your thoughts on Blogger vs. WordPress.  I'm still on the fence and considering options.

So this week, what am I thinking?  Well it's Valentine's so I guess love is on my mind.  So this week what genre do you love to read?  Pretty simple but I'm fascinated to know what people love.  For me I guess I would go with romance as my true love, but suspense comes in a close second.  In the romance genre I'm currently in love with New Adult, which is kind of amusing since I turn 40 in less than 2 weeks, but I like the grittiness and the angst for some reason.

So what do you love?  Tell me a genre, give me an example, it's whatever you want.  And thank you to all my readers, I really do appreciate you!  In fact this week the giveaway will be a $10 GC (I'm a big spender, LOL!)


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Friday, February 7, 2014

I'm Wondering This Week (+ Giveaway)

So I skipped a week, sometimes life happens. But thanks to all who entered the giveaway 2 weeks ago.  I announced the winner on the post and emailed him, but I have not heard back.  Anyway, Carl Scott if you see this post,  you are my winner, email me at readingcrystal74**at**gmail**dot**com with your email and the bookstore of your choosing for your $5 GC. If I don't hear from Carl by 2/11 I'll draw a new winner.  Also thanks to Carl, his winning entry was a suggestion on what I would like to be a weekly feature so I'm trying it out this week.  What do you think?

Thanks for all the suggestions 2 weeks ago,  I learned new authors and will be adding books to my wishlist on Pinterest.

So onto my question and another $5 GC giveaway.

I'm thinking on sprucing up the blog, putting more time in it again and I have a very basic question for you this week.  Kind of a survey of sorts.  So my question is:

If you are a Blogger, what platform do you prefer, WordPress or Blogger?  If you are a blog reader which platform do you prefer, WordPress or Blogger?

Thanks for sticking with me and I look forward to hearing what you think!

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Summary of Graham Parke's fundraiser/Winner of Kindle Fire HD

“I'm very polite by nature, even the voices in my head let each other finish their sentences.” – from Completely Flappable
 

Each year I organize an event during which I give away free books and raffle off some prizes. This year I thought it would be fun to donate the proceeds as well. I'd chosen Child Helpline International as they support toll-free child helplines worldwide, and help highlight gaps in child protection systems. I'd like to thank everyone who picked up a copy of "No Hope for Gomez!" or "Unspent Time", and I'm happy to be report that we raised over a thousand dollars for the CHI.

The Kindle HD Fire goes to: Daniel Wakefield Regs,


Graham Parke

PS -lets see how far we can get next year ;)