Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Paranormalcy Review


My Review:

I just finished reading Paranormalcy by Kiersten White and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's a rare book that can make me turn pages and not want to put it down. Loved the voice. Some teen voices bug be because they're over the top or not quite right, but this was a fun voice that never annoyed me.

I especially loved the "badboy" faerie Reth for some reason even though he seemed evil. (I don't think he is.) This is a must read for any YA paranormal romance fans out there. Plenty of action and twisty turns, and though and Evie, the MC is not only tough enough to capture vampires, but girly enough to love shopping, and dressing up, and watching TV dramas. A great combo. Scary and funny all in one.

Book Description:


Evie’s always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only one who can see through glamours.
But now Evie’s dreams are filled with haunting voices and cryptic messages—and she’s realizing that she may be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.
So much for normal.

Author Bio: http://kierstenwrites.blogspot.com/

Kiersten White is the NYT bestselling author of the Paranormalcy trilogy. She has one tall husband and two small children and lives near the ocean, where her life is perfectly normal. Visit her at www.kierstenwhite.com.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Hover Cover Reveal

So sorry I've been missing in action from my blog lately. I have a lot of exciting things in the works that I'll share in upcoming posts. for now here's the cover reveal for Melissa West's book Hover  (The Taking #2) 


For a chance to win a copy of this book follow the link below.




Melissa's bio:

Melissa lives in a tiny suburb of Atlanta, GA with her husband and daughter. She pretends to like yoga, actually likes shoes, and could not live without coffee. Her writing heroes include greats like Jane Austen and Madeleine L'Engle.

She holds a B.A. in Communication Studies and an M.S. in Graphic Communication, both from Clemson University. Yeah, her blood runs orange.







Watch Melissa’s blog, http://m-b-west.blogspot.com/, for details on how to participate in an exclusive excerpt and official blurb closer to Hover's release date on Aug. 6, 2013. Make sure to let your readers know, too!
Pre-order Buy links:
Amazon- http://www.amazon.com/Hover-The-Taking-Melissa-West/dp/1620610930/
BN.com- No link yet
Chapters- http://www.chapters.indigo.ca/books/Hover-Melissa-West/9781620610930-item.html

Melissa’s links:
Website- http://www.melissawestauthor.com/
Blog- http://m-b-west.blogspot.com/
Twitter- https://twitter.com/MB_West
Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/MelissaWestAuthor
Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5287439.Melissa_West





Friday, October 26, 2012

Monster Hunter by Matt Archer



Matt Archer: Monster Hunter (Matt Archer #1)
Release Date: 08/18/12
Paperback/e-book
299 pages

Summary from Goodreads:
Fourteen-year-old Matt Archer spends his days studying Algebra, hanging out with his best friend and crushing on the Goddess of Greenhill High, Ella Mitchell. To be honest, he thinks his life is pretty lame until he discovers something terrifying on a weekend camping trip at the local state park. 

Monsters are real. And living in his backyard. 

But that's not the half of it. After Matt is forced to kill a strange creature to save his uncle, he finds out that the weird knife he took from his uncle's bag has a secret, one that will change Matt's life. The knife was designed with one purpose: to hunt monsters. And it's chosen Matt as its wielder. 

Now Matt's part of a world he didn't know existed, working with a covert military unit dedicated to eliminating walking nightmares. Faced with a prophecy about a looming dark war, Matt soon realizes his upcoming Algebra test is the least of his worries. 

His new double life leaves Matt wondering which is tougher: hunting monsters or asking Ella Mitchell for a date?

Goodreads:
Amazon:
Barnes & Noble:

About the Author
View Kendra C. Heighley.jpg in slide showKendra C. Highley lives in north Texas with her husband and two children. She also serves as staff to two self-important and high-powered cats. This, according to the cats, is her most important job. She believes chocolate is a basic human right, running a 10k is harder than it sounds, and that everyone should learn to drive a stick-shift. She loves monsters, vacations, baking and listening to bad electronica.
Twitter:

