i am shelfless
Hi, lovely readers! The blog, "I am Shelfless" was made by a passionate reader who is perennially shelf-less ever since she became in love with stories through books.
Review: Passion Bites by Mary Hughes
Passion Bites by Mary Hughes
Book #9 of the Biting Love series
Paranormal Romance, 290 pages
Published December 8th 2015 by Samhain Publishing
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Purchase on Amazon ・ Barnes & Noble ・ iTunes ・ Kobo ・ All Romance
Dr. Alexis Byornsson has her hands full in the ER when her patient's uncle blows into the exam room. Stitching up a five-year-old's cut is hard enough without a blond god distracting her all to hell.
To say she's furious is putting it mildly not that anyone would notice. Not with the legendary control that's earned her the nickname Dr. Frozen .
Luke Steel never knew a woman chastising him could be so sexy. But for the first time in three hundred years, passion stirs in his gut along with panic. Since his wife was taken before his eyes in a brutal attack, he's sworn he'd never feel that powerless again.
Almost before either Luke or Alexis realize what s happening, they're sharing a blazing kiss that shatters her logical armor and unleashes his wholly unwanted mating instinct. And spurs a closer-than-skin enemy to put into motion a devastating plan for revenge.
Warning: This book contains a hot doctor and a hotter vampire messing up sterile surfaces. The usual rogue shenanigans, but this time covering deeper motives. Hang on to your stethoscopes at what's revealed!
Review:
I originally had this review down on December 31st, but it turns out I haven't clicked the scheduled button before it went holiday crazy. As I participated for the blog tour of Passion Bites before, the excerpt got me intrigued and I couldn't request fast enough for a review copy because of my love of vampires, witty protagonists, explosive romances.
All right? What did he mean by that? All right, take my blond masculine head and bury it in your comforting bosom? All right, let's find someplace private? All right, spread your thighs and let me show you how wicked an angel can be? "All right, what?"
Selfless. Witty. Caring. Intelligent. Those are the first four words I thought when Alexis, the main protagonist, comes to mind. Selfless as she was willing to do everything to save and protect everyone she loves even though it might risk her life in the process. Witty as it was entertaining to read how her mind works and make you laugh with her internal reactions. Cares as she supports and treasures her best friend and the people she loves, despite circumstances that hurt her in the past. Intelligent as she knows and figures out some things quickly, which is more than I gave her credit for.
Luke might look like an angel, but his kiss was hotter than sin.
Is it just me or most of the guys in this book looks hot? Anyway, let's talk about Luke! For me, Luke is a bit complex. I know he has past issues, but don't you think it's time to move on? Is it really necessary that you, uhm, have to suffer for a hundred years or more? It was tiring to read some parts because no-i-can't-be-happy because of this and that. I remember the Night Scholar from Scholar Who Walks the Night regarding Luke's actions. Sorry, but I'll choose the Night Scholar rather than Luke; he did it more gracefully than Luke did at the ending.
Luck's not a lady, she's a middle finger.
Passion Bites is a fast, funny and good read, but I wouldn't call it as one of my favorites because I was irritated at some point. I like the high-tech gadgets though; I actually want one. If you wish to know which parts I got irritated, read the spoilers below at your own risk.
Warning: SPOILERS! First, if you have read the first part of the summary, that's on page 10-15. Then, on page 16, they kissed. They freaking kissed! Huh, talk about fast. Second, I discussed Lizelle's, Alexis's best friend, situation this with my mom because I know this happens in real life and I understand, but I may have ranted at some point because it just infuriates me, but this is what I'm just going to say: She has been your best friend since first grade and she just wants to protect you from your abusive husband. Don't be such an ungrateful bitch. Lastly, the ending sucks. Alexis did gracefully on the ending, but it wasn't fair to her. This is why I prefer the Night Scholar even though they have a lot of similarities with Luke.
Rating:
ARC Book Review: Fire Falling by Elise Kova
This review is originally posted on my blog, I am Shelfless.
Fire Falling by Elise Kova
Book #2 of Air Awakens series
Published November 19th 2015 by Silver Wing Press
Received a digital ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
Purchase on Amazon ・ Barnes & Noble ・ Book Depository ・ Amazon (UK)
Soldier… Sorcerer… Savior… Who is Vhalla Yarl?
