Sacred by Elana K. Arnold Book Trailer!

To see the amazing book trailer for Sacred by Elana K. Arnold, click here!

Dark Talisman by Steven M. Booth (Book review)

Title: Dark Talisman by Steven M. Booth
Publisher: Azimuth Books
Release Date: October 15, 2013
Genres: Fantasy, Epic, Action
Medium: Paperback ARC via Random House Teens

Dark Talisman was a deep, dark, delicious fantasy young adult novel with a ferocious story with writing that grabs you and refuses to let go.

Appealing to fans of the Game of Thrones and the Lord of The Rings, this epic fantasy young adult novel centers around elves, dwarves, and the like, all immersed in a deeply woven plot of magic, scandals, betrayal, and redemption. A dark elf must find her way after being banished from her home after stealing an important artifact- the Dark Talisman. The theme centers around the fact that knowing the truth can sometimes be dangerous.

Normally, I am not a big epic fantasy fan, as it is hard for me to get interested in (probably why I have been so hesitant to start The Hobbit, Game of Thrones, Lord of The Rings, etc.) because I have been scared that I would not like them, as I feared with this novel. Yet, I was pleasantly surprised when I found this story to riveting, interesting, and action-packed, all without getting redundant or boring. You are kept on edge at all times, with new twists and surprises being thrown at you frequently. It is very hard to put down.

The writing is incredible. Very educated and witty, the language and style of this author is impeccable. Completely in tune with this novel, the writing flows and matches the theme of the novel spot on. The dialogue is original and constantly makes you want to put on the accent and read it out loud! The characters are very easy to either love or dislike. Our main characters are very relatable and fascinating, and very easy to root for during the novel. This is the most original and deep otherworldly novel I have ever read. It seriously is so perfectly woven, it is easy to wonder how Booth came to write this. It is that great.

With an imaginative plot with deep dark fantasy, gorgeous writing, and lovable characters, this novel is sure to lure anyone with an imagination in and not let them go. A definite must-read for any age! (And that's high praise.)

Stacking The Shelves #6

Stacking The Shelves (hosted by Tynga's Reviews) is a weekly meme featuring the books you win, buy, borrow, receive for review, etc. It's been awhile since I've done one, so this is a big one! 

 

Received For Review:

        Serissa By M. Cundy (ebook)
        Rednecks vs. Zombies by T.R.F. Sedgwick (ebook)
        The Name by Manik Ghawri (ebook)
        Dreamwalker by Andrea Heltsley (ebook)
        Anyone But You by Amy Helmes and Kim Askew (ebook)
        The Fall From Grace by H.D. Carpenter (ebook)
The Elect by Elle Todd (Ebook)
         Pepe by Robby Charters (Ebook)

Won:
        Relativity by Cristin Bishara (Hardcover and signed!)
        Hourglass by Myra McEntire (ARC paperback!)
        Timepiece by Myra McEntire (Hardcover!)
          Infinityglass by Myra McEntire (Hardcover!)
          The Cool School: Writing from America's Hip Underground (ARC paperback!)
          American Girl On Saturn by Nikki Godwin (ebook)
          Heist by Laura Pauling (ebook)
          Relativity by Cristin Bishara business card
          Sia by Josh Grayson (ebook)
          Cassie's Cowboy Crave by Kimberly Krey! (Ebook)

Bought:
        Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay (hardcover)
        Aerie and Reckoning by Thomas E. Sniegoski (paperback)
    Viola in Reel Life by Adriana Trigiani (hardcover)
    Eve by Anna Carey (hardcover)
    Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel (hardcover)
    Dragon's Oath by P. C. Cast; Kristin Cast (hardcover)
    The Diviners by Libba Bray (hardcover)
    Buffy the Vampire Slayer 1 by John Vornholt; Arthur Byron Cover; Alice Henderson (paperback)
    Hades by Alexandra Adornetto (hardcover)
    Flesh & Bone by Jonathan Maberry (hardcover)
    Staying Fat for Sarah Byrnes by Chris Crutcher (paperback)
    Happiness to Go! by Simon Spotlight (boxed set) (I bought it for my little brother)
     Buffy the Vampire Slayer 2 by Christopher Golden; Nancy Holder; Diana G. Gallagher (paperback)
    The Dead and the Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer (paperback)
    This World We Live in by Susan Beth Pfeffer (hardcover)
    Before I Die by Jenny Downham (paperback)
    Cemetery Girl by David Bell (paperback)

 

Waiting To Arrive:          Tandem by Anna Jarzab (ARC paperback!)

