Thursday, May 31, 2012

REVIEW: Devour by Shelly Crane

Title: Devour (The Devoured #1)
Author: Shelly Crane
Date Published: 10/31/11


Synopsis:
Clara has it all. A wrestling star boyfriend, popular friends, all the right school activities...pretty much a perfect life...up until her parents died. Now she lives with the Pastor and his family and though they take good care of her, she feels alone. Then her boyfriend, Tate, starts to show signs of trouble when a new guy, Eli, comes to town. Clara is fascinated with him but hides it until something happens. Eli confesses to her that she gives him something he's never had before...something he needs. Everything is about to change for this normal pretty popular girl in a supernatural way.


My Rating:




My Review:
I am a huge Shelly Crane fan. What a find she is. She writes amazing books!


I love that this book deals with teen issues that are real, but is still a fun read! Bullying is a huge issue in the life of kids of all ages and its great to have books about it without actually being just about the issue. If that makes sense. ; )


There is a bit of a love triangle, but really in the end its a no-brainer! You will definitely go through a flurry of emotions upon reading this book. Chapter to Chapter you are kept on the edge of your seat with plenty of laugh out loud moments.


I'm a sucker for the bad boy who shows his heart! Eli is totally that! 

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

REVIEW / AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT - If You Were Mine by Bella Andre

Title: If You Were Mine (Sullivan's #5)
Author: Bella Andre
Date Published: 5/24/12


Synopsis:
The last thing Zach Sullivan wants is to take care of his brother's new puppy for two weeks. Until he meets the dog trainer, that is. Heather is bright, beautiful, and he can't stop thinking about her. Unfortunately, she just might be the only woman on earth who wants nothing to do with him.




Heather Linsey can't believe she's stuck working with one of the city’s top dogs, auto-shop mogul Zach Sullivan. Especially when his focus is clear from the start—not only to learn how to deal with his temporary puppy...but also to make her his. Having sworn off love at seventeen when she realized it was nothing more than a pack of lies, Heather has stuck to her vow never to fall for a charming man. The last thing she expects is for Zach to be the one to tempt her into believing again.




But as Heather's determination to push Zach away only fuels his determination to get closer—and the sensual and emotional connection between them grows more and more undeniable—can two people who've both sworn off love find forever in each other's arms?


My Rating:


My Review:
I am a huge fan of Bella Andre! I have enjoyed every one of these Sullivan books to date and this one was no different.


Heather has never given love a chance. Having grown up in a family where love was just an illusion, she had her view of love shattered at a young age.


Zach is a lady's man. Rich and Good looking, he never has problems finding willing women to share his bed with no strings attached.


Upon his first meeting with Heather, Zach knows there is something different about her. No woman has ever got to him the way she does. Problem... Heather's view on relationships is even more skewed than his own. Zach must prove to him they are nothing like his parents.


I loved the subtle changes in Zach. I felt like his fall into love was a smooth and steady one. He was not afraid to let his feelings be known once he had them. The chemistry between him and Heather was great. This is one of those book couples you route for the whole time. I had tears in my eyes at points. I loved that Zach's story gave us more insight into Jack Sullivan.


The added bonus of reading about the dogs, Cuddles and Atlas, was great. I loved their relationship with each other it sounded like one of those email strings of pictures with odd "best friends" in the animal world. Too cute!


Can not wait for #6!


Meet Bella Andre:

Bella Andre has always been a writer. Songs came first, and then non-fiction books, but as soon as she started writing her first romance novel, she knew she'd found her perfect career. Known for "sensual, empowered stories enveloped in heady romance" (Publisher's Weekly) about sizzling alpha heroes and the strong women they'll love forever, many of her 20+ titles have appeared on Top 20 bestseller lists, including THE LOOK OF LOVE (The Sullivans #1), FROM THIS MOMENT ON (The Sullivans #2), CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE (The Sullivans #3), I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU (The Sullivans #4), GAME FOR LOVE (Bad Boys of Football #3), CANDY STORE, and LOVE ME.
 
Her books have been Cosmopolitan Magazine Red Hot Reads twice (GAME FOR ANYTHING and WILD HEAT) and have been translated into German, Thai, Japanese, Italian, Spanish, French, Portuguese and Ukrainian. NEVER TOO HOT won the Award of Excellence in 2011. The Washington Post has called her "One of the top digital writers in America" and she has been featured on NPR, Forbes.com and in The Wall Street Journal.
 
