Stuck In Books

Cover reveal - My Super Sweet 16th Century by Rachel Harris

2012-03-11T22:01:00.000-06:00

Available September 11, 2012

From Goodreads:

On the precipice of her sixteenth birthday, the last thing lone wolf Cat Crawford wants is an extravagant gala thrown by her bubbly stepmother and well-meaning father. So even though Cat knows the family’s trip to Florence, Italy, is a peace offering, she embraces the magical city and all it offers. But when her curiosity leads her to an unusual gypsy tent, she exits . . . right into Renaissance Firenze.

Thrust into the sixteenth century armed with only a backpack full of contraband future items, Cat joins up with her ancestors, the sweet Alessandra and protective Cipriano, and soon falls for the gorgeous aspiring artist Lorenzo. But when the much-older Niccolo starts sniffing around, Cat realizes that an unwanted birthday party is nothing compared to an unwanted suitor full of creeptastic amore.

Can she find her way back to modern times before her Italian adventure turns into an Italian forever?

My Super Sweet 16th Century, by Rachel Harris is available for pre-order on: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Be sure to add it to your TBR pile on Goodreads!

I have a special treat to share with you, an excerpt from this fabulous book. Check it out below.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Alessandra jerks back like I justsuggested she prance around the square naked or something. “No! I believe Iunderstand your meaning, and Lorenzo is certainly not my suitor. He is like a brother to me—the three of us grew uptogether.”

She resumes walking and I fall in stepbeside her, understanding there has to be more to the story. And as wenear the end of the row, I finally ask, “If you’re not into the guy, thenwhat’s the problem?”

At that same moment, a rich, deepchuckle hits my ears. My stomach involuntarily clenchesand my gaze sharpens on the back of this mysterious Lorenzo.

Alessandra sighs. “That is the problem.”She places her hand on my arm and solemnly looks me in the eyes. “You must becareful. Lorenzo is beautiful, and it is not uncommon for a girl to walk awayfrom meeting him with a piece of her heart left behind. But he is justeighteen, and not yet ready for marriage.”

I roll my eyes and laugh, then realizeshe’s serious. “Yeah, I assure you, there’s no danger on my end. I’m not exactlylooking for marriage myself.” Becausethat would be crazy-town.

Alessandra wrinkles her nose as if shedoesn’t believe me, but she removes her hand. We close the distance andCipriano flashes me an open, honest to goodness, lighthearted smile.

“Lorenzo, this is the cousin I wastelling you about.”

Slowly the guy turns and I fall headfirst into the richest chocolate-brown eyes I’ve ever seen. He blinks and long,luscious lashes feather across his bronzed cheeks. I can feel myself gawking,but I physically can’t drag my eyes away. Lorenzo doesn’t smirk or act allconceited, either. He simply stares back, his eyes casually skimming over me,causing my skin to warm and break out in a whole body tingle.

Time seems to stop, and the sounds ofthe market mute. Alessandra was right. This boy is beautiful.

And he’s looking at me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So I'm thinking that I need this book! I love the cover. It has that modern goes 16th century think going. What do you think? Let me know in the comments.

Be sure to connect with Rachel at:
Rachel's website
Twitter
Facebook
Goodreads

New winner

2012-03-11T18:43:00.002-06:00

So I never heard from the winner for the Leap Into Books Hop. I really don't like it when this happens but I had to pick a new winner. The new winner is....

Jess

This winner is confirmed and choose

Congrats!

Poseidon's Children by Michael West

2012-03-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

So I have this freaky (in a good way) trailer to show you. It's for Michael West's new book Poseidon's Children.

Michael West | Goodreads
Thinking this one is too scary for me - what do you think?

Available March 6, 2012 from Seventh Star Press

Temptest by Julie Cross

2012-03-09T12:00:00.000-07:00

Source: Won the audiobook from Once Upon a Prologue (11 hours)

My Summary:

Jackson has a secret. One that he's only shared with the science geek, Adam. But someone else knows, maybe a few someone elses. And when his perfect life gets thrown into the past, literally, Jackson has to decide who to trust and who to believe. The worst possible thing has happened in the future and he has to figure out how to prevent it from happening again AND how to get back to where he belongs. While he knows what he wants, he has to learn to make the right choice. Is it possible that they are the same thing?

Note: This book is really for older teens. It would be a good one for the new category of New Adult instead of YA.

My Thought:

4 stars - a great read

Since I listened to this book, let me say something about the narrator first. Matthew Brown reads the story. He does a great job with Jackson and I love most of the character voices he does. He gets my highest praise - he added to the story by reading it.

So if you're thinking this is some kind of back to the future kind of story, forget that because it's not. As a matter of fact, forget everything you know about time travel books because this one doesn't follow those rules at all. What it does do is build new lore to go with an common idea making a fabulous story.

I love Jackson and I really enjoyed reading from his POV. He thinks totally male. He has such a sweet spot for Holly - it's just so cute. I got to watch as he went from the male crush to something more. He grows through the experience and so does his feelings. The choices he is forced to make are hard for a nineteen year old but he proved to be up to the task. I can't wait to find out what happens next for Jackson. I do like Holly but she just wasn't my favorite in this story. Adams is so much fun - loved that science geek stereotype for sure. And sometimes he would say something and I would just laugh right out loud.

The story was awesome. I really liked that it wasn't some stereotype of time travel. And it had me wondering and guessing all the time. I thought something was one way only to realize it was nothing like what I thought. Never saw the ending coming at all. Speaking of the ending, it made me sad but there was a little hope there too. Jackson came a long way in this story and the ending proves that.

Make sure you make TIME for Tempest soon. It's a great great.

Julie Cross | Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

Tomorrow is Today by Julie Cross - Mini Review

2012-03-08T11:00:00.000-07:00

Source: Free on Amazon for kindle

Tomorrow is today is a short novella prequel for Tempest, so I am doing a mini review.

Summary from Goodreads:

The year is 2009. Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer is a normal guy… he’s in college, throws lots of parties, is interested in a girl he can’t have, and oh yeah, he can travel back through time. But it’s not like the movies – nothing changes in the present after his jumps, there’s no space-time continuum issues or broken flux capacitors – it’s just harmless fun.

My thoughts:

4 stars - a great read

I just won Tempest in audiobook format and so I wanted to read the prequel first. It's a fun little introduction to the characters where we learn a little bit about Jackson's time travel ability, his feelings for Holly and that Adam is a Science geek. I really enjoyed getting to know the characters a little bit and it certainly got me excited for Tempest. A fun quick read.

Julie Cross | Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Lunar Love Giveaway Hop

2012-03-07T17:09:00.000-07:00

So I wondered about what to offer for this hop. Lunar love, I thought werewolves at first but then I thought outer space and aliens. Once I went there, I knew what I was doing.

As many of you know, I LOVE Jennifer L Armentrout's writing. And what better alien is there than Daemon? *Swoon*

So for this giveaway, I'm giving away the

eBook of BOTH Obsidian and Shadows!

Follow StuckInBooks and fill out the rafflecopter below. PLEASE leave links when asked or I will DELETE the entry.

a Rafflecopter giveawayNow hop along to the next blog.....

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter

2012-03-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

Source: Purchased

My Summary:

Kate's mother is dying. The only thing she wants is to return to her home town for her final days, so that's where Kate is taking her, minus an father she has never met. At eighteen, trying to go to school and take care of her mom is all Kate can handle. But then she meets Henry and he offers her more time with her mom - time to say goodbye, something Kate has put off too long, Kate can't help but agree. Of course what Henry wants in return is ... well a lot. It does involve spending time with him and as she gets to know him, she can't help but develop feelings. The problem is that Henry is really not Henry at all and he loves someone else. Will this help Kate deal with the death of her mother, cause her more pain or end in her death?

My Thoughts:

4 stars - a great read

I love books about the Greek Gods even when the Gods don't act like you might expect. This book is full of those Gods and I really loved the different twist Aimee had with them.

I loved Henry. I'm really excited to read book two and see what happens with him. He's not quite what I would have expected and that was part of the reason I really loved this book. Everyone was different than their stereotyped characters with just a little bit of the myth. Henry was dark and mysterious but gentle and kind. His heart is broken. Who can resist that? Not me for sure!

Kate was incredible. In one scene, she made the right choice when making the wrong one would have been so easy and most people would have. I love her for that. She takes care of her dying mother with no father around. She really had to grow up very quickly. She needs to rely on all of that strength to pass the tests that the council has in mind. I enjoyed her a lot.

The story is strong and I found myself wondering what would happen next. I figured out a few things but a couple twists really surprised me. I like that.

If you have been resisting this one, stop. This is a great read for YA lovers.

And the winner is....

2012-03-06T18:03:00.004-07:00

Patsy Hagen

Congrats!

The winner has been emailed and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Thanks everyone who entered.

Teaser Tuesday 3-6-12

2012-03-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

This is a weekly bookish meme is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.

To participate you:

* Grab your current read

* Open to a random page

* Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!

(Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

So this week because of a twitter vote (heehee) - I'm doing two books for my teaser.

The first book is Spellcaster by Cara Lynn Shultz available March 27th by Harlequin Teen.

"Stop making me want you when I have witchcraft to study," I whispered, kissing him quickly on the cheek before forcing myself out of his arms. I retreated to the relative safety of the head of the bed, leaving my boyfriend lounging at the foot of the bed, the very picture of temptation as he gazed at me through long black lashes. (Kindle location 1675)

Scorching hot!

Cara Lynn Shultz | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The second book is Exiled by M. R. Merrick available now from lots of places.

Rayna smirked. "But he's so cute when he gets all determined and commanding, isn't he?"

Vincent looked at me a moment and nodded. "Yes, I suppose you're right."

I raised my eyebrows. Were they really talking about how cute I was when I got mad?

(Kindle location 2255)

I so LOVE Chase! He really thinks like a guy. Maybe it's the male author coming through? HeeHee. Anyway, review coming on this one soon.

M.R. Merrick | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

So what do you think of my tester this week? Let me know in the comments and leave me your teaser.

Angel's Rest by Emily March + GIVEAWAY

2012-03-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

Source: Won it

My summary:

Gabriel has lost everything of importance in his life. He's come to Eternity Springs to... be alone. Empty. Nothing. He doesn't know what he wants but he knows it's not to have a dog or to meet a women. He needs...what? He doesn't know.

Nic is recovering from the betrayal of her husband. She's come home to Eternity Springs to build a new life. Dogs are a huge part of that life and this place is important to her. It strengthens her.

Together, they don't work. Nic wants to build a new life but Gabe is stuck in the past. Does she have the patience to wait for Gabe to heal or will he chase her away with his pain?

My thoughts:

4 stars - a great story

I've been in the mood for contemporary romance lately. I won this book in a giveaway and when it came in the mail, I couldn't help but pick it up. It didn't take long to read it. It's a great story.

I loved the real characters. Both Gabe and Nic have baggage and neither of them just get fixed living in Eternity Springs. It's a long process that rings true for both of them. I really enjoyed that this book was more about the healing of two injured souls through a romance than just a story of two people falling in love.

I enjoyed reading from both Nic and Gabe's POV. Been really drawn to reading from the male POV and Emily got that right. Gabe thinks male. He doesn't see some obvious things and his focus is where you'd expect. I loved him though. Trying so hard to do the right thing but messing it up. I loved Nic too. She's strong and patient with Gabe. She sees how injured he is and she does a fabulous job of helping him heal. I loved that she didn't take everything he dished out though. She stood up for herself and put him in his place a few times. The dynamics between them was real. I enjoyed it.

If you're in the mood for some adult contemporary romance, then this one is a great choice.