Vhalla Yarl marches to war as property of the Solaris Empire. The Emperor counts on her to bring victory, the Senate counts on her death, and the only thing Vhalla can count on is the fight of her life. As she grapples with the ghosts of her past, new challenges in the present threaten to shatter the remnants of her fragile sanity. Will she maintain her humanity? Or will she truly become the Empire’s monster?
Review:
It would've been bad if the first book was really good and the next one wouldn't have lived up to anyone's expectations but don't fret! Fire Falling is so much better than Air Awakens! I was already an emotional mess when I wrote a review of Air Awakens so imagine my struggle with Fire Falling! Anyway, here it goes...
I loved how Elise has written the story that isn't rushed; it was neither fast-paced nor slow. The world building was beautifully crafted! Also, as the story progresses, new information is included and I'm happy that these weren't just thrown to the reader all at once and the information wasn't just dumped in the book; it was thoroughly elaborated and if it wasn't, it can be entailed on the future books.
She'd wanted to become someone the Senate would fear, why not shatter the sky? (ARC 265)
I am happy with how the main protagonist, Vhalla, turned out in Fire Falling. I know it's quite mean, but I loved what the author has done to Vhalla's character after the Night of Fire and Wind. It wasn't like the books I've read that the protagonist killed someone and then acted "normal" as if there was no killing happened just with the reaction "omg I killed someone" something like that. With Vhalla, it felt realistic, raw and believable. And, there are scenes that I'm in awe with Vhalla! The sandstorm - I was so proud!
"Oh? Tell me what will you do to me?" She did her best to imitate one of his trademark smirks, and she was rewarded by the spark turning to a fire in his eyes.
"I could think of quite a few things to do to you." His voice was gravely and deep, and Vhalla felt a flush rise to her cheeks. (ARC 1391)
Elise has written the way their relationship develops as the series continues was magnificently done and I can't help but look forward to what happens with their relationship on the next book! So FREAKING sweet! I know Aldrik still has a long way to go -- pushing off Vhalla on the roof isn't the best way to start a healthy relationship, but these Vhaldrik scenes are killing me. AASLKDASD reaction is totally on point.
Vhalla honestly hadn't considered that. "Because you both are my friends. I trust you, and I want you to know I do. What are friends if you cannot share your secrets with them?" (ARC 1128)
It's nice to see some insight from Prince Baldair, Larel, Fritz, Daniel and Craig. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about them; it felt like I belonged and I was one of their friends. I wish I had friends who are all supportive like that in real life! That said, I absolutely adore and love Vhalla's friendship with them. They all have become someone very important to Vhalla; Larel is [still] my favorite among the side characters and I meant that when I said I wanted to keep her.
Elecia is a new character introduced in Fire Falling. Don't hate her too much, okay?
Before I forget... *coughs*
The last chapter and the other plot twists. I almost cursed in front of my mom.
I was speechless. I kept going back to the last chapter and hoping I just missed a page or two because I refuse to accept what happened! Holy shit. I finished Fire Falling and I'm just sitting here letting everything happened wash over me. And lay down on the couch and cry...
Fire Falling is a thrilling read; packed with plot twists, sizzling romance and snarky banters. I couldn't put this book down!
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Blog Tour Review, Guest Post & Giveaway: Hidden Impact by Piper J. Drake
The best advice I'd give you when you read Hidden Impact: Don't look at Piper J. Drake's Hidden Impact board while reading the book. It'll make you hungry. For two different reasons. *winks*
See the full review, guest post and giveaway (10,000 Harlequin Rewards Points (US/Can only) & eCopy of HIDDEN IMPACT) here.
 - Piper J. Drake)
Air Awakens by Elise Kova
If I could just transfer my feelings to you when I finished devoured this book, you wouldn't be asking me anything anymore. Yeah, it's that good. Air Awakens earned my #1 spot for best reads of 2015!
Air Awakens by Elise Kova
Book #1 of Air Awakens series
Published November 19th 2015 by Silver Wing Press
Purchased a digital copy from Amazon;
Received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for an honest review
Purchase on Amazon ・ Barnes & Noble ・ Book Depository ・ Amazon (UK)
A library apprentice, a sorcerer prince, and an unbreakable magic bond...