If not behind her computer, you can find her reading her favorite authors, hiking, knitting, or laughing. Married with two children, Bella splits her time between the Northern California wine country and a 100 year old log cabin in the Adirondacks.




Start Interview:


Is There a Message in Your Novel That You Want Readers to Grasp?
 
The Beatles sang it best, didn't they? All You Need Is Love.
 
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
 
My stories are almost always about two people who love each other, but don't believe they can be together because of their fears, their beliefs, and/or the secrets they are keeping from each other...and themselves. I don't usually write plots with a villain or a natural disaster - it's really all about the characters learning to trust each other as they  resolve their issues. Just like it can be difficult to fix those problems in real life, it can be hard to work through them with my characters in a book. As I like to joke, I spend a lot of time "weeping over my keyboard" as my heroes and heroines fall in love. My husband just laughs when he walks by my home office and sees me sitting there with tears in my eyes, typing as fast as I can.
 
How many books have you written and which is your favorite?
 
I've written sixteen books as Bella Andre and the a seventeenth, IF YOU WERE MINE (The Sullivans #5) will be released May 24th. My favorite book is usually the one I'm working on right now so I'm currently in love with Zach Sullivan (the star of IF YOU WERE MINE) and Ryan Sullivan, whose book I'm working on for a fall release.
 
I also have a special spot in my heart for CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE, the third book in my Sullivans series.  Gabe, my firefighter hero who falls for a single mom Megan Harris. Unlike Nicola, my pop star heroine in FROM THIS MOMENT ON, (The Sullivans #2),  Megan Harris is just a typical woman - an accountant - with a daughter to care for. I also have a daughter and pulled from a lot of my own experiences to create her.
 
 
If You had the chance to cast your main character from Hollywood today, who would you pick and why?
 
I play around with casting my characters all the time, and if you asked me the same question every week, I'm sure the answer would change. I've said before that Kate Winslet would be the perfect heroine as Megan Harris, single mother and accountant from CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE and that's because she's refreshing and pretty and smart, but not someone who has time to primp. Marcus from FROM THIS MOMENT ON is winery owner and entrepreneuer, as well as the oldest Sullivan who helped take care of his seven siblings when their father died suddenly. Clive Owen is the right guy to play a ruggedly handsome head of the family.
 
When did you begin writing?
 
I've been telling stories in my head forever, and I also got my start as a songwriter, touring the world for ten years with my guitar and piano. And then one day, two characters started having a conversation in my head, so I wrote it down. J
 
How long did it take to complete your first book?
 
A few months. I'm a fairly fast writer for the first draft, but I do a lot of revision on every book. Sometimes revising the book can take as long as writing it did.
 
Did you have an author who inspired you to become a writer?
 
I'm inspired by a lot of writers but it was my college roommate, author Jami Alden, who convinced me to join Romance Writers of America. I've never looked back.
 
What is your favorite part of the writing process?
 
Falling in love with my characters, which happens once I get to the meat of the writing where I'm actually typing scenes.
 
Describe your latest book in 4 words.
 
I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU (The Sullivans #4) can be described as "Nice Girl Goes Naughty."
 
IF YOU WERE MINE (The Sullivans #5) is "Hot Guy Falls HARD"
 
 
Can you share a little bit about your current work or what is in the future for your writing?
 
 
I'm just releasing book #5 of The Sullivans, Zach's story in IF YOU WERE MINE. Zach is the perennial bachelor of the Sullivans who has watched his siblings fall in love one by one while swearing it won't happen to him. When he does fall, it's wonderful to watch. Plus there is a Yorkie puppy and a Great Dane in the book - what's more fun than writing scenes with dogs?
 
Ryan Sullivan's love story - LET ME BE THE ONE - will be out this fall. Smith Sullivan, the movie star, will get his romance this Christmas.
 