          The Returned by Jason Mott (Hardcover)
          Signed bookmark of Jennifer Walkup
          Confessions: The Private School Murders Tshirt!
          Chasing Shadows by Swati Avasthi (ARC paperback)
          The Dark Between by Sonia Gensler (ARC paperback)
          The Living by Matt de la Pena  (ARC paperback)
          THE BEAUTIFUL & THE DAMNED by Jessica Verday (ARC paperback)
         Once Upon A Nightmare by McKelle George (ebook)
         City of Devils (ebook)
        City of Devils swag pack
        The "Purple Moon" Prize Pack: (Autographed copy of Purple Moon, Purple Moon sketch journal, Purple Moon sleeping mask, Purple Moon mug, Purple Moon glitter bookmark, Purple Moon ribbon bookmark, "The Anxious Christian" by Rhett Smith, and Starbucks mocha flavored instant coffee!)

& more! (I didn't get pictures of everything)

What did you get?

Teardrop by Lauren Kate Book Trailer & Chapter Sampler!

There is now a book trailer for the first novel in New York Times best-selling author Lauren Kate's new trilogy...

TEARDROP

Click here for he trailer to this long awaited novel....

Click here for an exclusive chapter sampler...

Red Dirt Road Blog Tour! (Review & Giveaway!)

The Saving Angels Series continues…
A new cast is introduced, while journeys already taken start to merge with the present, leading you down the old Red Dirt Road.
Death has always seemed just one step behind Layla Hill, taking almost everyone she’s ever loved. After she loses the love of her life, Layla vows to never love again—how could she, when she’s a death magnet?
Trying to outrun fate traveling with her uncle Willie and his band, Layla meets Michael Roberts, a beautiful Irish boxer as gentle on the piano as he is brutal in the ring. He proves as relentless in life, fighting for a place in her world even as she pushes him away, trying to protect him from her killer tendencies.
But neither foresees the sinister presence waiting for Layla at the end of the Red Dirt Road.

Amazon | B&N

___________________________________________________________

About Annie

Born and raised in New Orleans, Annie has a habit of shortening her words and telling long stories. She speaks with a southern flair and cooks with it too. At the tender age of twenty- one, she hitched up her wagons (took her first plane ride) and moved out west to the big shake (California). Her writing career began one sleepless night when she imagined a gorgeous woman and a man with maniacal hair floating above her like lightening bugs falling from the sky. Curious about them, their story, and why they were floating around in her head, she sat down and penned (typed) her first novel, Marigny Street. A dream come true for her, she hasn’t stopped writing since. She loves a damn good love story, always has, no matter what the genre. She is particularly moved by imperfect love that in its own unique way is perfect, the notion of love at first sight, soul mates, and things that are generally out of the norm.

When she’s not writing she enjoys dabbling in photography and finding new, inspirational music to add to her collection. She currently (still) resides in the big shake (although her southern roots are calling her home) with her husband, daughter, and their two peculiar dogs, Boudreaux and Tabasco (who, call her crazy, bark with an accent).

For lagniappe (a little extra), a virtual cup of café au lait and beignets, please visit Annie’s website. She can also be found on Facebook & Twitter.

___________________________________________________________

GIVEAWAY

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour hosted by GCRPromotions 

Review by NPR

Red Dirt Road by Annie Rose Welch was an amazingly refreshing read. A new adult romance, it centers around a traveling young protagonist who believes herself to be a magnet for death, after losing her husband and daughter. 

The plot was very fresh and original. With a winding road, lined with drama and a troubled love triangle, this story takes a woman lost in her own life and shows how she finds her way back, how there is love after death and the steps of recovery. It also shows that a young, handsome, Irish boxer can liven up anyone's life ;)

The writing was very nice, very conversational and easy to read. The flow was very nice, and the writing really drew you in. This is a great story to settle down with on a cool fall or winter day with a steaming cup of coffee, or to settle down with at a book club. Either way, this book is a great, entertaining read, a definite pick up for women of any age.

Confessions of A Fast-Food Worker by George Dwight (Book Review)

Title: Confessions of A Fast-Food Worker by George Dwight

Publisher: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.

Release Date: September 2nd, 2013

Genres: Humor/Comedy, Cooking

Medium: Ebook via Author for Review (Thanks George!)

Confessions of A Fast-Food Worker was a quick-paced, interesting, funny, enjoyable read.

 In it, you meet a character unlike any other and you quickly learn why you should respect workers in the fast food industry. This novel portrays real people in real situations that make my skin absolutely crawl. I didn't see how he could make it, until I read this book.