The Solaris Empire is one conquest away from uniting the continent, and the rare elemental magic sleeping in seventeen-year-old library apprentice Vhalla Yarl could shift the tides of war.
Vhalla has always been taught to fear the Tower of Sorcerers, a mysterious magic society, and has been happy in her quiet world of books. But after she unknowingly saves the life of one of the most powerful sorcerers of them all—the Crown Prince Aldrik—she finds herself enticed into his world. Now she must decide her future: Embrace her sorcery and leave the life she’s known, or eradicate her magic and remain as she’s always been. And with powerful forces lurking in the shadows, Vhalla’s indecision could cost her more than she ever imagined.
Review:
I actually did not want to go past 50% of Air Awakens because I didn't want to experience the pain of waiting for the next book, Fire Falling, which is stupid of me because I forgot I received Fire Falling early.
So, I read Air Awakens from the start again; I was too busy reading, gushing, squealing and flailing that I didn't notice it was way past my bedtime and it was getting creepier every minute-- dogs howling, birds chirping (at this hour?) and footsteps (no one was outside), but I could not put this book down! Every word was important that if I did not finish one chapter after another, I would get crazy thinking about what will happen.
Heck, I am even getting crazy how will I write a review with my incoherent feelings and words.
Do you think I care about that? No, brain.
Then start talking about the precious. Okay...
I suppose I thought it would be easy to talk about a book you loved because if you loved it so much, words would just keep flowing as you already know what you will say and you could talk about it for hours with your eyes glowing from all the happiness you felt and never get bored speaking of your adventures in even the littlest of things.
But I don't know where to start.
But I do know what I felt.
I'm very picky with fantasy books; it's like all or nothing with me. The reason would be is that fantasy has always been my narnia, my home and my escape. That said, I'm always in search for fantasies with high expectations. You know those types of books that deserve a whole box (because I don't have a shelf) just for that author and his/her books? Yeah, those. This book, Air Awakens, deserves it.
I discovered Air Awakens through Michelle Madow and for that I am grateful! I wouldn't have know this masterpiece if not for her.
"When will you stop being afraid, read, and learn more about who you are?"
Vhalla is a great protagonist; proved that herself as the story progresses. I liked it when they told her what she was, she didn't immediately jump on the bandwagon like in most books. She was a young woman who's afraid and confused, but when there are times that she needed to be brave, she'll do it nonetheless. I loved that. That said, Vhalla's interactions, actions and feelings were realistic and believable. I mean, I would have reacted the same way too, you know. And bonus points for being a library apprentice and for reading books!
"I may be a prince," he said as his lips brushed her ear lightly. "But I would trade it all to be a common man, even if only for tonight."
I was both intrigued and attracted to Aldrik since their exchanges even though I haven't seen him yet, there was this some sort of pull to his writing that really made me like him and frustrated at the same time. And at their first meeting, I admit he was arrogant, mean and bad and hot, but then what came into my mind was that my love for Aldrik would be like the Darkling -- I don't care what he does. I'd still offer myself my heart to him.
To the other characters, they are unique; they all have some traits in them that make you love them. Larel, Fritz and Prince Baldair... *sighs dreamily* It's also awesome to read that you don't have to recite a spell when they use their magic. I was worried for them! What if they recited the spell wrong and it backfires?
All in all, I loved it that I finished reading Air Awakens at 4:03 am. I loved that I woke up high from reading that I didn't mind my brother scolding me for taking up most of the space on his bed that morning. I loved that I loved and enjoy Air Awakens that I don't even care if Elise Kova takes all of my stars. I'll even shower those stars at her. And. I. Meant. Every. Word.
You should totally read Air Awakens. Seriously. Read it. I'm even trying to get my dog to read it.
P.S. Can I have Larel please, Elise?
Have you read a book that you stayed all night reading? What is it about?
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Never Standing Still by Anie Michaels
Never Standing Still by Anie Michaels
Book #1 of The Never Duet series
Published May 10th 2015 by AM Books
Received a digital copy from the author in exchange for a review
Purchase on Amazon
I’ve spent my life avoiding attachments. I learned early on, from the person who should have loved me most, I only drag others down. So instead, I made it my goal to live in a way that never affected anyone else. I don’t build friendships. I don’t start relationships. I move from place to place, from person to person, never standing still and never putting down roots.