Emily March | Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

I'm gonna give away my copy of Angel's Rest. Follow StuckInBooks and fill out the rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wrapping up February's Challenges

2012-03-04T12:00:00.000-07:00

For 2012, I accepted 3 blogging challenges.

Audiobook Challenge hosted by Jen at A Book and a Latte

2012 TBR Challenge hosted by lots and lots of peeps

2012 Debut Author Challenge hosted by the Story Siren

There is some books that apply for more than one challenge. Here's what I accomplished for February.

Audiobooks Challenge

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead

Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

2012 TBR Pile Challenge

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead

Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

Of Light and Darkness by Shayne Leighton

Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey

Debut Author Challenge

None

I worked hard on the audiobooks and TBR pile in February. I need to do more with the Debut author challenge for March. I have some already planned so that's good. In total, I read 14 books in February, which is a high for me so I'm happy.

What about you? What did you get done in February? Doing any challenges? Leave me a comment to let me know.

Happy Birthday Alex! Everyone is invited to the party! + a Present

2012-03-04T01:01:00.000-07:00

My girl, Alex, from
Jennifer L Armentrout's
awesome Covenant Series is having a birthday!

Today!

It's her 18th Birthday - which if you've read the books is a BIG one.

Here is my official birthday wishes for her.

Hey Alex! Made it to 18 in one piece? Nice! Kick some butt and don't let those daimons give you hell. AND very important here ----> Among the craziness that's bound to be your BD find some time to kiss someone you love! Love you girl. Valerie @ stuckinbooks.com

Thanks to Momo over at Books Over Boys, some of us are getting together to celebrate with a twitter party.

This is your official invite to join us! Hope you can join us.

Rendezvous with the #HalfBloodLegion on twitter at 7pmEST for a virtual birthday party for our girl, Alex!#Alex18Birthday

If you don't know my girl, Alex, then let me tell you a little bit about her. I first met her is Half-Blood. I thought she was one kick-butt heroine. Check out my review of Half-Blood.

Then I went back and read Daimon and discovered that she has always been a little spitfire! Check out my review of Daimon.

One of my all time favorite quotes from Alex is this one from Half-Blood.
"I was gonna be super pissed in the afterlife if I died a virgin in this crap hole."

Then I got to interview her!

In honor of her birthday, I'm re-posting that interview for you.

I have Alex from Half-Blood here with me today. We’re here in the garden on campus. Thanks for coming and talking to me.

"No problem. I kinda of miss talking to mortals if you can believe that."

When you were seven, you met the Minister. You two didn’t really hit it off so well. Can you tell us how you feel about that now?

She laughs.

"I feel pretty much the same thing I did then. I don't like it when people think they can just touch me. Violating space, much? I might not kick a minister today if one pinched me, but ... probably depends on my mood."

I love that you don’t take grief off of anyone. Where do you think you get your passion from?

A thoughtful expression crosses her face.

"I don't know. My mom ... well, she was really gentle and soft spoken. I guess I got it from my father--that and my lack of height-- whoever he is. I was just born with this mouth much to everyone's dismay. Well, besides Caleb. He's finds it hilarious when I get all riled up about something. Aiden, on the other hand, looks like he wants to put a muzzle on me."

Your first crush was with a pure-breed guy. How do you feel about the no pure/half relationships?

"It's really stupid."

Is it possible to every completely get over that first crush?

"No. Yes? I don't know."

She slumps back against the bench, staring at the nightshade bush.

"I don't think I did. How lame is that?"

Can you tell us about your first kiss?

"Wet. Sloppy. Traumatizing. Mainly because my first kiss was also Caleb's first kiss. We were kids and we saw two teenagers doing it and we were bored. Yeah, it scarred us both."

She shudders.

"It was like kissing your brother but worse. We'd starred at each other and then swore that would never, ever happen again."

If you could go on a date with Aiden or Seth (not both – definitely not both), what would you like to do? (Politics and rules aside)

"Yeah, going out with both of them would surely turn into a royal rumble. Both of them are like peacocks, fluffing their feathers at one another. It's ridiculous."

Alex hops up from the bench.

"If I went out on a date with Seth, the night would end with one of us killing the other, I'm sure. He takes douche baggery to a whole new level. But with Aiden?"

She sighs.

"Yeah, that's not even fair to dream about. That's all I can say."

What were your first impressions of Seth?

She snorts.

"At first, I was like holy daimon butt, he's hot. I mean, you can't help but notice that. Then I realized what he is and I had the misfortune of talking to him, and it totally ruined the whole physical thing he's got going for him."

Do you remember the first time you saw Aiden? What was that like?

"I saw him before I left here, several times, while he was training. Even then, he was magnificent to watch."

Her cheeks turn a bright red.

"I can't believe I used the word 'magnificent'. Next question."

Can you describe Seth in three words? What about Aiden?

"How about four words for Seth? 'Pain in my ass.' And for Aiden? 'He's my hero.' Seriously."

When you look at a guy for the first time, where are you looking?

"Their eyes."

Anything else you’d like to tell our readers?

"Not all pures are the same. I mean, most of them are giant a-holes, but not all of them. Some of them actually care about... us. And yeah, don't let Seth fill your head with his delusions of grandeur."

Randomness:

M&Ms or skittles? Both?
Steak or Burger? Both again. I like to eat.
Movies or DVD? DVDs.
iPod or radio? iPod.
Diamonds or pearls? Neither. I'm not a jewelry type of girl.
Silver or green eyes? Silver. And yeah, I know what you're getting at.
Blond or dark hair? Dark hair.

Thanks so much for the time Alex. You have such a strong spirit, I’m rooting for you.

"Thanks for having me. I gotta run. It's Alex-getting-her-butt-kicked-time. See you around? Er, no we probably will never see each other again. Peace out, home skillet."

Now for the Present!

I've decided to do a quick comment giveaway for this. After all, what's a birthday without presents. Leave a comment telling me how you spent your 18th birthday or how you think Alex should celebrate hers (keep it clean guys).

Here's what's up for grabs. Winner's choice of any of Jennifer L Armentrout's book in eBook format. International as long as you can accept an eBook. Extra entries for spreading the word about the twitter party tonight. Ends at 12PM EST TONIGHT.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Coveted by Shawntelle Madison - excerpt

2012-03-03T10:12:00.001-07:00

SOMETIMES WHAT YOU COVET IS IMPOSSIBLE TO KEEP.

For werewolf Natalya Stravinsky, the supernatural is nothing extraordinary. What does seem strange is that she’s stuck in her hometown of South Toms River, New Jersey, the outcast of her pack, selling antiques to finicky magical creatures. Restless and recovering from her split with gorgeous ex-boyfriend, Thorn, Nat finds comfort in an unusual place: her obsessively collected stash of holiday trinkets. But complications pile up faster than her ornaments when Thorn returns home—and the two discover that the spark between them remains intense.

Coveted by Shawntelle Madison (Excerpt)

Shawntelle Madison | Goodreads |Amazon | B&N

Epic Fail by Claire LaZebnik

2012-03-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Source: own paperback

My Summary:

Elise is starting a new school for her junior year in a new city with her older sister Julianna, a senior. Too bad her mom is the new principal. The exclusive prep school isn't really what she's used to and making friends is proving to be a challenge. Not for Julianna though. She's caught the eye of the adorable Chase, the best friend of Derek, prince of the school. Thrown together with Derek, Elise isn't sure she wants to be his friend. What is his story? Then she finds Webster Grant, a funny attractive guy that is hated by Derek. Maybe Elise is better suited for Webster. But first impressions are sometimes wrong and there is almost always more to the story than anyone wants to admit. The pride and the prejudice that fills the cliques of a high school always get in the way of true love.

My Thoughts:

3 1/2 stars - a great read

So I've been on another paranormal reading binge and I really needed a break. I love just standing at my bookshelf looking at the books I haven't read and choosing whatever I want to read. Last Sunday, I did just that. I picked up several books, mostly stand alone contemporary romance. I consulted friends on twitter but I finally settled on this one. I sat down to read and five hours later, I finished the book.

It was so nice to be so enthralled with a book that I just kept turning the pages. There were no supernatural creatures to keep track of or paranormal worlds to figure out. No, it was a high school love story. I devoured it.

I liked the characters. Derek was this brooding gorgeous guy whose parents were famous movie stars. He didn't like people wanting to be around him because of his parents. But after you cut through his protective walls, he is this great guy with a fun sense of humor. His strong dislike of Webster is intriguing. I figured it out pretty quickly but that doesn't take away from the story. Elise is a strong responsible junior whose is trying to balance family and friends. She falls for some of the prejudice traps but when she discoverers her mistakes, she's quick to forgive and forget. Both characters are great fun people that I enjoyed reading about.

The story is strong and has some parallel to the original Jane Auston novel. I will never get tired of reading stories based on that classic. I did find a few inconsistencies and a couple of plot points that I felt should have been resolved but I just needed to read a fun book like this so I didn't care.

If you're looking for a quick romantic read that doesn't take any real thought on your part, then check this one out. It's a great read.

Claire LaZebnik | Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

And the winner is...

2012-03-01T20:42:00.001-07:00

Benji @ The Non Reluctant Reader

The winner has been emailed and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Thanks to everyone for entering.

You MUST checkout this book. It is so fabulous!

Jennifer L Amentrout | Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

I am not compensated for the links in this post.

And the winner is....

2012-03-01T20:20:00.001-07:00

Chenise Jones

Congrats! The winner has been emailed and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Thanks to everyone who entered.

Make sure you check out this book.

Julianna Baggott | Pure website

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

Kiss Crush Collide by Christina Meredith + GIVEAWAY

2012-03-01T11:00:00.000-07:00

Source: Purchased hardback

My Summary:

Leah is the third sister, the pink sister, in a row of perfect valedictorian, life planned, do as your mother says sisters. Everything is planned down to when she breaks up with her equally perfect football playing boyfriend. Her mother has proclaimed that she stay with the perfect Shane through her senior year. There are traditions to uphold and he will look good next her as she is crowned prom queen. The only thing is, Leah is tired of being the perfect daughter. She doesn't want to be with Shane anymore. But what does she want? Maybe that cute boy who parks the cars at the club? But her mother considers him the hired help, a bad choice, a mistake. Will anyone let Leah make her own mistakes? Probably not.

My Thoughts:

3 stars - a good read

Let me say first that this book is NOT a romance. I know the cover, the title, and the blurb look like a romance but it's not. This book has been compared to Perfect Chemistry - don't because it's nothing like that book. This book is about a girl who is the youngest of three sisters living with a mother who orchestrates all of her choices so that Leah is on the perfect path to be a perfect adult. The problem is that Leah wants to test the waters and see what other options there are besides being the valedictorian and prom queen. But she also doesn't know how to tell her mother no.

I had a hard time liking Leah at first. She makes some choices that I find strange. But once I accepted the fact that this wasn't a romance book but a growing up book, I started to see her choices as a factor of the haze that she lives in trying to be something she doesn't want to be. The book explored her indecision and as I look back on it now, it makes sense why the author did it that way.

As for the boys in this book, I have no feeling for either of them. We didn't get to know them enough to form any kind of opinion. I think that was on purpose but I must admit that I missed some of the romance that could have been added very easily.

Valerie was an interesting soul in this story. I came to like her though at first I was convinced she wanted to get even with Leah somehow. Her unique character added a lot to the story for which I was glad.

So if you like coming of age teen books with very little romance, than this is a perfect choice.

Christina Meredith | Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

I am not compensated for the links in this post.

GIVEAWAY

I've decided to give my copy of this book away. Since I'm doing the shipping, this one is US ONLY. Sorry INT peeps but you know I usually do INT giveaways.