 
Please list the following if you would like them included on my blog:
 
Don't Miss Out! Read the complete Sullivan's Series in Order! Links to Purchase: 

Amazon:
The Look of Love - Sullivan's #1
From This Moment On - Sullivan's #2
Can't Help Falling In Love - Sullivan's #3
I Only Have Eyes For You - Sullivan's #4
If You Were Mine - Sullivan's #5

 
B&N:
The Look of Love - Sullivan's #1
From This Moment On - Sullivan's #2
Can't Help Falling In Love - Sullivan's #3
I Only Have Eyes For You - Sullivan's #4
If You Were Mine - Sullivan's #5
 



THE LOOK OF LOVE (Sullivans #1) ~ KindleNookKoboSmashwords
FROM THIS MOMENT ON (Sullivans #2) ~ KindleNookAppleKoboSmashwords
CAN'T HELP FALLING IN LOVE (Sullivans #3) ~ KindleNookAppleKoboSmashwords
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Review: Destiny Binds by Tammy Blackwell

Title: Destiny Binds (Timber Wolves Trilogy #1)
Author: Tammy Blackwell
Date Published: 3/3/11


Synopsis:
Scout Donovan is a girl who believes in rules, logic, and her lifelong love of Charlie Hagan. Alex Cole believes in destiny, magic, and Scout. When Alex introduces Scout to the world of Shifters, men who change into wolves or coyotes during the full moon and Seers, women who can see your most private thoughts and emotions with a mere touch, the knowledge changes everything and everyone Scout thought she knew


My Rating:




My Review:
This is another one of those diamond in the ruff kind of books. I love finding self-published books on Goodreads and giving them a chance.


To start with, I loved the sibling dynamic between Scout and Jase. The Donovan "Twins" had such a great relationship. Jase is totally that overprotective big brother who Scout loves with everything she has.   


Jase's best friend, Charlie, has been the center of Scout's universe for as long as she can remember, even though nothing has ever come from it. But when she meets Alex Cole not only her love life changes, she also begins to suspect something else going on. Secret meetings with Alex and uncovering secrets of her own family lead her into a dangerous situation.


Scout is a sweet and spunky character. She had me laughing out loud at times. I am so happy I started this series. Can't wait to find out what happens next, especially since this story definitely throws you for a loop at the end. 

Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Blog Tour: Entangled by Nikki Jefford

Title: Entangled (Spellbound #1)
Author: Nikki Jefford
Date Published: 2/20/2012


Synopsis:
Twin witches Graylee and Charlene Perez agree on one rule: No dating warlocks.


Not so easy when a certain rogue warlock is convinced he and Graylee belong together and will use anything, including magic, to try and impress Gray. When Charlene’s boyfriend dumps her, she threatens to kill either herself or the girl who stole Blake. Somehow, Gray ends up dead.


A Resurrection Spell Gone Wrong:


Two months after dying, Gray wakes up in Charlene’s body. As a witch, can anyone blame her mother for attempting to bring her daughter back to life? Only now Gray’s stuck sharing her sister’s body 50/50 in twenty-four hour shifts.


The race is on for Gray to find a way back inside her own body before Charlene purges her from existence. Raj McKenna is rumored to meddle in the black arts, not to mention he’s after Gray’s invisibility spell and worse – her heart. But Raj might be the only one powerful enough to save Gray from fading away forever.


My Rating:


My Review:
I find that I have a tendency to expect to be drawn into a book from the first few paragraphs. Sometimes this does not happen but upon a deeper look I find that I become engrossed in the story. This story really gets going when Gray dies. 


I love the magical world Nikki Jefford created. Having seen so many books about magic and paranormal aspects I love when the magical elements feel real. The spells were all really well detailed. 


Raj is an amazing character. By far my favorite. 


The mystery of Gray's death and the journey to get Gray back to her body is a fun one. Any fans of YA Paranormal will love this. The ending was perfect and I can not wait to read #2.








Nikki Jefford is a third generation Alaskan who found paradise in the not-so-tropical San Juan Islands where she is, once more, neighbors with Canada. She has a B.A. in journalism from the University of Alaska Anchorage and was a reporter before turning to her first love: fiction.

After a whirlwind romance in France, Nikki married Sébastien in March 2000. They reside with Cosmo the wonder Westie.

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Thursday, May 24, 2012

REVIEW: Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

Title: Catching Jordan
Author: Miranda Kenneally
Date Published: 12/1/2011


Synopsis:
What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though-she leads them as the captain and quarterback of her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starting position... suddenly she's hoping he'll see her as more than just a teammate.


My Rating:



My Review:
I am a huge fan of Sports Romances. So why not a High School Sports Romance? And when the Female Lead plays a sport too? Hey, what's not to like.

I loved how great of a leader Jordan was in this book. I thought the way that the team really stood behind her and were so protective of her was amazing. The supporting male characters in this book really shine through. They aren't lost in the pages. They each have their own personalities but are so very in tune with their emotions when it came to Jordan.

Ty was an Amazing Male lead in this book. I'm still a little thrown by the ending. It actually ended how I thought it should in the end, but from reading it, I never would have thought it would get to where it did. 