That is, until one day when everything comes crashing down around me and I’m left with the one person who needs me the most. He opens me up and makes me vulnerable. He’s not a secret, but a treasure, and I’ll protect him the only way I know how – even if it makes loving anyone else impossible.
Review:
I have purposely not write a review after I read it so I could fully think it through. To be honest, as I am writing this review, I started at the end first like a person reads the book's ending first before reading the first chapter.
First of all, I'm grateful for the opportunity to have read Never Standing Still in exchange for an honest review! I saw a lot of great feedback on Goodreads; needing tissues because it was a very emotional ride. I couldn't be more excited to start reading the book!
I got pulled immediately while reading the prologue with an understanding that this is where it all started. Never standing still per se. I liked it; the conversations, the measurements, the shooting of the music video (woah) and Kalli & Riot in general. My favorite characters were Marcus, Riot and Ellie!
It's a good read, yeah.
But it didn't work for me. Not how I was expecting to.
I've had no qualms about Riot, Ellie, Megan and the other characters. I actually liked their personality, conversations and their actions. It made me feel warm all over. The thing is, I had a hard time connecting with Kalli. It's like I'm reading several chapters and I'd caught up to her when I'm already in the middle, understanding and sympathizing with her, only to be as confused as I am when I read those previous several chapters on the last part. I understand her, Kalli, because of the things she and her brother had been through. But her indecisiveness and actions in the book in which it happens all the time is err- overreacted. It was irritating. This is the first time that I wanted another character's perspective rather than the main protagonist. (Thank you for Riot's perspective!)
The only time that I felt something (the tissue part) was already near the end. I cried. So heartbreakingly sad. And that cliffhanger.
Never Standing Still is a good read. It is a very realistic, sweet love story about two people. One breaking walls by proving his love. One struggling to not be afraid to love and to get attached. I didn't love it like I was expecting to, but I hope this book will do well with you.
The Sweet Taste of Sin by Ember Casey
The Sweet Taste of Sin by Ember Casey
Book #1 of The Fontaines series
Published October 16th 2015
Received a digital ARC copy from the author in exchange for review
Purchase on Amazon
Ashlyn just wants to move on with her life. Run her bakery. Heal her broken heart. She's had three years to try and forget Dante Fontaine.
To the rest of the world, Dante is Hollywood royalty, the ridiculously attractive oldest son of the notorious Fontaine family.
To Ashlyn? He’s the guy who took her virginity and made her swear off men forever.
But when an accidental--and humiliating--encounter brings him back into her life, Ashlyn realizes that no matter how hard she’s tried to forget about him, Dante definitely hasn’t forgotten about her.
…and this time, he's not going to let her go.
Review:
I have read Ember Casey's previous novels before and it was just amazing! So when I heard about The Sweet Taste of Sin, I couldn't sign up fast enough. I'm telling you now: if you haven't read any of Ember Casey's books, you should! You're missing out. A lot.
"I never got over you. I tried. I told myself you were better off without me. That I should give you the chance to find someone who could give you everything you deserved. But I couldn't forget you." (ARC 2148)
I have a thing for enthralling blurbs; it immediately pulls me in. Three years trying to get over Dante Fontaine-- I say that there is a i-hate-you-but-i-love-you kind of relationship. I fantasized what would happen before this book was sent to me and I know it will be sinfully good. Look who's got a new book boyfriend!
"Tell me you love him, Ashlyn. That he's the one you want in your bed at night. The one you want fucking you. The one whose name you want to cry out when you're coming. The one whose arms you want around you every morning. Tell me you want him and no one else."
Looking into his eyes-seeing the hunger, the desperation, the vulnerability-I'm finding it impossible to say anything at all.
"Tell me," he says, leaning even closer, "or I swear, I'm going to make you forget him." (ARC 1529)
Ember Casey left my heart completely, utterly and unregretfully a roller coaster of emotions. She makes these electrifying scenes leaving me defenseless; somehow gets out of the book to sear your body throughout that had me jumping, squealing and making dying pterodactyl noises at the same time plus my sister giving me weird looks. I was high from no-elsa-cant-stop-these-feels. And I fucking loved it.