Follow StuckInBooks and fill out the rafflecopter below. As always there are extra entries for spreading the word. Make sure if you do spread the word that you leave me a link, otherwise I have to delete the entry.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal - Lonely Souls by Karice Bolton

2012-02-29T23:01:00.000-07:00

Available June 2012

Cover designed by Phatpuppy Art

Book Description:

It's two weeks before Triss turns 18, and her world is about to change into the most magical one imaginable as she readies herself to enter The Witch Avenue Order... that is until her mother's disappearance. Instead of celebrating her transformation, she finds herself spreading rose petals into her mother's empty grave.

When Logan, her best friend from junior high, moves back to town for college, he vows to help her find the answers she so desperately seeks surrounding her mother's disappearance. As they begin uncovering clues, it becomes apparent that the life of white magic they both grew up loving, is not what the majority practices, and their lives are in danger.

With a haunting feeling that her mother may still be alive, she begins to hear a call to the wilderness. Triss realizes that in order to find the answers she needs, she must learn the ways of her ancestors and become the hunter, not the hunted before it's too late, and she becomes part of the lonely souls.

Karice Bolton's Blog | Facebook | Twitter

Goodreads | Book website | Amazon

So this book is part of the genre New Adult. A little edgier than YA. The cover certainly looks a little darker than most YA. I love it though! The webbing is so interesting and makes me really wonder about the book. The description has me thinking this is gonna be a great series.

What about you - what do you think?

And the winner is...

2012-02-29T19:34:00.002-07:00

Rachel B.

Congrats!

The winner has been emailed and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Thanks everyone for entering!

Make sure you enter my Leap into Books Giveaway going on NOW.

Leap into Books Giveaway Hop

2012-02-28T19:10:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd giveaway the winner's choice of one of these hot new releases.

Follow StuckInBooks and fill out the rafflecopter below. Make sure that if you are clicking for extra entries that you leave a link. ALL entries without one will be deleted.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now hop along to the next blog....

Teaser Tueday 2-28-12

2012-02-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

This is a weekly bookish meme is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.

To participate you:

* Grab your current read

* Open to a random page

* Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!

(Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This weeks teaser comes from

The Goddess Test by Aimee Carter.

"Confused, I glanced in the rear view mirror and saw a figure standing in the middle of the road, a dark-haired boy around my age wearing a black coat that fluttered in the breeze. I frowned, twisting around to try and get a proper look out the back window, but he was gone." Page 15

So I'm playing catch-up on this series to get ready for the release of book 2. I've actually finished it - didn't take me long to read at all. The review is coming soon. I'm a huge Greek Myth's fan and these Gods were fun, different.

Tell me what you think of my teaser and leave me your teaser or a link to a teaser in the comments.

Last Sacrifice by Richelle Mead

2012-02-27T12:00:00.000-07:00

Source: Bought audiobook (approximately 13 hours)

My summary:

Accused of a murder she didn't commit, Rose struggles to deal with being left out of the fight to clear her name and just hang out in a jail cell. Forced to leave the work to her friends, she looks for a way to contribute. Given an opportunity to help Lissa, Rose jumps at the change despite the risk to her own life. But that opportunity has her spending a lot of time with Dimitri, who claims their love has faded. Can Rose wait patiently for her friends to save her this time, or will she go stir crazy hanging out with the man she still loves? And who did commit that murder? Are they willing to kill again? What about the royal politics that are reeling from the death? Can Lissa use her influence to help? How far is Lissa willing to go to help Rose?

My thoughts:

5 stars - a fabulous finish to a amazing series

The narrator for this audiobook was Emily Shaffer, back from books four and five. Again, I enjoyed her voices/accents. She did an amazing job. I still wasn't a fan of the music that was added but I didn't let it get in the way of enjoying the book. Really there wasn't a lot but it still seemed strange to me.

What can I say about this book that I haven't said in the previous five reviews for this series? I love the characters. Rose is amazingly strong yet she makes mistakes, grows from them, and becomes a better person for it. Dimitri is back like never before. I had missed his strong presence that was just not there when he was a strigoi and/or recovering from it. But he is in full guardian mode in this book. I loved it. Adrian was his normal fun boy toy for most of the book but my heart broke for him. I knew it was coming but I hope there is something better for him in the next series. He deserves something better than he got. Christian was a little less snarky in this book, which I missed, but it wasn't needed since his role was different. He did do a fabulous job of helping the author with some misdirection. Nice job Christian. Lissa is Lissa. I love her.

The story is brilliantly woven with action and passion told from Rose's point of view in her location, in Lissa's mind back at court and in a variety of dreams. I was surprised how well all the little details from so much of the series just came together to create the perfect ending for a very turbulent series. As for the murderer? I didn't see it coming. High praise from me, really; I am very good at figuring things out ahead of time. But Richelle does an amazing job of misdirection while leaving the clues like bread crumbs in the pages. What things I did guess were never done in quite the way I expected either.

This book takes approximately 13 hours to listen to and that's about how much time it took me to get through this book. Once I started it, I couldn't stop. If YA is your thing, then this series is a must read. Get on it!

Read an excerpt

Richelle Mead | Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

Cover Reveal - Luminosity by Stephanie Thomas

2012-02-26T22:01:00.000-07:00

Available September 11, 2012

"My name is Beatrice. When I was born, I was blessed with the Sight. I was
immediately removed from my parents and enrolled in the Institution. At
the age of twelve, I had my first true vision, earning my raven’s wings.
And when I turned seventeen, one of my visions came true. Things haven’t
been the same since.

The Institution depends on me to keep the City safe from our enemy, the
Dreamcatchers, but I’m finding it harder to do while keeping a secret from
everyone, including my best friend Gabe. It is a secret that could put us

all in danger. A secret that could kill me and everyone close to me.

But the enemy has been coming to me in my dreams, and I think I’m falling
in love with him. He says they’re coming. He says they’re angry. And I
think I’ve already helped them win."

Stephanie Thomas | Goodreads | Amazon Pre-order

So my first thought when seeing this cover was that it was very different. I like the colors and the city in the background. I'm intrigued by the raven wings (I think) near her eyes. I like her in profile, the closed eyes and her looking up. I wonder about how her neck is positioned. It looks a little unnatural to me and I'm not sure what's up with it.

What really interests me in the book description. I really like the idea of Him coming to her in her dreams. That sounds different than a lot of what I've seen recently. So I'm for sure adding it to my TBR list.

What do you think?

Pure by Julianna Baggott + GIVEAWAY

2012-02-25T21:16:00.000-07:00

Source: Received hardcover from publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

My Summary:

The before was years ago. Pressia can't be sure if the memories she has of the before are her own or the combination of others memories she's heard. She knows the now very well. The death spree, the fused bodies, the lack of food, and the requirement that she turn herself in when she turns sixteen. There's no point, of course. If she does, they will kill her as a live target. So she might as well run.

Partridge remembers the before well. He remembers his mother taking him to the beach and the song she sings to him. But that was before and now his mother is gone - lost outside the Dome trying to save others. But when a comment makes him think she may be still alive, he must find her. But how? Once Partridge meets Pressia everything changes.

My Thoughts:

4 stars - a great read

This book is a puzzle - a masterful puzzle. Nothing is as it seems. What it seems is very disturbing. A dystopia society that is far worse then most I've read, this book creates an incredible class war between those who were protected and those who have suffered through the devastation. The characters are strong and emotionally compelling. The story is twisting and turning.

I became friends with Pressia and Partridge. On opposite sides of the class war, they are real and caring despite the cruelty all around them. I found myself routing for them and hoping that they would be successful even as I wondered what success would look like. Who should they trust? Is there a master plan being followed? It's the kind of story where you can look for the clues and piece them together. I like those kind of stories. I like to discover the truth of it and this one was one surprise after another. Nice.

If dystopia is your genre, then this is a must read. If you like a little mystery though in, then this is a must read. A masterfully brilliant story that will have you turning the pages quickly to figure out what is really going on.

Julianna Baggott | Pure website

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

I'm so excited to have a hardback copy of Pure by Julianna Baggott to give away. This one is US & Canada only. Fill out the rafflecopter to enter. Giveaway ends February 29th at 12PM EST. Make sure and leave a comment about the review to qualify. (Tweet entries require a LINK to qualify. I will DELETE any tweet entries that don't include a valid link to spreading the word).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover reveal - Streamline by Jennifer Lane

2012-02-24T23:01:00.000-07:00

Available March 27th

Book Description:

Seems like Leo Scott has it all: looks, brains, and athletic talent. He’s captain of his high school swim team with a bright future in college and beyond. But Leo has secrets. His mother’s crippling car accident has devastated his family and left Leo to deal with his father’s abuse, battered and alone.

Leo’s girlfriend Audrey Rose is poised for her own share of success. As one of Florida’s top high school swimmers, Audrey dreams of college swimming stardom. But there’s an obstacle to her glorious rise to the top. Her number-one supporter--her father--is in prison for murder.

Part murder mystery, part tale of young love in a military family, this gripping story takes readers on a journey from Pensacola to Annapolis. Leo and Audrey must band together to rise above the adversity they encounter and find their true selves in the process. When everything’s on the line . . . streamline.

Jenifer Lane | Twitter | Goodreads

So what do you think of this cover and description? It looks interesting to me. I like the idea of being on the swim team for the main characters. I'm also hoping there's at least part of the book from Leo's POV. Seems like that might be true. I hope so. The cover intrigues me. There're in a pool but with regular clothes on. Is it symbolic or actual? Guess we'll see in March.

What do you think?

And the winner is....

2012-02-24T00:00:00.001-07:00

okeyzz

She won

Congrats!

Thanks to everyone who entered and for following StuckInBooks.com

YA Paranormal Activity GIVEAWAY

2012-02-23T18:34:00.000-07:00

So maybe you have noticed that YA Paranormal is my favorite genre. HeeHee. So HOW am I supposed to choose ONE to giveaway? Or even a list of choices? So hard. When I started sorting through the possibilities it turned into a pretty long list. So I narrowed it down as best I could and as you can see, there are still a lot of choices.

One person will get their choice of one book from the ones show below. International as long as Book Depository ships to you. (INT winners can only choose a book from this list that is available through Book Depository).

Follow StuckInBooks and fill out the rafflecopter below. Extra entries available for spreading the word.

Any entry that requires a link (tweets, spreading the word) and a link is not left will be deleted.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover reveal - My Heart be Damned by Chanelle Gray

2012-02-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Synopsis:

If you're a Hunter, there are only three things you must know about the Damned. The Damned can't lie, can't live without a body, and can't leave you alone.

Amerie Carter has the blood of a Hunter, unfortunately. She is one of a rare line of women who, upon her sixteenth birthday, will come into extraordinary powers used to hunt the Damned; escaped souls from Hell who take up residence in human bodies. It's supposed to be her sweet sixteen, but Amerie has never dreaded a day more, and her worst fears are confirmed as the celebration turns tragic when her mother is killed.

Grief-stricken, Amerie vows to never hunt a day in her life. She's determined to hide behind normalcy, attending school, hanging out with her friends and working an after-school job at The Hut. All Amerie wants is to be left alone. But try telling the Damned that. The harder Amerie tries to ignore her powers, the more the Damned come looking for her.

When an attack leaves one of Amerie's friends in the hospital, and endangers the lives of her fellow students, she knows she has no choice: Hunt or Be Hunted. Thankfully, the gorgeous, secretive, and so-off-limits Marshall offers to train Amerie to take out her supernatural enemies. But training with Marshall means leading lying to her friends, her family, and confronting the mysterious circumstances surrounding her mother’s death.

Amerie soon discovers she’s not the only one with something to hide, Marshalls’ secrets might kill her before the Damned get the chance.

Chanelle Gray | Goodreads

So what do you think? This one looks interesting to me and the cover is interesting. The knife is an different touch to the pretty dress. What's your opinion?