All in all a great Young Adult story with themes of female equality, and a number of high school issues. I felt this story was very real in the aspect of how high school kids really are. Miranda Kenneally really did a great job of not sugar coating things!

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

BLOG TOUR: J.C. Isabella

Today's Blog Tour Presented by Reading Addiction Blog Tours! 

I will have a REVIEW and GIVEAWAY at the end, but first, let's get to know the Author!


J.C. Isabella is the author of The Unofficial Zack Warren Fan Club and a romance novel junkie. Ever since she discovered the genera in high school, she has been a self-proclaimed fan. This led to penning her first YA romance. When she isn't thinking up new recipes for the cookbook she hopes to one day write, she is brainstorming a new novel and listening to country music. She lives in the tropics of Florida, with her big fat Italian family, and ornery feline companion.






Title: Chasing McCree
Author: J.C. Isabella
Date Published: 4/14/2012


Synopsis:
Briar Thompson had it all. The right clothes, the right friends, the right car. Being popular was all that mattered. Her parents were rich and treated like royalty throughout the community. She thought her senior year of high school was going perfectly, until the night her drink was spiked at a party by one of her so called friends. 

That was the night she met Chase McCree.



Chase wanted to go back to Montana. To the ranch and the wild, wide blue sky that went on forever. He wanted nothing to do with flashy cars or spoiled rich kids. But he found himself head over boots for the quirky cheerleader who turned her back on her social status. She befriended him when no one else would.



Shunned and hurt by the people who were once her friends, Briar flees with Chase to his family ranch in Montana. There she discovers another world, and apart of herself she never knew. 

The cowboy wasn’t like anyone she’d ever met. The cheerleader wasn’t like anyone he’d ever met. Apart their lives didn’t seem to make sense, but together, they were chasing forever.


My Rating:



My Review:
I really liked Briar in this story. She was that typical popular girl who had it all, but she didn't act like it. She was the type from high school who won homecoming queen and such because of the votes of the not so popular kids, not the popular ones. She seems to have it all on the outside, but really she feels alone. She feels that she has no one in the world except her grandma, who is pretty awesome for a grandma!


Chase came in and turned her world upside down. I loved the development between the two. How she thought he was a slacker and he was actually extremely smart. How everyone called him trailer trash and yet he had his own entire Ranch in Montana. 


I liked how this story parallels the theme of Chase's parents lives. His mom leaving her world to be with his dad didn't work out and Chase and Briar are determined to prove everyone wrong.


Overall this was a solid 4 star story and even though it was young adult it reminded me of reading a western romance. Which I love! Gotta love a cowboy. I am from TEXAS! ; ) I look forward to reading more from J.C. Isabella in the future! 






LINKS TO BUY





Reading Addiction Blog Tours






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Tuesday, May 22, 2012

BLOG TOUR - Toni G. Sinns

Today I have a BLOG Tour Presented by Reading Addiction Blog Tours.

Reading Addiction Blog Tours


There will be a Review and Giveaway, but first, let's get to know the Author!


Toni Sinns was born and raised in Western North Carolina before moving to Central Florida in 2011. She is an upcoming author/writer with a mind in multiple genres of novels and books. She is currently working on multiple novels that you can read about on her website.


Links to Buy 







Title: I've Got You Covered
Author: Toni G. Sinns
Date Published:4/12/12


Synopsis:
Anistasia moves a lot to get away from her past. But when she lands in Brooksville she runs into John. Something about him just makes her feel so safe and he can't get her off his mind. The two soon learn they actually have more in common than they could possibly ever know.


My Rating:






My Review:
What an original concept for a Young Adult Novel. I loved the mystery and the added threat from the Mafia. I haven't seen many stories like this in the Young Adult world.

I personally loved Anastasia. She is such a strong character who has had to learn to guard herself. 

Most of the non-stop action comes at the very end. Until then this story mostly focuses on John's determination to break down Ani's walls and them getting to know each other. Their journey together and learning about each other was well executed and I loved the way they unfolded as characters.

For me this story started off a bit disjointed. This is part of the reason that the rating is only 3 stars. 
However, once you get into it, things seemed to flow more smoothly.

This is a good start to a new series, and I am looking forward to reading the next.


GIVEAWAY



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To see more review's, giveaway's, excerpts, guest posts,  and interviews from this tour, follow the links below!