"I don't care if the whole world hears it," he says. "I don't even care if you turn me down in front of all these people. In front of the whole world. I love you, Ashlyn." (ARC 3128)
The Sweet Taste of Sin is a perfect blend of humor, romance, passion and angst that had me literally out of my seat. No doubt my favourite book of Ember Casey so far! If you enjoy these kinds of books, give this a try and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
Have you read any book by Ember Casey yet? What are some of your favourite romance books?
Recap #1: Semestral Break Here I Come!
I link to The Sunday Post (hosted by Caffeinated Reviewer), Stacking the Shelves (hosted by Tynga's Reviews) and Bought, Borrowed and Bagged (hosted by Talk Supe Blog).
I'M (ALMOST) BACK!
WHAT'S IN MY MAIL BOX?
Cage of Deceit by Jennifer Anne Davis
Diamonds in the Rough by Michelle Madow
Air Awakens by Elise Kova
Sparked by Lily Cahill
Fire Falling by Elise Kova
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Book Review: Cage of Deceit by Jennifer Anne Davis
My excitement when I read the synopsis of this book was overflowing. A princess by day and a vigilante at night, I told myself I HAVE to be part of this blog tour! I really enjoy reading these kinds of books and this one, Cage of Deceit, did not disappoint! I haven't read any of Jennifer Anne Davis books before so this is really a great start for me because ... THIS BOOK IS AMAZING.
I will advise you that I will probably have a lot of typos and could-not-put-into-words feelings in this review because I'm still caught up in the moment. Let's just say I have been staring at my e-reader for 10 minutes at the last page of the book and exclaimed WHAT in which I thought I said it internally. Say, why don't you buy this book like right now. *winks* Anyway, I'll count off the things I loved about Cage of Deceit.
Allyssa is a great protagonist. She is fierce, loyal, passionate to her kingdom and to the people she cares about. Her stubbornness, the don't-get-in-my-way attitude, is empowering and the fact that she sneaks out at night to help hunt criminals and visit her best friend proves it. I loved that she wasn't a damsel in distress; she can fight, wield daggers, shoot arrows and can take down men. I just was a bit ticked off when she chased down a criminal, arrogantly taunting him and the nothing-I-can't-handle attitude and she got mad when she got punched in the face. And also the times when people talk to her that they have to discuss something of importance and she isn't even curious to what they are going to say. Hmm.
To the other characters, who should I begin with? First, Darmik and Rema are probably the greatest parents ever. Almost perfect. I loved how they do not force what they want to Allyssa like when she must marry Prince Odar of Fren for the sake of their kingdom, Emperion, yet they give her a choice that if she isn't comfortable with it, it's okay with them and they will find another way to fight and defend against Russek. Second, I admired Grevik's loyalty as Allyssa's best friend. A true friend indeed. Lastly, Marek, Mayra and Madelin, I loved how they all know each other deeply; a great company to be with.
To Allyssa's relationship with Prince Odar and Jarvik, I knew that would happen, just not the last part. True story: I kind of felt what Allyssa felt. I mostly wanted to punch Jarvik in the face on the first half of the book amongst other things I felt. This book frustrated the hell out of me. Like I said, could-not-put-into-words feelings. Why you do this do me, beloved author?
I loved it. I loved almost everything on Cage of Deceit. That said, I felt that it lacked on action and it focused more on Allyssa's developing relationship with Jarvik. Nevertheless, it was amazing. I think you will be too. Now, GO READ IT. *mails Cage of Deceit to you*
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 - Jennifer Anne Davis)
Cover Reveal: A Fistful of Fire AND A Fistful of Evil by Rebecca Chastain + Giveaway!
Series: Madison Fox, Illuminant Enforcer, #2
Author: Rebecca Chastain
Release Date: October 10, 2015
Synopsis:
Madison Fox survived her first week as California’s newest illuminant enforcer, defending her region against imps, vervet, hounds, and one lascivious demon. If her grumpy boss, Mr. Pitt, was impressed, he hasn’t told Madison. In fact, there’s a lot her boss has been closemouthed about, including the dark secret haunting his past.
But Madison’s problems are just igniting. Neighboring regions report an uncharacteristic flare-up of evil, fire-breathing salamanders blaze unchecked across the city, and Black Friday looms. Trapped doing cleanup amid mobs of holiday shoppers, Madison watches from the sidelines as dubious allies insinuate themselves in her region.As suspicions kindle and the mysterious evil gains strength, Madison must determine who she can trust—and whose rules to follow—before her region and career go up in flames.Sizzling with adventure and sparking with magic, A Fistful of Fire is fused with Madison Fox’s trademark blend of humor and ass-kicking action.