The plot goes by without a hitch. It's very fast paced, quick to catch your attention, and hard to put down. It presents the workers in tough situations and what they have to do to make the customer hay, or what they do to get revenge. Whether it be pulling food out if the trash or refrying or undercooking, these characters are much smarter than the antagonists believe. They present ways to make more money off people, and how to give the restaurant less. Most of the ideas I would have never thought of!

The writing was pretty good.  Not the best, but very nice indeed. The dialogue maybe had a bit too much slang and a way too much cursing. The writing could have also had a bit more back story and descriptive writing. But besides this, it was very enjoyable. I will probably read part two to this.

You can also see this review at the Pure Textuality blog, where I also review books. Click here to go to the Pure Textuality blog.

The Eye of Minds by James Dashner (Chapter Sampler & Book Trailer!)

It's here! It's finally here!

THE EYE OF MINDS BY JAMES DASHNER IS FINALLY HERE.

Click here to read a chapter sampler!!

Click here to watch the amazing book trailer!!

Shoo, that book trailer just gives me the chills! I absolutely cannot wait to get my hands on a copy of this book! Definitely near the top of my TBR list.

The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore (Book Review)

Title: The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore

Publisher: Harpercollins

Release Date: August 23, 2011

Genres: science fiction, fantasy, romance, action

Medium: paperback, bought

I absolutely loved I Am Number Four and the minute I finished it, I knew I would be reading the sequel. I Am Number Four was good, but I believe the sequel (The Power of Six) was better. This novel was action packed, thought-provoking, romantic and funny at times, and always suspenseful. 

The plot was perfect. The Power of Six was full of twists and turns and many surprising plot twists. Suspenseful situations and light emotional scenes were equally distributed throughout the novel. It was very hard to put this novel down! The characters were also perfectly done. They were completely relatable, intriguing, and it was very hard to imagine anything bad happening to then. You really do fall in love with Four, Six, Seven, Sam, and the rest of group.

The Power of Six's writing was impeccable. Pittacus Lore ceases to provide a novel I don't enjoy. He manages to switch from a full-throttle action-packed sci-fi scene, to a light hearted, romantic scene without a single trouble. He navigates through different POVs and opposing action without any trouble. He brings the characters together and I twines them in a deep plot, letting them slowly unwind it. Pittacus Lore also brings the readers in, gripping them by their shirt collars (do people still wear collared shirts?) and doesn't let them go until the very end, which goes out it's a bang and leaves you with a sigh. I can't wait to read the sequel to this amazing series.

Zephrum Gates Blog Tour & Giveaway!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What do a greedy goblin, a lovesick Dragon, and a not so helpless girl have in common? From the moment the floating treasure chest appears above the water, this rollicking fairy tale brings us back to the wonderful world of Zephrum Gates. 

 Goblins are at work and are doing their best to restore their nefarious leader to ultimate power. Although Strasidous Rowpe has been reduced to a mere wisp of ether, his malevolent influence continues to inspire Goblins… and threaten Zephrum. 

 Zephrum is helped by a number of eccentric and magical people at her school, the newly started (Fiddlesticks School for Alternative Thinkers with Unusual Abilities). There, Zephrum and her friends develop their innate talents, learn circus arts, meet strange magical beings, and end up putting on a lively theatrical show that is “out of this world.” 

Although some of the teachers try to use science and earth wisdom to understand the chain of quirky catastrophes that keep happening, they can’t really do much to keep Zephrum and her friends away from perplexing predicaments, strange sightings, and misplaced magic. Can she escape the dark doom that goblins have created for her? Can her friends keep her from the clutches of a distraught Dragon? Will they save the day and thwart the feeble efforts of Strasidous Rowpe… before all is lost?

 “Zephrum Gates & The Strange Magical Treasure” will tickle your funny bone and keep you glued to the page as you bounce from one unforgettable event to the next. 


Tricia Riel... is the author of "Zephrum Gates & The Mysterious Purple Haze" and the full series of Zephrum Gates books. She has been involved in creative pursuits of all kinds since her first big role as a snowflake at age 5. She has a Bachelor's degree from the Visual & Performing Arts School at Syracuse University in NY and a Masters Degree in Acting and Theatre Arts from Humboldt State University in CA.

 Trish writes YA fantasy to empower youth to believe in themselves, and because learning how to care for our environment is simply more fun when reading a witty magical story.