And the winnier is....

2012-02-22T18:00:00.000-07:00

Tasnim

She wins the eBook version of

Congrats!

This winner is confirmed.

Thanks to everyone who entered and commented away on the tour.

Didn't win? You should so check out this book.

Abbi Glines | Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

I am not compensated for the links in this post.

Dawson from Shadows + GIVEAWAY

2012-02-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to be talking to Dawson from Shadows today!

Hey Dawson. Thanks for talking to me today. You know I talked to your brother here atthis same lake. You guys have similar taste?

Wow. Daemon actuallydid an interview. Interesting. Ah, other than looking alike, we really don'thave the same tastes.

Oh course Daemon did an interview, I’m very persuasive. Speaking of your brother. Tell ussomething only a brother would know about Daemon.

He eats the cookiecrumbs first. Plus, he's actually a big softie when it really comes down to it.

Really? I can’t wait totalk to him again.

What about Dee, any insight about her?

Hmm. Dee is kind of anopen book. What you see is what you get. She's one of the nicest people you'llmeet. I don't think anything would ever change the little butt.

What's it like being a triplet?

Crowded.

LOL – you’re cracking me up here!

Tell me where were you the first time you met Bethany?

English class. Shewalked in. Life changer right there.

What's Bethany like? Or what is it that you like abouther?

She's amazing. There'snot one thing I can say about her. The girl is perfection.

Hmm. Perfection,huh? I’ll get back to you on that one.

Describe the perfect date with Bethany. Where would yougo, what would
you do?

Either watching herpaint or going hiking. Honestly, anything we do together is perfect. I'm notpicky as long as it includes her.

Awe how sweet. Are yousure you’re related to Daeman? Nevermind. Heehee.

If you could have one wish, no questions, what would it be?

To say goodbye.

That so sad. I’m reallyworried about reading your story. Let’stalk about some fun stuff and not think about that right now.

Randomness:

M&M or Skittles? Skittles.
Coffee or Soda? Soda.
Steak or Burger? Burgers and steaks at the same time. A steak burger.
Blond or Brunette? Brunette.
Brown eyes or Blue? Brown.
Ocean or Mountains? Mountains.
Day or Night? Night.

I’m guessing Bethany has brown eyes and is brunette.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with my readers?

Live and love to thefullest. Life is short. You never know when your times up.

Thanks Dawson, can't wait to read your story, though I amworried about you now.

Thank you for havingme, pretty lady.

I'm so excited for Shadows to come out. It's the prequel to Obsidian, the perfect book to tie me over until Onyx comes out. Make sure you check it out.

If you'd like to read Daemon's interview, you can find it here.

Jennifer L Armentrout | Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
I am not compensated for any of the links in this post.

Don't forget that I'm giving away an eBook copy of Shadows. See below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Shadows by Jennifer L Armentrout + GIVEAWAY

2012-02-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Book Birthday Shadows!

So yesterday afternoon, I got my hands on the ARC of Shadows. Needless to say, that determined the rest of the day's activities. You may have seen me on twitter all excited about it. It took me about 3 hours total to read it. I took a dinner break but that's it. Make sure you pick this one up ASAP cause it's that good. Here's my review.

Source: ARC from publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.

My Summary:

Dawson is a triplet. His older (by minutes) bother, Daemon, looks identical to him. Daemon is overprotective and a little antisocial at times - at least with the humans. His sister, Dee, is hyper and very social with anyone - human or luxon. Oh and all three of them are aliens. They're supposed to stay low key, living with the human but not being discovered. The DOD looks poorly on too much ...um involvement with humans. Still they go to school and talk to the humans but that's it. Until Bethany moves to town and Dawson can't seem to leave her alone. If the luxon's don't do him in for it the DOD's gonna find out. What future is there for a human and a luxon anyway? None at all.

My Thoughts:

5 stars - READ IT NOW if not sooner

Yes I love Jennifer's writing, her characters and her storyline. I have yet to read anything from her that I didn't love but WOW I loved this book.

Dawson is this strong, fierce, determine guy that reminds me so much of Daemon without the sucky attitude. I fell fast and hard. He's attracted to Bethany from the start but it takes time for them to fall hard, which I appreciated. What I really, really enjoyed was how Dawson was bold and confident with their relationship. I loved how they spend time together. I LOVED their first kiss, which.... oh just read it. The point is we didn't spend 95% of the book waiting for them to figure out that they liked each other and then 2 pages of a great relationship followed by something breaking them up only to have it fixed at the last second. NO, we enjoyed a fabulous building of a strong happy relationship. (Lots and lots of sighing, fanning and awing happening here). Of course, if you've read Obsidian, you know the ending is sad but what a ride until then.

It was so fabulous getting to know Daemon better. It opens up a whole new understanding of why he has such sucky social skills with the humans anyway. I think I understand Dee better too. Seeing the three together made it clear what their relationship is really like. Bethany got to see that too. We saw them through her eyes. So fun.

Speaking of seeing through different eyes, this novella was from three points of view (POV). Dawson, Bethany and Daemon. I have really taken to reading from the male POV lately. Love knowing what's going on inside their heads and Jennifer does a great job with that.

If you read Obsidian, then this is one you're gonna want to read ASAP. If you haven't read Obsidian, then start with this one. It's fabulous.

Jennifer L Amentrout | Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

I am not compensated for the links in this post.

GIVEAWAY

I loved this book so much that I want to share the love. I'm so happy that Entangled Publishing let me read this book early. So I'm giving away an eBook to pass that love along. Follow StuckInBooks and fill out the rafflecopter below. Make sure if you're gonna spread the word for extra entries that you leave me a valid link or I'll have to delete that entry.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Teaser Tuesday 2/21/12

2012-02-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

This is a weekly bookish meme is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.

To participate you:

* Grab your current read

* Open to a random page

* Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!

(Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This weeks teaser from from
Shadows by Jennifer L Armentrout.
It releases today! Happy Book Birthday.

"But then her gaze found his again and she smiled. The pen slipped from his suddenly limp fingers, rolled across the desk, and clattered off the floor. Heat swept across his cheeks, but his own lips responded, and there was nothing fake or forced about his reaction." Chapter 1

Way excited about this novella and I can't wait to read it all. I read the excerpt that Jennifer posted early to find this teaser but then I got the ARC and my review will post later today. Make sure you check back for it cause I'm gonna give away an eBook with it.

What do you think? Leave me your teaser/link in the comments.

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

2012-02-20T10:00:00.000-07:00

Source: Bought audiobook (approximately 13 hours)

My Summary:

The pain of failing to kill Dimitri is haunting Rose, literally. Or rather, Dimitri is hunting her. If she won't join him as a strigoi then she can't live at all. Dodging Dimitri, Rose is trying to be the respectable guardian graduate while piecing together the rumors of magic that might bring Dimitri back. But even if she can pull off the impossible, what does that mean for their love? And what about Adrian, Lissa and the rest of her life? The choices she makes will have far reaching consequences for everyone Rose loves. Will she choose right and can her heart stand the choice?

My Thoughts:

5 stars - a must read

Let me start with the narrator, Emily Shaffer, since I listened to this book. Emily read book four as well and I was glad she was back for this installment. I enjoyed her voices/accents, especially for Dimitri. She had me totally engrossed in the story. I will say that the music that was added to was odd. I really prefer to have no sound effects when listening to a book. It didn't stop me from enjoying the story though.

This series has just gotten better and better. Book four had me sad but this one had me riding an emotional roller coaster. I was very impressed at how Richelle crafted such a amazing storyline. Somethings were expected but done in ways that were totally surprising. Rose continues to be a fabulous fighter with strong feelings for protecting Lissa and loving the men in her life. But she has grown a lot over the course of this series. She thinks a lot more before she jumps in now. She still jumps in though, which I love about her.

I love Adrian. He is so in love with Rose it's not funny. I worry for him, though. She doesn't feel for him what he does for her. No her love will always be for Dimitri and boy was that heartbreaking in this book. I will admit to be confused by Dimitri in this book. I guess a big piece of who is was is gone or hasn't yet healed. I cried though. It was hard.

Christian was a bit perplexing as well. Boys! Sometimes they just don't do what you expect from them. I was happy with were Christian landed in this book though. He has a such a fun snarky personality. Love the boy.

So this one was a fast read for me even though it was an audio book. I found every opportunity to listen to it and even stayed up late to finish it. Can you say double speed? This is a must read series for all YA fans. If you haven't started it, you need to get to it. It's for sure worth the time.

Read an excerpt

Richelle Mead | Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

Cover Reveal - Inbetween by Tara Fuller + Excerpt

2012-02-19T22:01:00.000-07:00

INBETWEEN (Kissed by Death, #1) by Tara Fuller (August 7, 2012)

Since the car crash that took her father’s life three years ago, Emma’s
life has been a freaky—and unending—lesson in caution. Surviving
“accidents” has taken priority over being a normal seventeen-year-old, so
Emma spends her days taking pictures of life instead of living it. Falling
in love with a boy was never part of the plan. Falling for a reaper who
makes her chest ache and her head spin? Not an option.

It’s not easy being dead, especially for a reaper in love with a girl fate
has put on his list not once, but twice. Finn’s fellow reapers give him
hell about spending time with Emma, but Finn couldn't let her die before,
and he’s not about to let her die now. He will protect the girl he loves
from the evil he accidentally unleashed, even if it means sacrificing the
only thing he has left…his soul.

Pre-order on Amazon

Add to Goodreads

I'm thinking this one looks like a great read! Love the cover too.

What do you think?

Guess what else I have for you? An excerpt!

Check out chapter 1 below and then you will really want to read the whole thing!

Chapter 1

Finn

SometimesEmma made me feel so alive, I almost forgot I was dead.

Almost.

I sank down onto the side of her bed, amazed by theblazing wildfire that swept through me whenever Emma was near enough to touch.I took a deep, unneeded breath, and settled down on my side next to her. Themattress didn’t sink. The springs didn’t groan with the weight of an extrabody. The distance between us was an impossible void. Inches that might as wellhave been miles. Miles that left me wanting in so many ways that I ached.

Even the sun couldn’t resist her. Its glowing rayscaressed her skin, and stained her hair the satiny color of summer wheat.Before I knew what was happening, my hand followed their lead. Cells ignited.My skin burned, screaming with the agonizing need to touch—

“What do you think you’re doing?”

I jerked my hand away just as Easton melted up fromthe polished hardwood floor beneath the window. Like an oil slick coming tolife, he unfolded his long, shadowy legs until he was just an ink blot againstthe square of tangerine sunrise behind him. His violet eyes pinned me like akid caught with his hand in the cookie jar.

Which, I kind of was.

“Nothing,” I lied.

“Yeah, looked like nothing.” He strolled across theroom accompanied by a wave of sulfur and smoke, the black serpent tattoo on hisneck glinting. “What were you planning to do, recite her poem? I swear to God,if you were still alive I’d confiscate your man card.”

I ignored the barb and scrunched up my nose. “Jesus,Easton. Don’t they have a shower somewhere between here and the afterlife?”

“Screw you. You didn’t just have to tow somebody’s grandpato Hell.” He brushed something chalky and grey off of his cloak and a shudderworked its way down my spine. God only knows who or what it belonged to.“Besides I wasn’t the one about to feel up a sleeping human.”

“I wasn’t—”

“Save it.” He waved his hand. “We have work to do. Idon’t have time for your useless obsession with the human today.”

“Will youplease stop calling her that?”

“What?” Easton glanced up from Emma’s vanity, wherehe’d been inspecting the various lotions and bottles like he was on some alienplanet. Then again, Easton had been dead for something like four hundred years,so all of her stuff probably was sortof alien to him.