Series: Madison Fox, Illuminant Enforcer, #1
Author: Rebecca Chastain
Release Date: August 2014
Synopsis:
Madison Fox just learned that her ability to see souls is more than a sight: It’s a weapon for fighting evil. The only problem is she doesn’t have a clue what she’s doing.
On the positive side, her money problems are over, she’s possibly discovered her purpose in life, and her coworker is smoking hot. On the negative side, evil creatures now actively hunt her, and deadly experiences are becoming the norm.
When she thinks it couldn’t get worse, a powerful evil sets up shop at a local hotel’s video game convention, and it’s got its eye on more than the gaming geeks: it is hungry for Madison’s soul. Madison needs to become an expert illuminant enforcer overnight to save her job, her region . . . and her life.
If Stephanie Plum fought evil with magic, it’d look a lot like this.
About Rebecca Chastain
Rebecca Chastain is an International Amazon Top 100 Fantasy Bestselling author of A FISTFUL OF EVIL and MAGIC OF THE GARGOYLES. She has found seven four-leaf clovers to date, won a purebred Arabian horse in a drawing, and once tamed a blackbird for a day. Dreaming up the absurd and writing stories designed to amuse and entertain has been her passion since she was eleven years old. She lives in northern California with her wonderful husband and two bossy cats.
Giveaway
Cover Reveal: The Allure of Dean Harper by R.S. Grey
Synopsis:
From: LilyNBlack@Gmail.com
To: JosephineKeller@VogueMagazine.com
Subject: You’re a flippin’ idiot
Good morning my dear, naive friend,
I hope you’re enjoying a breakfast of regret and sorrow.
Why?
Because you sent me to work for Dean Harper, aka a control freak in a tailor-made suit. Sure he owns the trendiest restaurants in NYC, but c'mon Jo, his ego makes Kanye West look like the Dalai Lama.
He's the type of guy that only hears the word “no” when it's followed by “don’t stop.”
Working for Dean Harper would be like selling my soul to the devil…and before you say anything, I don’t care if the devil has punch-you-in-the-gut brown eyes and an ass to match. My soul isn’t for sale.
Love,
Regretfully yours,
Lily
<!-- [if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false EN-PH X-NONE X-NONE <![endif]--><!-- [if gte mso 9]> <![endif]-->
About R.S. Grey
I live in Texas where I spend my free time writing and reading. My favorite authors include Mindy Kaling & Jonathan Safran Foer. I'm a comedy geek and love all things "funny". Women like Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, and Mindy Kaling are definitely the biggest inspirations for my writing, though I think my work tends to skew a bit smuttier than theirs.
Cover Reveal: Falling for Shakespeare by Erin Butler
Synopsis:
Katie thought she knew where her life was going. She was dating the captain of the football team, had a BFF for life, and everyone at school wanted to be her. But then her pregnant teen sister’s pregnancy changes all that. Everyone dumps her, including her friends and boyfriend.
Hey, Katie, welcome to life at the bottom of the high school food chain. This is how the other half lives.
Then there’s Nick. He’s a straight-A student and self-professed geek who’s had a thing for her since middle school. He needs a date for the winter formal, and Katie needs something to keep her busy. Nick’s plight becomes her personal pet project. She will help him get over his insecurities and get a date. Besides, she was popular once. She knows how to get dates.
But Nick has other plans. He’s going to use these “dating” lessons as a way to win Katie’s heart.
About Erin Butler
She lives in Central New York with her very understanding husband, a stepson, and doggie BFF, Maxie. Preferring to spend her time indoors reading or writing, she'll only willingly go outside for chocolate and sunshine--in that order.
Erin is the author of BLOOD HEX, a YA paranormal novel, HOW WE LIVED, a contemporary NA novel, and the forthcoming YA contemporary romance title, FINDING MR. DARCY: HIGH SCHOOL EDITION. Find out more about her at www.erinbutlerbooks.com or @ErinButler on Twitter!
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Pick Your Pages: Mostly Marceline vs Lovely Dark & Deep
About Mostly Marceline
Genre:
Blurb:
Marceline has this whole “adult” thing under control… mostly.