 Trish has written numerous stage plays & has some of her early poems published. She was involved with the performance art scene in San Francisco for some time & also performed numerous educational plays for kids throughout the SF Bay Area. For years, she has worked as a drama teacher at "Kids on Camera" (a TV Acting School in San Francisco, CA). She has been a physical coach at "Circus Smirkus" in Vermont, at “Camp WinnaRainbow” in Northern California, “Swivel Arts” in San Francisco, at “Island Gymnastics” on Martha’s Vineyard, & at "Arcata Playhouse" in CA. In addition to those camps, she has headed numerous theatrically based school programs in many other parts of California, in Rhode Island, & in many other locations.

 She juggles, works as a clown, a voice-over actor, and an Astrologer. She does contact improv, practices gymnastics, and does a variety of circus arts. Trish has done all of the narration & characters for her Zephrum Gates Audio Books. She has a trapeze in her living room and she loves to work on films and travel internationally. She has the most amazing doggies in the world, and she writes most of her books while hiking in the woods. She can also write while she sleeps.

Stacking The Shelves (5)

Stacking The Shelves is a weekly meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews where you share all the books you have bought, been gifted, won, etc., in the past week.

Hi guys! I have another Stacking The Shelves update for you today. As I have received many books this week (our UPS driver must really hate me.) I received two in the mail yesterday, and two the day before, and also went shopping and got a few in the mail at the beginning of the week. 

Bought:

Evercrossed by Elizabeth Chandler

Wither by Lauren Destefano (Hardcover!)

 

Won:

Zero Tolerance by Claudia Mills (Hardcover!)

Tumble & Fall by Alexandra Coutts (Hardcover!)

Two Boys Kissing by David Levithan (ARC paperback!)

Dark Talisman by Steven M. Booth (ARC paperback!)

 

Received For Review:

Confessions of A Fast Food Worker by George Dwight (Ebook)

Red Dirt Road by Annie Rose Welch (Ebook)

The Name by Manik Ghawri (Ebook)

One Dark Halloween Night by John Kohlnrenner (Ebook)

 

Blurb!:

Fierce Reads Bookmark! Eek!

 

What did you get?

Raven by Suzy Turner (Book Review)

Title: Raven by Suzy Turner

Publisher: Self on Amazon.com

Release Date: May 8th, 2011

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Drama

Medium: Kindle Ebook via Amazon.com (Free!)

I have been reading Raven as a side project for quite awhile now. As my Kindle hardly ever stays charged, it was one of the books I read between bigger novels, and one I let my Kindle read to me every time I took a shower or bath. (I get a lot of ebook reading done this way)

This novel is very interesting and descriptive. It involves shapeshifters, vampires, werewolves, ravens, witches, and any other supernatural creature you can imagine, all mixed within a spellbinding and twisty plot. It combines good, solid fantasy with less popular paranormal creatures, all within a modern setting switching from a flat in England to a house in Canada. In this novel, a girl named Lily has been taken from her birth mother and raised by a strict witch and nonexistent father. When she escapes, she is found by her true family, who turns out to be all sorts of shapeshifters and creatures, varying in severity. When an inevitable battle occurs, she must use the powers passed down from her descendants and fight for her untraditional family. With a budding romance, sweet friendships, family ties and drama, this novel is sure to captivate readers from the beginning.

The writing was nice. I won't say great, because I found myself at various times seeing a passage, sentence, or dialogue that I just couldnt help butthink "What was that? Why did she write it this way? It doesn't agree with the plot at all. That's out of character." Of course, anyone is going feel like this with any novel, yet I found it happening frequently with this one. It could have been better, could have been more creative and original, but was a good read overall. Descriptive, exciting, and emotional, Suzy Turner is a good fantasy writer, as it shows in her novel Raven. After reading Raven, I will probably read the sequel to Raven, to see where the author takes the story next, and also because I (sometimes) believe that sequels are better. So we will see! 

The Kissin' Tour for Cassie's Cowboy Crave by Kimberly Krey GRAND FINALE

Cassie's Cowboy Crave
Sweet Montana Bride Series
by Kimberly Krey
Published July 12, 2013

Twenty-four-year-old Cassie Lovell has a great job, good friends, and an apartment with a killer view. That is, until life is turned upside down. Without the chance to say goodbye, Cassie is forced into a witness protection program on Emerson Ranch. Just when she fears life is doomed, Cassie meets Shane Emerson, the stunningly handsome cowboy who’ll be posing as her newlywed groom. 