“The human.You make me sound like a freak. It’s not like we’re a different species forGod’s sake. We were humans, too, or don’t you remember that far back?”

“Were.Past tense.”

We could have gone back and forth like that forhours, but the call came. It always did. It started in my bones—a cold socutting that it sliced through me like a machete. When I looked up, Easton’sjaw was clenched, his muscles taut and ready. He slowly closed his hand aroundthe handle of his scythe that burned black and softly smoked at his side. Iflexed my fingers as the icy ribbons of death worked their way through each oneof my limbs.

“Can you take this one for me?” I asked. “You’realready going to be there, and I just got back—”

“No,” Easton said. “Hell no. I have my own job todo. I can’t keep covering for your sorry ass. Besides, you’re already on thinice with Balthazar. Don’t push your luck, Finn. Just keep your nose down,collect your souls, and thank the Almighty that you don’t have my job. Nowlet’s go.”

“Yeah, but…” My eyes returned to Emma. Sleeping.Perfect. Safe.

“For the love of God. She’ll be fine, you pansy.”Easton clamped a hand over my shoulder and dragged me from the bed.

“How do you know?”

He shrugged. “I don’t.”

With that hevanished, consumed in a flash by the keening wails of the damned. The screamsbeckoned. Clawed at me from the inside out.

Rule one as a seeker: Death doesn’t wait for anyone.

And it sure as hell wasn’t waiting for me now.

Because of Low by Abbi Glines & GIVEAWAY

2012-02-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Source: Received eBook from author in exchange for a fair and hones review.

Note of caution: Because of Low is not really a YA book. The setting is college and the book has adult themes. Strong language and sexual content are both prevalent.

My Summary:

Marcus left for college hoping to get away from the pain of loving Sadie while she loved Jax. But now he is forced to return home to help his mother and sister deal with his fathers choices. Staying with a friend of a friend, Marcus buries himself in online classes. Left alone in the apartment he shares with Cage, who is off chasing every beautiful girl he can find, Marcus opens the door to find a girl in tears, holding a suitcase, and asking for Cage. From what he knows of his new roommate, this can't be good. Marcus wants to help Low. He's interested. That's strange. But the even bigger problem is that when Cage gets home from his date, Low goes to his bedroom. This cannot be happening again. He cannot fall for the girl that already loves someone else. Surely Low knows what a womanizer Cage is. Marcus should stay out of it; he has enough personal problems dealing with his family. But he can't seem to leave Low alone.

My Thoughts:

4 stars - a great read

Abbi knows love stories. She just gets them. The plot of this story had me swooning, sighing, fanning and stressing. The passion was strong and fast but the story was also full of twists and turns that had the characters reeling. And while I guessed a few things before they happened, it was only just before they happened that I figured it out. The characters had difficult real problems that got in the way of their happiness a lot. So much so that I found myself needing a support group as I stressed about the characters I loved.

I LOVE that this book is from a guy's POV. It's not very common but I really really love to read from a male POV. I love to know what's going on in that male mind and Abbi did a fabulous job getting Marcus right. He isn't perfect but he's a great guy. I fell in love with him in BREATHE and was so happy he got his own book. Of course we get to read from Low's POV too and that was also fabulous.

As for the characters, of course I love Marcus but Low is pretty special too. She comes from a difficult upbringing that has caused her to have more than her fair share of pain. I love how strong she is. I love how forgiving she is. I love how independent she tries to be. I love that she's willing to go to Cage for help. She finds ways to make it work. Speaking of Cage, at first I didn't like him. Well who could like a guy that was sleeping with a different girl every night but claimed to want to marry Low eventually. But there's a whole lot more to Cage than that. As I got to know him, I fell for him too. Abbi just creates guys that I love. So excited that Cage will be getting his own book too. YAY!

Let me also say a word about the characters I didn't like. I really don't like Marcus's dad or Low's sister. That of course is as it should be. No one could like them. Another thing Abbi does well is get those evil characters right. And yes Low's sister is evil! Read the book and you'll think so too.

This is a great contemporary read. If that's your genre that for sure pick this one up immediately. If you haven't read contemporary in a while, then this is the one to rediscover it with. Check it out.

Abbi Glines | Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

*** GIVEAWAY ***

I have an eBook copy of Because of Low & a signed bookmark to giveaway. Fill out the rafflecopter to enter.

GRAND PRIZE: Those who comment on each blog post during the tour are entered to win a signed copy of Breathe, The Vincent Boys, and Existence. All three books will be in paperback at that time. Along with an ebook copy of Because of Low. Find the tour schedule here. And start commenting.

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Witchful Thinking excerpt

2012-02-18T09:17:00.000-07:00

Available February 28, 2012

Jolie thinks she’s seen it all, but life continues to spring surprises. The latest shocker? She’s just been crowned Queen of the Underworld. Jolie may possess a rare gift for reanimating the dead, but she doesn’t know the first thing about governingdisparate factions of supernatural creatures. She can barely maintain order in her own chaotic personal life, which is heading into a romantic tailspin.

First there’s sexy warlock Rand, the love of her life, from whom Jolie is hiding a devastating secret. Then there’s Sinjin, a darkly seductive vampire and Jolie’s sworn protector—though others suspect he harbors ulterior motives. As the two polar opposite yetmagnetic men vie for Jolie’s affection, she must keep her wits about her to balance affairs of state and affairs of her heart. Overwhelmed, under pressure, and longing for love, Jolie decides it’s time to take charge—and show everyone that this queen won’ttake jack.

H. P. Mallory | Goodreads | Amazon | B&N |

Book Depository | Random House

Check out this excerpt.

Witchful Thinking: A Jolie Wilkins Novel by H. P. Mallory (Free Excerpt)

What do you think? Sound like a good one?

Cover Reveal - Finn Finnegan

2012-02-17T00:00:00.000-07:00

Title: Finn Finnegan

Author: Darby Karchut

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press

ISBN: 978-1-937053-32-1

Release Date: March 12, 2013

Formats: Paper, e-book

Genres: Middle Grade/Young Adult, Fantasy

Goodreads

Finn Finnegan

Finn (not bleedin' Finnegan) MacCullen is eager to begin his apprenticeship. He soon discovers the ups and downs of hunting monsters in a suburban neighborhood under the demanding tutelage of the Knight, Gideon Lir. Both master and apprentice are descendents of the Tuatha De Danaan, a magical race of warriors from Ireland. Scattered long ago to the four corners of the world, the De Danaan wage a two thousand year old clandestine battle with their ancient enemy, the Amandán, a breed of goblin-like creatures.

Now with the beasts concentrating their attacks on Finn, he and his master must race to locate the lost Spear of the Tuatha De Danaan, the only weapon that can destroy the Amandán, all the while hiding his true identity from his new friends, Rafe and Savannah, twins whose South African roots may hold a key to Finn's survival. Armed with a bronze dagger, some ancient Celtic magic, and a hair-trigger temper, Finn is about to show his enemies the true meaning of "fighting Irish."

What ya think of the cover? Looks interesting.

Random Acts of Kindness GIVEAWAY

2012-02-16T20:00:00.000-07:00

My random act of kindness is to give away a hot new title. Here are your choices.

Fracture by Megan Miranda

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

Tempest by Julie Cross

Wings of the Wicked by Courtney Allison Moulton

The One that I want by Jennifer Echols

To enter, just follow StuckInBooks. You can earn an extra entry for spreading the word. INT as long as Book Depository ships to your country.

Fill out the rafflecopter below.

Please note: ALL extra entries MUST have a link to show how you spread the word. Any extra entries left without a link will be deleted before a winner is chosen.

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Wings of the Wicked by Courtney Allison Moulton

2012-02-16T00:00:00.000-07:00

Source: own hardback

Book two of the Angelfire series

My Summary:

It'd be nice to be a normal senior in high school with normal teenage problems but no suck luck for Ellie. She's the Preliator, hunter of demons, vessel to Gabriel, and a teenager in love with a gorgeous older guy who is totally off limits. Complicated doesn't begin to cover it. Warned of the hunt for relics that will lead to the lose of her soul, Ellie tries to get her homework done. But everything crushes to a stop when she is betrayed by one who should love her. Coping with some much loss, Ellie can't manage the strength to go on but Will is there to hold her together. But even he may not be enough to stop Bastian's evil plans to destroy her soul and the world.

My Thoughts:

5 stars - a must read

I fell in love with the world that Courtney created in Anglefire. She combines heaven and humanity in a different, compelling way that has the reading turning the pages in rapid fire. Tipping the scales at over 500 pages, this book flew by. And believe me I didn't want it to end. It has a heartbeaking cliffhanger ending that had me jumping to goodreads to find the release date for book three. No good there, 2013 is too broad a range and way to far away!

As for the characters, I love them. Ellie is brilliant. She's the human teen that is trying so hard to be normal but she's not normal. She's the badass fighter send from heaven to fight the demonic reapers. It's a hard to line to walk but she pulls it off. She not perfect. She struggles and falls down but she doesn't break. I love that about her. I've seen authors break their heroines/heroes to prove something and I don't like it. Ellie hurts but she stays Ellie. Well done. As for Will, well what can I say about the gorgeous green eyed, dark haired Will. Badass doesn't even begin to describe his abilities. I love that he's a little different than most angelic reapers. (Okay not saying how - read the book). There needs to be that something extra to explain him. His devotion to Ellie is one of the things I love about him most. He would do anything to protect her, to make her happy but at the same time he doesn't try and shelter from being who she is. She fights with him. So sexy.

Oh and I need to say one little word about Cadan - he's so cute. That's it.

The story in this book is fast paced and at times brutal. From page one, Ellie is fighting for her life. There were some sweet moments and some grief but the action was strong, not to mention some steamy passion, lots of that too.

If you read Anglefire, this is a MUST read. If you didn't read Anglefire, what are you waiting for? This is a must read series for YA paranormal fans.

Courtney Allison Moulton | Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

I am not compensated for the links in this post.

And the winner is...

2012-02-15T18:46:00.000-07:00

Berenice

The winner has been emailed and has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

Thanks everyone who entered.

And the winner is...

2012-02-15T18:34:00.001-07:00

Patricia McKelvy

She wins...

Congrats and thanks to everyone who entered.

The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sigth by Jennifer E Smith

2012-02-15T00:00:00.001-07:00

Source: Thank you gift from a friend

My summary:

Hadley fantasied about ways to miss her dad's wedding in London., ways that would get her off the hook without having her be at fault. Being four minutes late for her flight wasn't one of them but that's what happens. Now she's stuck at JFK airport waiting for the next flight. She hates the crowds, the mayo on her sandwich, the closed in feeling; she hates flying. But then the adorable Oliver steps in to help her with her bag and the waits not so bad. What are the odds that he's on her same flight, sitting in the same row? He is. He distracts her from the claustrophobia she feels in the plane and the impending doom of attending the wedding of her father and a women she has never met. Funny and good looking, Oliver seems interested in Hadley but sitting next to someone on a plane is not like talking in the real world. When the flight is over, any friendship developed is over too. Right?

My thoughts:

5 stars - a must read

I have so many books to read. It gets overwhelming sometimes. There are books I need to read for reviews and books I want to read. This book is in the want to read category. When I saw it in December, I wanted it. I received a gift card as a thank you gift from a friend and pre-ordered this book. I had it the day of release but it sat with so many other books I want to read. In the middle of reading three paranormal books, I just needed a break. I needed normal - not vampires and such. So on a whim, I picked this one up to just sort of browse. Well five hours later, I put it down finished. It drew me in and held me captive. I love reads like this where I don't have to work to read them, instead they are my escape.