Even after carving out a decent career for herself as a young author, she still has trouble remembering to feed her cat—who she’s sure is plotting her death—pay her bills, do the dishes, or cook anything more complicated than pasta. But most unnervingly, Marceline is having trouble writing.
Just months after a catastrophic breakdown, Marceline’s not sure she’ll be able to put pen to paper again, and it terrifies her. Critics once called her writing dark, haunting, and poignant, but now they’re only wondering if she’ll publish anything else ever again, or if her previous successes were flukes.
Post-breakdown Marceline can’t seem to fit in the same headspace as pre-breakdown Marceline, and her awkward on-again/off-again relationship with her once serious boyfriend Cyrus isn’t helping to clear her mind, especially since he’s become more on-again as of late.
With a deadline looming and her apartment quickly turning in to a blanket fort kingdom of garbage, Marceline must let go of who she once was if there’s any hope of the new Marceline shining through the mess.
About Lovely, Dark & Deep
Genre:
Blurb:
Here's a dilemma: how do you destroy a witch without incurring her wrath? Sending one into the wintry woods to die didn't work. After all, the woods loves witches, and it loves silvirn even more.
Aysel was the first girl to disappear into the woods and become a silvirn, a siren of the forest. Luring hunters deep into the dark woods to die, her and her three adopted sisters are responsible for repaying nature for its shelter by protecting it from the greed of man. But before the hunters she catches are strung up in her tree, Aysel delights in syphoning their stories.
When she snares a victim that manages to hold her attention rapt with magnificent tales, she finds herself hesitant to tie the hunter’s noose. Her fascination with Cadence puts her life in peril, especially since he’s harboring a dangerous secret and Valeria, Aysel’s vengeful mother, grows hungry for flesh. With a kingdom hellbent on destroying magic and search parties rallying to find their missing hunters, the rope is tightening—for the first time—on Aysel’s neck.
About Erica Crouch
Erica is the cofounder of Patchwork Press — an indie publishing collective that produces middle grade, young adult, and new adult titles in all genres — and Weapenry — a resource for writers. She is the head of editorial services and design, with over fifty projects to her name.
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Book Blitz: Play It Again by Ashley Stoyanoff + Giveaway!
Author: Ashley Stoyanoff
Series: PRG Investigations, #2
Genres: New Adult, Romance
Release Date: August 4th 2015
Synopsis:
Ten days ago, someone threw a brick through my front window. Nine days ago, someone keyed my truck right in my driveway. Eight days ago, someone spray painted the words ‘stay away’ across my garage door. That one really pissed me off. The jerk didn’t even have the courtesy to tell me what the hell I need to stay away from.
Each day it’s something new, a new piece of my property vandalized, and I’ve had enough.
Wanting a security system, something with cameras so I can catch the vandal, I let my best friend hook me up with her cousin, a private investigator with the PRG Investigations team.
His name is Vance and I’ve secretly been in love with him for three years. He’s a badass, a little scary, incredibly hot, and he’s never showed an interest in me … until now.
Read the first chapter of Play It Again!
I laugh. “We’ll have to make this a regular thing then.”
She looks at me, a tiny frown tugging her lips. “Do you do this a lot?”
“Do what?” I ask curiously.
“Make picnics and bring girls out here,” she asks, her voice hesitant, as though maybe she doesn’t actually want to hear the answer.
I stare at Piper.
She stares right back at me.
Jesus, she sounds … jealous. She looks it, too.
It’s a pretty look on her.
Always so damn pretty.
I grin at her, and then pull the lid off the cooler, reaching in and retrieving a beer.
“You’re the first,” I say, twisting off the cap and handing it to her. “Don’t bring too many people out here, actually.”
Her eyes widen. “What?”
“You’re the first,” I say again, reaching over to her, lightly trailing the back of my knuckles along the curve where her neck and shoulder meets. It’s a barely there touch, but the contact makes her shiver and blush. “And I’ve never made a picnic for anyone before you either.”
“I, uh, I …” her blush deepens and her voice wobbles. “Really?”
She’s nervous and she takes a long pull from her beer.
“Really,” I say, letting my hand fall away, wanting to put her at ease. I reach into the cooler, grabbing a beer for myself, twisting it open.