Shane Emerson is determined not to fall for the woman he’s agreed to harbor. Especially since the whole thing was his family’s way of trying to get him hitched. So why is it when he takes Cassie into his home, Shane wants nothing more than to turn their make-believe marriage into more than just a sham? 

In a moment of weakness, Shane steals a kiss. 
In return, Cassie steals his heart. 
Yet before they confess their undying love, 
a hidden danger threatens to tear them apart.

*Although this novel is considered clean romance, it does contain passionate kissing and a few mild curse words.

Goodreads * Amazon

The Kissin' Tour
The delights of Romantic Tension!

Sept. 16 – Launch

17 – TheReading Diaries - Review

-          After learning about Cassie’s story I wanted to adopt her as my own sister and give her the life she always wanted but never had.

-          Pieces of Whimsy - Excerpt and Recipe

Chef John's Easy Apple Pie

        “He always said my pies put him under a spell, and I’m looking forward to the affects of it already.”

      
Cassie gulped down the lump forming in her throat. She couldn’t remember disliking a person so much in all her life.

18 – TheWonderings of One Person - Review

 Even amid the desire, Shane’s main focus was on getting to know her heart because he intended this to be forever. That melted my heart more than any steamy kiss they shared.

19 – I Am a Reader, Not a Writer  - Kissing Quiz?

Are You A Good Kisser?
Go ahead... take the QUIZ!!!  :-D

20 – Mommasez… - Initial Sparks I, A Teaser

“I got it,” Shane offered, coming up from behind. He was quick to move, and none too subtle as he nudged up against her, reaching high overhead to open the cupboard. "

-          Mel’s Shelves - Review

What a fun, clean read! 

I felt like I could relate to his family which is why I enjoyed them so much and look forward to learning more about them in future books!

21 – BookwormLisa - Review

I was pulled into the book from the beginning.  There are kissing scenes, but the book doesn't go farther than the kiss.  This is the kind of romance book that I really enjoy. Sweet with a bit of spice that doesn't make me blush!

22 – A Tiffyfit’s Reading Corner - Excerpt

Though he was certain her cup of cocoa had been as cool as his, all he could taste was the heat.  

-          Sun Mountain Reviews - Frozen Hot Chocolate

23 – GettingYour Read On - Favorite Kissing Scenes

 Today Kimberly and I are going to dish some of our top, favorite kissing moments from movies, TV and books...

"One of my favorite Movie Kisses would have to be from A Walk In The Clouds..."

Review 

Cassie's Cowboy Crave was a fantastic diversion.  I loved it....  A perfect way to spend a few hours by the pool while your kids swim.  :)  (yes, that's exactly how it went for me)

-          Christy’s Cozy Corner - Initial Sparks Excerpt

“A kiss goodbye?” The laughing stopped, and he could swear Cassie’s gaze had landed solidly on his mouth. Shane moistened his lips, suddenly hungry for a taste of hers...  He had to get out of there. And fast.

24 – Tressa’sWishful Endings 

Top Ten Things That Make a Great Romance Novel

I want to get a good grip on the attraction right away. Even if there’s a bit of a love-hate thing going on, I like knowing there’s something brewing, an undeniable attraction no matter how maddening the opposite is.

- The Wonderings of One Person - Inteview!

 It was actually Shane who came to me first, and I loved his story: Two older brothers who’d met their wives through this witness protection thing – I loved the expectations that came along with it, and knew I needed to write his story.

25 - Tressa’s Wishful Endings - Review

I also loved the setting on the ranch. The horses and hard labor, the group meals and gatherings, the camaraderie and the way Shane's family adopts everyone who works there or marries into the family. 

I loved the times when Cassie and Shane went off on walks, rides, or on a picnic. Just the simple things they did to develop their friendship.

26     - What’s Beyond Forks?

This was an addictive little story. I stayed up into the wee hours of the morning reading this book. 

I just couldn't put it down.

Sept. 27-30  Grand Finale

Writing Romance That’s Clean Without Losing the Steam!

Kimberly Krey


I'm a writer of contemporary clean romance, a lover of home, family, & friends, & the ultimate hater of laundry.

A few of my favorite things: Diet Coke, Cafe Rio, and novels by Marcia Lynn McClure.

I do not go anywhere without: SoftLips Chapstick and Altoids Smalls. 

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads

Giveaway:

$100 Amazon Gift Card + Signed Paperback + Recipes!  (Int'l.)
Sept 16 - Oct 11

See the rafflecopter for restrictions. Must be 18 to enter and able to receive winnings, etc.

a Rafflecopter giveaway