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!

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!

Book Review: Teardrop by Lauren Kate

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.  ***

Book Review: 3:59 by Gretchen McNeil

3:59 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. ***

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? 

September Kindle Fire Giveaway!

 

  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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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?

Author’s Social Networking links:

Blog: http://jessicasorensensblog.blogspot.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jessFallenStar

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jessica-Sorensen/165335743524509

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4601855.Jessica_Sorensen

Buy Links:

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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