This story takes place over roughly 24 hours. There is most assuredly a love at first sight story in there but there is so much more. And that love at first sight isn't this sudden attraction thing that's nauseating. No it's more like two people trying to cope with personal struggles and they try and help each other. In the process, something happens between them. I loved it.

Since the story develops over a very short period of time, the story moves along quickly. We learn details of Hadley's life as she remembers things about the past but we have to discover Oliver's story in real time. There was a nice balance between the memories from Hadley and the present action. I really liked how we discovered what was up with Oliver. It wasn't what I expected. I realized it the same time Hadley did. I like that.

If you need that break from the complicated and stressful world of paranormal reads and just need a story from the real world, then this is a must read. If you like contemporary YA, then this is a must read. If you like YA, then this is a must read.

Marcus from Because of Low by Abbi Glines + GIVEAWAY

2012-02-14T00:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Book Birthday to Because of Low & Abbi Glines!

I'm so excited to have Marcus from Because of Low here today.

Welcome, Marcus. Your eyes are even better in person. I'm a sucker for green eyes. You get those from your mom or dad?

My Mom. Although hers are prettier.

So, I first met you in Breathe. That was a hard time for you. How long did it take you to get over Sadie?

After Jax returned and really became a part of Sadie's life, I let go. It's easier to let go of something you never really had. Sure it hurt. But I moved on. She became, just a friend.

I was so glad we got to see Sadie and Jax in Because of Low, and that you seem to be friends with Jax now. Think that friendship will continue?

Now that Jax knows I'm not sniffing around his woman, I think things will be fine. He's really not a bad guy. I mean, Sadie sees something in him worth loving so he can't be all that bad. The only thing I had against him was the fact he got the girl. But now, I'm thankful he did.

That day you opened the apartment door and saw Low for the first time, what was you first impression? What really captured your attention?

She had the biggest green eyes I'd ever seen. And I guess I'm a sucker for a girl in tears. I immediately wanted to fix her problem. I wanted to see her smile. Her lips are just a little on the plump side and they fascinate me. I didn't even know her and all I could think about was making her happy again.

Now that you know her better, can you describe her in 5 words?

Honest

Sexy

Sweet

Faithful

Perfect

Caleb Lane as Marcus

Describe the perfect day with Low. Where would you go? What would you do?

I'd spend the day taking her to every rock concert she's ever wanted to go to and I'd buy her a t-shirt from each one of them. Read the book and this answer will make more sense.

You can take Low anywhere in the world, where would you go? Why?

She's never been anywhere. Which makes this a hard question. I want to take her everywhere. I guess to start off I'd take her to Paris. It's somewhere I've never been and I'd like to experience it with Low.

If you could go back in time, where would you go and what would you do?

I'd go back to the night I went to my Father's new house and I wouldn't make the biggest mistake of my life. Low would never have been hurt.

One wish, no questions, what would it be?

I could take Low and move away. Just far enough that our families couldn't affect us so much.

You think you will ever be able to have a positive relationship with your dad again?

I don't know. Right now, I doubt it.

Randomness:

First thing you notice about a girl? Her eyes.

Favorite color? red (Low's red dress and then of course the Crimson Tide)

Mountains or ocean? Ocean. It's in my blood.

Chocolate or vanilla? Vanilla

Blue eyes or Brown eyes? Green

Blonde or brunette? (better answer this one right) Red! Or more like a rich copper.

M&M or skittles? Skittles- the red and yellow ones.

Spoilery questions(highlight to read)

Tell me about how you feel about your new sister?

Larissa is charming. She had me from the moment she scrunched her little nose up and said "skiutles". Nothing is her fault. She's innocent in the mess my Dad created. I love her. Without question.

Future plans with Low? Are you two gonna finish college? Then what? I know you're gonna marry her. I have it all planned in my head. I'm thinking a beach wedding...okay you answer not me. =)

Beach wedding huh? I like that.

Yes, we are both going to finish college. I don't know where we will end up or what will come next I just know I never intend to let her go again. I'll follow her to the ends of the earth if I have to. Low will never doubt my unconditional love.

Abbi Glines | Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

*** GIVEAWAY ***

I have an eBook copy of Because of Low & a signed bookmark to giveaway. Fill out the rafflecopter to enter.

GRAND PRIZE: Those who comment on blog posts during the tour are entered to win a signed copy of Breathe, The Vincent Boys, and Existence. ONE person will win all three paperback along with an ebook copy of Because of Low. To enter for the grand prize, comment on at least 5 blogs on the tour, including this one. Find the tour schedule here. And start commenting.

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Teaser Tuesday 2/14/12 + GIVEAWAY

2012-02-14T00:00:00.001-07:00

This is a weekly bookish meme is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.

To participate you:

* Grab your current read

* Open to a random page

* Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!

(Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This week's teaser comes from PURE by Julianna Baggott

"She thinks of Partridge, his hand fitted in hers as they walked back down the corridor to the dance. He appears so quickly in her mind sometimes that her stomach flips." Page 99

Review coming soon.

I'm so excited to have a hardback copy of Pure by Julianna Baggott to give away. This one is US & Canada only. Fill out the rafflecopter to enter. Giveaway ends February 29th at 12PM EST. Make sure and leave a comment about the teaser to qualify. (Tweet entries entries require a LINK to qualify. I will DELETE any tweet entries that don't include a valid link to spreading the word).
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Blood Promise by Richelle Mead

2012-02-13T00:00:00.000-07:00

Source: Bought audiobook

My Summary:

Unbelievably, Rose has left Lissa behind and traveled to Russia to find the man she loves so she can kill him. She knows the man she loved would never want to be a strigoi, killing those who he would have once died to protect. Rose can't move on until she knows he's at peace. But when the time comes, will she be able to do it? Can she really win against him? They were so evenly matched before he turned - now he will have the strigoi speed and strength to help him. And even if she can do it, what then? Having turned her back on Lissa, she can't just drop back into her old like. And speaking of Lissa, what will happen to her while Rose is off hunting strigoi? All her choices haunt her as Rose fights to do the only right thing she knows to do.

My Thoughts:

5 stars - A MUST read

The Blood Promise audiobook again changed narrators. I looked ahead and it seems that Emily Shaffer will read the rest of the series. I did like the change this time. Emily added the Russian accents back in that the narrator from book 2&3 had removed. I like the Russian accents. Dimitri just didn't sound like him without one. Emily does a good job with all the voices and I was able to sit back and enjoy the book without being distracted by the narrator, highest praise I can give.

If you follow me on twitter, you may have witnessed my emotional breakdown during this book. I required much reassurance from trusted peeps that I could survive Dimitri as a strigoi. This book was sad. It's supposed to be sad. Rose is in the worst possible place in her life trying to do the worst possible task. What I really liked about this book was the path that Rose traveled. She dealt with grief and pain. She got to know the Dimitri of Russian, the young Dimitri and it was painful. She experienced such impossible situations. While she suffered and fell down many times, she was Rose. Her true heroism was firmly in place. I cried for her. I hurt for her. I was proud of her. She may have wished that she didn't do some of the things she did, but I thought she was noble in her efforts and accomplishments. Why do I make such a big deal out of this? Well, there was a series that I loved that the heroine didn't do what Rose did. She let the trials break her. I won't say what series but needless to say I was worried about Rose. It never happened. Rose is Rose - a kick butt badass in love with another one.

As for the plot, it was crazy intense. Just as I thought I had something figured out, everything turned around and I was reeling. There were so many twists and turns in this story, I was beginning to feel like I had lost my normally incredible ability to figure things about before they happen. Alas, I did figure out a few so it's not gone. Not many though. It's an emotional roller coaster that was so much fun to ride, I was quickly back in line for more. Bring on book five. So glad this series is complete. Don't think I could handle a year wait between books.

Just read it! It's fabulous.

Read an excerpt

Richelle Mead | Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

Just in time for Valentines Day

2012-02-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Just in time for Valentines Day, The Indelibles bring you a one-of-a-kind young adult anthology!

This collection of short stories contains sixteen original short stores all from the male POV!

I have recently become addicted to reading from the male point of view. I just read Because of Low by Abbie Glines (Interview with Marcus coming 2/14) and that book is from Marcus's point of view. LOVED IT! I've really got the bug to know what the boys are thinking. So I am very excited about reading this collection.

Some of the boys in these stories are the gorgeous favorites from fabulous novels these authors have already released while others are brand new. I can't wait to see romance from the these hoties point of view. Check out what's included.

Stories included in the Anthology:

Surprise, Surprise by Stacey Wallace Benefiel, author of Glimpse: Half the women in Melody's family can see the future, which makes it nearly impossible for Raleigh to surprise her. What's a guy to do for Valentine's Day when his girlfriend is always one step ahead of him?

First Kiss or First Kill? by C.K. Bryant, author of Bound: Love isn't always rainbows and kittens, sometimes it can be downright deadly. (A deleted chapter from Bound.)

Shattered by Ali Cross, author of Become: James and Desi use each other in an effort to cling to the darkness in each of them, but in the end they discover that love changes you. (A chapter of Become from James’ POV.)

Before by Jessie Harrell, author of Destined: When a younger Eros is exiled to a land that doesn't believe in the Greek gods, he finds the first love of his immortal life. Read Eros' first person account of his romance, and heartbreak, in the time before he met Psyche.

The Qualm Before the Storm by Karen Amanda Hooper, author ofTangled Tides. Yara Jones doesn’t want to be a mermaid. Treygan doesn’t want to be the monster who turns her. You can’t always get what you want. (A short prequel to Tangled Tides.)

Unspeakable by S.R. Johannes, author of Untraceable: When Mo sees a strange girl in the woods, he follows her. He soon realizes they are both in a dangerous position and might not get out alive.

In the Beginning by Katie Klein, author of Cross My Heart: Seth is falling hard for Genesis Green, but the guardian angel is determined not to interfere, until an accident changes the course of their lives forever. (A short prequel to The Guardian.)

A Chance Encounter by Cheri Lasota, author of Artemis Rising: Finnian's eyes hide a terrible secret. But a girl on the train home, the girl in tears with a secret of her own...She sees right through him. A scene from the upcoming novel, Echoes in the Glass.

Family Bonds by Heather McCorkle, author of The Secret of Spruce Knoll: A Halloween party filled with teens who can channel energy and use it to kill, what could go wrong? For Spruce Knoll fans who are dying to read more about Fane.

Getting Closer by Lisa Nowak, author of Running Wide Open: Megan is smart, hot, and an upperclassman—in other words, way out of Cody’s league. So why did she choose him? (An excerpt of Getting Sideways.)

The Almost Assassin by Laura Pauling, author of A Spy Like Me, releasing Spring 2012: Malcolm tries his hand at the family business but his conscience and a beautiful "spy" may be his downfall.

Mind Games by Susan Kaye Quinn, author of Open Minds: Raf wants to take Kira—the only girl in school who doesn’t read minds—to the mindware Games, but his friends have other plans. (A short prequel to Open Minds.)

By The Firelight by Elle Strauss, author of Clockwise: When Nate McKenzie asks an unpopular girl to dance on a dare, he's in for the time of his life.

A Very Alien Valentine’s Day by Magan Vernon, author of How To Date An Alien: After surviving confinement and an intergalactic war for his human half, Alex, now he has to live through the biggest challenge of them all: Valentine's Day.

Aligned by RaShelle Workman, author of Exiled: A half-Eternal boy and an Eternal girl must free millions of tortured souls from a creature whose been feasting on their pain and suffering.

AND THE BEST NEWS....

You can pick this eBook up for free on Smashwords.

In His Eyes is FREE at Smashwords, and $0.99 at Amazon and Barnes&Noble - hopefully to go free there as well by release date on February 14th for Valentines Day.

Add In His Eyes to your TBR list on Goodreads.