When I glance back at her, she’s staring at me, confused, as though I haven’t answered her question at all, so I decide to elaborate.
“This is my getaway, the place I come to clear my head. The guys come out with me every once in a while, but for the most part I keep the boat to myself. It’s … special to me, sacred even. I don’t bring just anyone out here.”
“So it’s a special place,” she reiterates, surprised. “Your special place.”
I take a pull from my beer. “Essentially, yeah.”
My response relaxes her, and she beams at me as though being here makes her special, too.
It does.
She is special to me.
About Ashley Stoyanoff
Giveaway
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ARC Book Review: The Space in Between by Jen Minkman
What if you really can fall in love with the man of your dreams?
Moira's life has been a constant pressure. She got diagnosed with ADHD, has a part-time job at a local hotel and a part-time college with a time-consuming school work. She is working on her school work in which she needs to make a still-life painting, but she only had finished the landscape and doesn't know what would be the perfect center piece will be.
On Halloween, when she helps her siblings do a Wiccan ritual at the stone circle to contact their grandparents, they opened a portal to a different world between the living and the dead. There she meets a man sitting inside a magic circle named Hayko, trapped by an evil spirit who wants him for herself. After they return home, Moira returns to the dreamland night after night. She becomes more drawn to Hayko as she learns more about his past. Soon, realizes that she is destined to help him "cross over" and do everything to save him even though she has no idea why. Will she be able to save him in time or not? Can she really fall in love with the man in her dreams?
Minkman did a spectacular job in creating a world of magic, romance and spirituality balanced with reality; a setting that you can easily picture with her vivid descriptions as well as the visuals she gave for this story. I really appreciate it a lot because she made it easier for her readers to visualize and experience the world with the characters as if you were standing right beside them. The story itself has twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end. Minkman kept me on my toes throughout.
Minkman created characters as real as possible in which you can easily see what kinds of people they are nevertheless it made me want to know them better. I somewhat understand and feel for the main character, Moira, in this novel. Initially, she was a bit annoying, but then I saw how her character developed throughout the story and it made me very happy as I took this journey with her. Also, I tried to put myself in her shoes that in one point I really got irritated, so if I may ask...
How can she put up with that guy? The guy's an ass!
The relevance of the supporting characters in the story was well thought out. Everyone had a purpose; that was good enough for me.
This is the first book I read in all Jen Minkman's novels. I am glad that I have read this book. I look forward to reading more of her novels in the future!
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Mini Review: Fat Cat Finds a Home by Michelle Smith
A cute book with a cute cat!
I'd want a cat, but I don't think I'll be able to touch one in real life.
 - Michelle Smith MS SLP, Poppy Smith, Chris Smith)
Book Review: Breaking My Heart by Aleya Michelle
I won a copy of this book from a giveaway hosted by the author.
I just re-read the book today because I couldn’t remember much of what happened when I first read this book, but I rated it. In other words, it’s like reading the book the first time today. Is this a good sign or a bad sign? Honestly speaking, I really don’t know. :(
‘Breaking My Heart’ is set on Australia written by an Australian author. It is pretty amazing that the author wrote some of their local words. It was a bit challenging for me because I had to check out some words, but hey it’s cool! I learned new words! :D
There’s something else. You see, I am easily drawn just by reading synopsis of books. Because of that, I really have high expectations and I always expect more. Well, this time let’s just say this book is an okay read.
I was having a bit of a problem when I was reading this book because I didn’t know how to connect to its characters and to its words. It’s like water with no currents. The author’s writing style doesn’t pull me in.
Also, the book is written in Roxy’s POV and some of it is in Kade’s POV. I thought reading through their perspectives will enrich the story and even enlighten me, but I felt that I was just reading the same thing again. With that said, I might have skimmed a bit. And, did I mention the excessive use of the word baby whenever they interact with each other? :|
Roxy and Kade’s chemistry is high. They really can’t seem to keep their hands off of each other. If you like sexy and steamy scenes, I can tell you that it was hot. ;)
I recommend this book to people who are a fan of lovey-dovey, ‘I love you so much, baby’ ‘you are amazing’ ‘you mean everything to me’ relationship! I hope this book will do well with you. :D
Although, I didn’t enjoy this book like I thought. I am still willing to give this book a chance (and I do hope I am making the right decision). I look forward to reading the next book!