May 8 - Review's By Molly - Giveaway
May 9 - Taking it One Page at a Time - Review/Guest Post/Giveaway
May 10 - Reading a Little Bit of Everything - Review/Interview/Giveaway
May 11 - Addicted to Books - Review/Excerpt/Giveaway
May 14 - Tana's Book Reviews - Review/Excerpt/Giveaway
May 15 -  
Doodle's Book Blog - Review/Giveaway
May 17 - Book Blog Experience - Review/Giveaway
May 18 - Snag a Bargain - Review/Giveaway
May 21 - Kindred Dreamheart - Guest Post/Giveaway
May 22 - For the Love of Film and Novels - Review

Sunday, May 20, 2012

REVIEW: Dirty Blood By Heather Hildenbrand



Title: Dirty Blood (Dirty Blood #1)
Author: Heather Hildenbrand
Date Published: 4/28/11


Synopsis:
I killed a girl last night. I did it with my bare hands and an old piece of pipe I found lying next to the dumpster. But that’s not the part that got me. The part that scared me, the part I can’t seem to wrap my head around and still has me reeling, was that when she charged me, her body shifted – and then she was a wolf. All snapping teeth and extended claws. But by the time I stood over her lifeless body, she was a girl again. That’s about the time I went into shock… And that was the moment he showed up.


Now, all I can do is accept the truths that are staring me in the face. One, Werewolves do exist. And Two, I was born to kill them.




My Rating:



My Review:

Tara is a great heroine! I love how she is just as in the dark about what is going on as we are. I love seeing revelations through the characters eyes from the beginning.


This story is action packed from the get-go. Tara has to literally fight for her life against a girl who attacks her. 


I love how independent and stubborn Tara is. She does not deal well with commands and does things her own way, even if the way she does them puts her life in even more danger.... ooops. 


The connection between Tara and Wes is evident from the start. This was one of the teen romances I become consumed with. I fell for Wes right along with Tara. He is hot, protective, and so very alpha!


If you are looking for a fast paced and action packed YA Paranormal read then this is definitely a great pick! 

Saturday, May 19, 2012

BLOG TOUR : Jolene Perry

Today I am happy to be a part of the Night Sky Virtual Book Tour! 

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I will have a REVIEW on the book at the end of this post, but first, let's get to know the Author!


Jolene grew up in Wasilla, Alaska. She graduated from Southern Utah University with a degree in political science and French, which she used to teach math to middle schoolers.

After living in Washington, Utah and Las Vegas, she now resides in Alaska with her husband, and two children. Aside from writing, Jolene sews, plays the guitar, sings when forced, and spends as much time outside as possible.

She is also the author of The Next Door Boys and the upcoming Knee Deep.


Title: Night Sky
Author: Jolene Perry
Date Published: 3/1/12


Synopsis:
Girl I’ve loved, girl I’m falling for. Now that they’re both in view, the problem is clear.


After losing Sarah, the friend he’s loved, to some other guy, Jameson meets Sky. Her Native American roots, fluid movements, and need for brutal honesty become addictive fast. This is good. Jameson needs distraction – his dad leaves for another woman, his mom’s walking around like a zombie, and Sarah’s new boyfriend can’t keep his hands off of her.


As he spends time with Sky and learns about her village, her totems, and her friends with drums - she's way more than distraction. Jameson's falling for her fast.


But Sky’s need for honesty somehow doesn’t extend to her life story – and Jameson just may need more than his new girl to keep him distracted from the disaster of his senior year.






My Rating:






My Review:
Let me start off by saying that I absolutely LOVE The cover of this book. Another thing I loved without reading it, was the name. The name is even better after reading the book and finding out what it means.


I love the themes of unrequited love and finding out the difference between fascination and longing and true love. 


Told from the perspective of Jay, which is a refreshing change from all of the young adult books told from the girls POV, this story focuses on a 18 year old guy who has been secretly in love with his best friend for years. Never having the courage to tell her his feelings, he goes along with a plan to help her secure the boyfriend she always wanted.


Through most of this story Jay is simply lost. He feels that his world is falling apart around him. Enter Sky, a seemingly wild college freshman who turns Jay's world upside down.


The relationship between Sky and Jay develops so perfectly. Everything seemed to flow so effortlessly.


I can not say enough good things about this book. I love all of the issues that it touches on. Some I will not name, because it will give away part of the story. There are some definite twists and revelations that Jay must come to terms with in this novel.


A Superb Young Adult Novel!






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