The Secrets of the Keepers by Elizabeth Isaacs

2012-02-10T00:00:00.000-07:00

Official Tour Stop

Source: Received eBook from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review

My Summary:

Strengthening with Gavin, Nora is trying to learn to control the power that he has brought out in her. It's a wonderful honeymoon until the darkness seeps into Kailmeyra. Now Nora and Gavin must prepare for the war that is about to plague their beautiful world. Trying to control her gifts and strengthen Gavin, the battle begins. Deceived by their enemies and facing the worst possible lose, Nora must depend on her faith to lead the people of Kailmeyra. She is the last light of Kailmeyra, she must fulfill that purpose - if only she can keep her faith.

My Thoughts:

3 stars - a good read

I struggle with epic fantasy. Trying to keep track of so many different names and places, I lose track of the clues that line the pages of the story. I feel like I'm reading with one hand tied behind my back. The combination of urban and epic fantasy in the first book captured my heart and I loved it. This book was set in the world of Kailmeyra without the grounding in Earth customizes and I struggled to keep everything straight. Despite this, I enjoyed the rich culture that is the Kailmeyra world. I love the characters that I met from the first book. They are devoted to each other and I was very emotionally attached to them. When they hurt, I hurt. I was overwhelmed by Nora and Gavin's relationship. Theirs is a true love. The time they spent together was sweet and wonderful. There were so many personal moments that they shared but I never tired of it. I love Gavin's protective manner and Nora's fierce determination to prove herself. I love that Gavin hears her thoughts and their is no hiding things from each other. They faced the issues between them and grew to be more concerned for each others point of view. They grew to love each other more if that was possible. The relationship they share is faith inspiring.

The story was harder for me to love. It was so tied to the many many Kailmeyra traditions and customs that I found myself lost a few times. I pushed forward wanting very much to know what would happen to my beloved characters. I'm not normally willing to do that but these characters were so strong and important to me that I kept reading. I'm glad I did. It's a great story.

If you lean to the epic side of fantasy, then this series is a beautifully written story of love, lose, friendship, family, faith and family. Check it out.

Elizabeth Isaacs | Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

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Wrapping up January's Challenges

2012-02-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

For 2012, I accepted 3 blogging challenges.

Audiobook Challenge hosted by Jen at A Book and a Latte

2012 TBR Challenge hosted by lots and lots of peeps

2012 Debut Author Challenge hosted by the Story Siren

There is some books that apply for more than one challenge. Here's what I accomplished for

January:

Audiobook

Shut Out by Kody Keplinger

2012 TBR Pile

Senior Year Bites by J A Campbell

Shut Out by Kody Keplinger

The Light of Asteria by Elizabeth Isaacs

2012 Debut Author Challenge

Destiny's Fire by Trisha Wolfe

Everneath by Brodi Ashton

Well, that's it for January. Working on finishing the Vampire Series in February along with a few other things. You working on any challenges this year? Let me know in the comments.

Exclusively Yours by Shannon Stacey

2012-02-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

Source: Purchased the eBook

My summary:

Keri Daniels left the small town she grew-up in to make it big in the magazine business. She left her family, her friends and her high school sweetheart, Joe. Of course, he never asked her to stay either. Now, Joe's a big time author of action thriller novels, one book soon to become a movie. Keri's editor wants the exclusive interview, especially since there is a mystery about a lawsuit Joe settled. The smell of a story is strong. When it comes out that Keri dated the mysterious Joe in high school, she is given the ultimatum - get the interview or get another job. Joe want's nothing to do with interviews but he wouldn't mind spending some time with his old girlfriend. That feeling is intensified when he see's her and the chemistry is stronger than ever. Survive one day on Joe's family vacation seems like a good enough payment for answering one of Keri's questions. But exactly who's heart will survive this family trip may be the best question of all.

My thoughts:

4 stars - a great read

So I actually read the last book in this series first. Oops. But I enjoyed it so much that I went back and started from the beginning. This series follows the brothers in one family as they encounters some interesting challenges with their relationships. Recently I've read a couple of different series that are similar in that the next book picks up a different character's story but you get some details about the first characters. I like this type of series. It has a nice ending with no cliff hangers to make me crazy but the story goes on with a different main character.

This is also one of those rare times when I'm reading adult fiction. I know, you're shocked. But I really enjoy the dynamics of this family. From the wooden spoon that Grandma has to the angst ridden teen and everything in between. Lots of fun.

I liked both Keri and Joe. They were settled in their lives having followed different dreams. I liked the chemistry between them, the fun banter, and they both found ways to grow. It was a nice fast read that makes for a refreshing change from all the vampires I've been reading lately.

If you like adult romance, then this is a fun series to start. Make sure you read this one first, unlike me.

Read chapter one online for FREE here.

Shannon Stacey | Goodreads |Amazon |B&N | Book Depository

Teaser Tuesday

2012-02-07T00:00:00.000-07:00

This is a weekly bookish meme is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.

To participate you:

* Grab your current read

* Open to a random page

* Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!

(Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

This week's teaser comes from The Secrets of the Keepers by Elizabeth Isaacs.

"His fingertips traced the line of my jaw, following my frantic pulse to the collarbone below. His eyes followed their journey as they slowly descended, taking time to caress the soft contours that had never known the pleasure of his touch." Kindle location 495

So yeah, I was good and kept it to two sentences this week. Bet you wish I had added just a little bit more. No you need to read this one! This is the second book in the Light of Asteria series. I have a giveaway going for an eBook copy of this one. Check it out here.

Tell me what you think and leave a link to your teaser in the comments.

Follower Love Giveaway

2012-02-06T18:00:00.000-07:00

I definitely LOVE my followers!

Since it's almost Valentine's Day, seems like a nice love story would be a great choice for a giveaway.

The winner will get their choice of these great love stories.

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins

Bittersweet by Sarah Ockler

Stay with Me by Paul Griffin

Follow StuckInBooks and fill out the rafflecopter below. Extra entries available.

Please note: To qualify for extra entries from tweets & spreading the word, a link is required. I will DELETE any entries that don't provide that link.

a Rafflecopter giveawayNow hop along to the next blog....

Shadow Kissed by Richelle Mead

2012-02-06T00:00:00.000-07:00

Source: Bought audiobook

My summary:

Rose is trying to recover from the death she feels responsible for while receiving recognition for the two Strigoi she did kill. Hard to do when she's seeing ghosts. Afraid of everyone thinking she's crazy, she tries to figure it out on her own, typical Rose thinking. But when things all fall apart, Dimitri learns her secret and the bond between them grows. Rose loves him. His feeling seem to be the same. But they can't be together and guard Lissa. Lissa who is growing stronger in Spirit magic even as Rose is falling more apart. Then the worst happens and Rose faces challenges that she's not sure she strong enough to handle. Dimitri thinks she is.

My thoughts:

5 stars - a must read

Since I listened to this book, let me start with the narrator. Khristine Hvam reads Frost Bite and Shadow Kiss. Her voices were very different from those of Stephanie Wolf in the first book in this series, Vampire Academy. I sometimes get frustrated when they change narrators mid-series. Even if I don't love the first narrator, I have associated their voices with the characters and it's hard to change. Dimitri's voice has no Russian accent but Lissa also sounds more like a teenager instead of a child like she did in book one. I adjusted and can say that Khristine made the listening experience pleasant.

Determined to finish this series, I have started a VA marathon. I read book one last year. You can check out my review here. It wasn't my favorite and that may be why it took me so long to get to this point. I did love Frostbite and you can read my review for that one here. I could have done this marathon right then, but I got busy and put it on hold. I do that a lot with books. Now, I'm trying to check up with some books on my TBR pile, so it seemed the perfect time to read all of them.

I love so much about this book. I love the time Rose got to spend with Dimitri in this book. I love how their relationship grew in unexpected and surprising ways. I love how Rose faced some pretty difficult challenges and while she struggled and was overwhelmed at times, she stayed strong. I was proud of Rose. Not ever perfect, she just does what's right.

I love how clues were left around the pages about Spirit and what was really going on with Lissa and Rose. I love Christian and his snarky personality. He's perfect for Lissa. (Oh and can I kick the queen's behind? That girl bugs me.)

I love Adrian. He's so cute with his crush on Rose. Did anyone notice he was so not hanging on every pretty girl in sight? Think he's serious about Rose. She may need some back-up with the way things are going for her too.

The plot was action packed and shocked me a couple of times. One of those shocks was very difficult to get over. Not sure I'm there yet. I get so very emotionally attached to the characters in books. It makes it hard when their live falls apart. Since this is only book three of a six book series, I may have some stress while trying to finish it.

If you are a YA paranormal vampire reader, YOU MUST READ this series. So good.

Read an excerpt

Richelle Mead |Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

Another updated cover

2012-02-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

Shadows by Jennifer L Armentrout

has an updated cover

before it even publishes.

Available February 21, 2012

I like this version better. They are very similar but this one's title is very different. It matches the new Obsidian cover.

Very excited to read this one. It's the prequel to Obsidian. I already got to talk to Dawson, Daemon's twin. That's coming February 22nd. Gonna love him.

Have you seen this?

2012-02-04T10:09:00.002-07:00

Obsidian by Jennifer L Armentrout

is getting a new cover

in a new edition

that includes never before seen

Daemon POV scenes!
Available April 10, 2012.

I love it! What do you think?

The Secrets of the Keepers Guest Post & GIVEAWAY

2012-02-03T00:00:00.000-07:00

StuckInBooks is pleased to have Elizabeth Isaacs, author of the Light of Asteria series here today. The second book in the series, the Secrets of the Keepers came out in November. I am currently reading this book and will be reviewing it next week. Plus, checkout below for a GIVEAWAY for an eBook copy. Welcome Elizabeth.

Revealing a story ... one cover at a time

“You can’t judge a book by its cover.” My grandmother used to remind me of this all the time, pointing out everyone from the homeless man who took care of strays to the preacher who had an affair. The message was that no matter the outward appearance, it was the character inside that counted. And so I find it appropriate that years later I am using her advice in a literal vein.

My personal preference in book covers has always been something simple and elegant. Something that has meaning and is like a little treat after the last page has been turned. It’s a different mindset from the modern traditional publishing world.

Asteria’s first cover was simple in design. I fell in love with the mist around the moon and the way the amethyst night faded to black. It is symbolic in so many ways, and so it seemed a perfect fit. When I left the original publishing company, I wasn’t allowed to take the cover with me. And so I contacted Neil Noah, an amazing graphic designer, who suggested we go in a different direction. At the time, grunge fonts and body parts were splattered across the YA page, and while I liked that look I knew it wouldn’t work for Nora’s story. We needed something different. After much debate, we decided on a classic black cover with an amulet being the sole focal point.

When The Secret of the Keepers went live a year later, I couldn’t believe the change in cover trends. The biggest publishing companies had distinguished their books with embossed or textured covers, the smaller publishers followed suit with incredible graphics or busy design. I wanted to keep the original idea of a symbolic cover, but I’m also a realist and knew that we needed something that would compete on the shelf. Neil suggested a compromise. We would keep a symbol as the focal point but ramp up the cover’s background. He was absolutely right. The Secret of the Keepers has a cover that is simple, yet complex. The background is just as significant as the focal point and adds depth and interest. While both the cover to Asteria and Keepers are unique, Neil designed the font in a way that gives continuity. People know they are a series when they see them side-by-side on the shelf.

Most authors have little say in what ends up on the front of their work. Marketers and analyst decide what will take center stage, looking for buying trends. Sometimes the cover itself has nothing to do with the storyline. As an indie author, one of my greatest pleasures is that I have the final say in the cover design.

The Heart of the Ancients, Kailmeyra’s Redemption is due out in the spring of 2013, and I am already gathering ideas with every page I write. I know it may seem odd to some, but I love revealing a story, one cover at a time.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Firelight by Sophie Jordan

2012-02-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Source: Purchased audiobook

My Summary:

Jacinda lives to fly and to make her own choices. But the pride makes both of those difficult. Born a draki -a descendant from dragons - Jacinda has an ability that has long been absent from the world. Her every move is watched and her future mate decided. Smothered but dealing, she breaks a rule that puts her and the pride at risk. Running for her life, she unexpectedly is saved by the very one sent to hunt her. Now she must hide in the mortal world to try and stay safe but the dry heat of Arizona stifles her draki. Her only hope is Will, the georgous boy that makes her draki come alive as it never has. But spending time with him risks her safety because Will has a secret too, one that risks not just Jacinda, but her family and the pride. How can she fight the pull to him that fires her insides and keeps her draki alive? How can she keep the secrets and protect the ones she loves?

My Thoughts:

5 stars - a must read

Since I listened to this book, let me start with the narrator. I don't think I have ever listened to Therese Plummer before but she did a fine job with this book. I wasn't distracted by her voice and I loved her reading Will. Very delicious.

The draki world is a totally new world for me. I love paranormal. I love my vampires and werewolves but it's so fun to find something different. Magical abilities that are not available is so many other books. Sophie does that for me in Firelight. It was fun to learn about a world where draki live and hide with lots of different lure. Learning about Pride rules and culture, learning about family life in a pride, learning about alpha's rules that aren't always what the individual wants - it was all so much fun. Really enjoyed the world building.

The characters were fabulous. It was interesting that Jacinda is a twin and yet her and her sister are so different. I won't tell you the big difference but I will say that while Jacinda is miserable in the human world, her sister Tamra is happy for the first time in her life. I keep thinking that the total opposite situation between them will have to be resolved at one point, but I am certainly getting ahead of myself.

Jacinda is a typical teenager in that she wants to make her own choices and doesn't understand why her family won't accept her for what and who she is. Sounds familiar enough, but the differences to typical outweigh the similarities from there. Jacinda is struggles to decide what to do to survive as a draki and those decision change by the minute as she tries very hard to stay away from the one person who could both save her and destroy her. At first, I thought, make up your mind. But then I realized how much she sounded like the teens I spend so much time with at school. Her character rings very true.

Cassian is still very much a mystery to me. We spend so little time with him but his character is so vital to the story. I'm sure there will be more of him in book two but for now, I'm not on his team. Sure, he's a hot male draki, strong and gorgeous but right now I'm not sure he's the best choice for Jacinda.

Who is the best choice for her, well I'm committing to Team Will. He is a mystery that I don't think we know enough about yet, but he loves Jacinda. He protects her. He battles for her. He's kind. He forgives. He has these awesome hazel eyes that change from green to brown to gold depending on his mood. I Just can't resist that.

As for the plot, I was surprised a couple of times. The story moved quickly and I really didn't want it to end. I read it in about a day. As for that ending, I cried. It was sad. But it's a book one and I can't expect everything to work out. It certainly makes me want to read book two.

This is a fabulous read that you really should check out if you are the YA paranormal type, like me.

Sophie Jordan | Goodreads | Amazon | B&N |Book DepositoryI am not compensated for the links in this post.

And the winner is...

2012-02-01T17:16:00.000-07:00

Gi-Gi Omfsm

The winner has been emailed and responded. She choose ...

Congrats and thanks to everyone who entered.

Cover reveal - Lucid by P.T. Michelle

2012-01-31T22:00:00.000-07:00

Lucid releases spring of 2012

Second book in the Brightest Kind of Darkness Series

Find P.T. Michelle

Twitter | Facebook | Website| Goodreads

I really loved the Brightest Kind of Darkness (see my review here) and am so excited for Lucid. This cover is beautiful. I love all the colors. What do you think?

And the winner is...

2012-01-31T13:22:00.002-07:00

Priya Dutt

The winner has been emailed.

Congrats!

Didn't win? This is a great book. Check it out below.

On The Bright Side by S.R. Johannes + Author Interview

2012-01-31T00:30:00.001-07:00

Happy Book Birthday to

On the Bright Side!

On the Bright Side is a hilarious road to guardian angeldom paved with so much drama and due-paying that it makes middle school look painless.

As if the devil’s food cake at her wake and the white fat pants she’s stuck wearing for eternity weren’t bad enough, fourteen year-old Gabby is quick to discover that Cirrus, the main rung of Heaven, is a far cry from the Pearly Gates. Here, Skyphones and InnerNets are all the rage. Until Gabby finds out she has to protect Angela, her school nemesis, in order to move up through the training levels of heaven. Problem is, Angela is now hitting on Gabby's should-have-been boyfriend. (awkward!)

Instead of protecting Angela, Gabby pranks her (like tripping is a sin?) at the hopes of cooling off the new couple. At first, they seem harmless until the school dance sabotage gets completely out of control. Then, her Celestial Sky Agent, who happens to have anger management issues of his own, puts Gabby on probation, threatening her eternal future.

Determined to right her wrongs, Gabby steals an ancient artifact that allows her to return to Earth for just one day. Without knowing, she kicks off a series of events and learns what can happen when you hate someone to death.

Praisesfor On The Bright Side

Cleverand charming, ON THE BRIGHT SIDE is the story of a reluctant guardian angel,her still-breathing crush, and the frenemy she’s assigned to protect. A greatread! -Suzanne Young, author of A Need So Beautiful, A Want So Wicket (6/12),and The Program (2013)"

"With a smart, snappy heroine and a heart-warming crush, ON THE BRIGHT SIDE is a page-turning new take on guardian angels that left me begging for a sequel!" - Gretchen McNeil, author of Possess and Ten (9/12) (Balzar + Bray)

S.R. Johannes delivers a cute paranormal thrill ride for middle graders! Even in death there is a BRIGHT SIDE!" - Addison Moore, author of the bestselling Celestra series and soon to be TV show

“ON THEBRIGHT SIDE is both hilarious and heart-warming – a tale that’ll have youhoping that there really *are* spunky and determined angels like Gabby who’vegot our backs.” - Kristin O’Donnell Tubb, author of Selling Hope & The 13th Sign(2013) (Feiwel & Friends)

Author Interview

Where did you get the idea forwriting On the Bright Side?

I havealways been kind of obsessed with death and the after life. After I readingLisa Schroeder’s I Haunt You…, Ifound myself wondering more about Jackson’s world. Where was he? Was it so bad,he needed to stay on Earth? I used to watch shows on those people who die for afew minutes and come back. They always talk about how wonderful the OTHER SIDEis. So I started writing a funny book about a great afterlife. The lighter itgot, the younger it got and eventually went from being YA to tween.

What can we expect from On theBright Side?

It is afunny book about death. It looks at a brighter side of The After Life whereSKYfones and InnerNets are all the rage. Where you can dress in dolce andNirvana and eat at The Sacred Chow. But it is also a book about friendship,loss, and acceptance.

Tell us something about Gabby thatwe won't learn from reading the book.

Shealmost failed home ec class due to her lack of sewing button. But luckily shecan cook a mean grilled cheese sandwich. Gabby walks dogs in her neighborhoodfor extra money. Though she’s petrified of sheepdogs due to being dragged byone down the street by one. In front of Michael no less. Nasty scabs on 3/4s ofyour body is not cute.

Is there any of you in Gabby orany of the other characters?

I thinkthere is some of me in ALL my characters. Gabby is like me at that age. She issnarky always slightly moody. I was that way especially in middle school. But Iam also extremely loyal (probably too loyal) and I can somehow find humor inthe strangest of situations. But I am not very mischievous like Gabby.

If you could have one wish forGabby, no questions, what would it be?

For herto accept her fate and let go of the past. I think she will be happier.

What's next for you?

I am in aValentine’s Day Anthology full of Indie authors called In His Eyes. It is filled with short stories from the hot boys in ourbooks and how they feel about girls and love.

Uncontrollable, the sequel to my teen wildernessthriller Untraceable, is scheduled for summer.

S.R. Johannes | Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

Teaser Tuesday 1-31-12

2012-01-31T00:00:00.000-07:00

This is a weekly bookish meme is hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading.

To participate you:

* Grab your current read

* Open to a random page

* Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page

* BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS!

(Make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)

* Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY TO WINGS of the WICKED!

Today's teaser comes from
Wings of the Wicked
by Courtney Allison moulton

"I nodded, taking long, slow breaths to put myself back together, my hands still clutching him. I needed my head in the game, but I didn't want to let go of Will." Page 9

I loved Anglefire and am so excited to be reading Wings of the Wicked.

What do you think of the teaser? What's your teaser this week? Leave me a comment.

Oh Light and Darkness- The Vampire's Daughter by Shayne Leighton

2012-01-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

Source: received eBook from author in exchange for a fair and honest review

My Summary:

Found by a vampire as a baby, Charlotte has lived in the mythical world all her life. Now as a young adult, she hunts for her vampire and questions the relationship they have. He has stopped being a father figure to her and started being something more. But the powers that be want him gone and another wants Charlotte as his own. Struggling to deal with the turmoil of the only world she's ever knows and her developing feelings for the one who raised her, Charlotte must figure out how to save all the ones she loves.

My Thoughts:

2 stars - not my taste but maybe yours

This book is a traditional vampire world with most of the common lore. I think I may prefer the more urban fantasy world of vampires compared to the traditional world. I don't care for the casual killing to survive that vampires do in the traditional worlds. I guess that makes me a western civilization girl, which is true.

The POV of the book moves between different characters. At first, the book spent a lot of time in Charlotte's head but then the POV started moving around a lot. At times, this confused me. I had developed an idea of a character and then I was in his head and it was really different than what I had thought before. Maybe I have 2 or 3 limit on points of view per book.

The idea of Charlotte being raised by Valek and then having him as a love interest was hard for me to deal with. I just couldn't get past it.

As for the plot, it wasn't predictable for me. That may have been because I was unclear about a few things. I didn't understand why in one situation, things were dangerous for Charlotte but then later in the same situation, it wasn't dangerous anymore.

What did I like about the book? Well I was compelled to finish it. I wanted to know what would happen. I think that's important because a lot of books I don't like, I never finish. I wanted to know the outcome. I don't think I will want to read the next book though. I'm content with this ending.

So this book wasn't for me but it may be for you.

Here's another persons opinion that was very different from mine.

Shayne Leighton | Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
I am not compensated by the links in this post.

And the winner is...

2012-01-29T09:21:00.001-07:00

*~Bookcrazy~*

Congrats!

The winner will receive an eBook copy of Embrace by Cherie Colyer.

An email has been sent to the winner.

Didn't win? You should so check out this book...

Cherie Colyer | Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

Free excerpt + GIVEAWAY

2012-01-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Angel's Rest by Emily March

Blurb from Goodreads:

Beloved author Emily March returns with a warm and uplifting new novel about a small town with a big heart. Welcome to Eternity Springs, a little piece of heaven in the Colorado Rockies.

Gabriel Callahan has lost everything that mattered. All he wants is solitude on an isolated mountain estate. Instead, he gets a neighbor. Vibrant, no-nonsense Nic Sullivan is Eternity Springs’ veterinarian, and she has an uncanny plan to lure this talented architect back to the world of the living. First with a dog, next with a renovation project, and, finally, with a night of passion that ends with a surprise.

Now a man still raw from tragedy must face the biggest struggle of his heart. Can he forgive himself and believe in the power of second chances? Dare he trust in the promise of a future and a brand-new family here in Eternity Springs?

Angel's Rest by Emily March (Excerpt)

***GIVEAWAY***

I have a copy of this book to giveaway. Winner's choice of paperback or eBook. US only. Fill out the rafflecopter to enter.

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