Giveaway Details:
Grand prize is a Nook Simple Touch and a $25 B&N card plus a paperback copy of Matt Archer: Monster Hunter. (US only)
 (3) 1st place winners get a $10 Amazon Card plus a paperback copy of Matt Archer: Monster Hunter. (Open Internationally)

a Rafflecopter giveaway


**Excerpt***
Post Attack Scene with Uncle Mike:
 I woke up Saturday morning with a nasty taste in my mouth—hot chocolate and puke. I rolled over, sliding and squeaking on Mike’s black leather couch, and had to peel my left arm away from the cushions. The grain of the leather was imprinted on my skin. On top of that, Mike only had two extra blankets, one of them looking like it’d never been used, and since we’d deserted our sleeping bags at the camp grounds, I’d ended up freezing my butt off most of the night. These are the dangers of sleeping over at a bachelor’s house.
“He needs a girlfriend,” I grumbled.
Mike responded by snoring like a T-Rex upstairs. It was only nine and we’d talked until four. Old guys needed more sleep, so I let him be, heading off to brush my fuzzy teeth. That was a grosser process than normal, so I threw my toothbrush away afterward, hoping it wouldn’t crawl out of the trashcan on its own.
Puke-fest overnight or not, it was breakfast time, and my stomach growled right on cue. I went to the kitchen, searched every cabinet and only came up with a bottle opener, two cans of chili, and cocktail onions.
“You need a girlfriend, Mike,” I said, a little louder this time.
He came down the stairs, the wooden steps creaking under his weight, still wearing flannel pj bottoms and an old t-shirt with some cartoon called Ren and Stimpy on it.
“I’ll keep that in mind. What’cha looking for?”
“Cereal or something else normal for breakfast,” I said.
Mike dug the skim milk out of the fridge and sniffed it. He didn’t make a face, so it must’ve still been good. After pouring two glasses of milk, he dumped in some grey powder and stirred it up.
“Bottoms up,” he said, thrusting the glass at me.
“Chocolate milk? How old is that stuff? It looks like dust.” Sludge floated around in my glass. “You know, Mom’ll kill you with a fork if you poison me.”
Mike’s face got serious. “It’s a protein shake. We’ve got to put a little muscle on you. No more cereal, Matt. You need to eat like a man.”
A cold bead of sweat ran down my back. “You meant it…last night. I’m really going to basic, and I’m really gonna have to kill monsters.”
Mike nodded. “Drink up. Then we’ll talk about a fitness regimen.”
“Uncle Mike, this is just stupid. Brent’s the jock,” I said. “I can run fast; that’s about it.”
Mike put his shake down on the counter and looked me square in the eyes. “Everything happens for a reason. The knife chose you on purpose, which means you can do this. You have to.”
His expression was pride mixed with worry, but mostly pride.
I chugged the whole nasty shake in one go.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Elemental Promo Post




Here is the link to the blog tour schedule:


Clink on this link to enter a Rafflecopter giveaway

Grand Prize:
There is a signed copy of each paperback, Earth, Air and Water and a matching bookmark for each. There is a mini Jack-o-lantern (that I carved) and an awesome, sparkly candle (electric) and some fun Halloween treats that include candy, stickers and copy of one of my favorite Halloween movies, Monster House. (US only)

3 other winners will also receive a ebook from the series, winner’s choice from Earth, Air or Water.  (Open Internationally)

Release Date: 05/01/11
Paperback/e-book

Summary from Goodreads:
Shayna and her two best friends have the abilities to manipulate and control the four elements, earth, air, water and fire. While learning to hone their growing powers, they discover a new and malicious presence in their sleepy beach town. Someone is performing blood magic and threatens to expose their small magical community. So far only small animals have been slaughtered, but then the nightmares start. 

Shayna suffers nightmares of being chased and sacrificed only to wake up bloodied and bruised. She thinks her magical blood is the ultimate target for the final blood rite. When an innocent girl, Tracy, is kidnapped Shayna knows it's only a ploy to draw her out; she can't let someone die because of her.

Earth links: (PS, the kindle version of Earth is free for a limited time only!)

Release Date: 10/31/11
Paperback/e-book

Summary from Goodreads:
It was a rough start to the school year for Shayna and her friends, Jodi and Steven, but thankfully summer break is near. Trying to sort out her feelings for the new guy in town, Shayna agrees to let Jensen join her on a group date with her friends. While out they end up at a local coffee house where their classmate, social outcast Jeremy McCormick, is humiliated by his baseball star brother. When Jeremy runs away from the jeering crowd, Shayna and Jodi hear the unmistakable sound of a thousand wings chasing after him, but no one else seems to hear them. These are not like any air elementals that Shayna or Jodi have ever encountered before and they fear Jeremy has gotten himself tangled up in something too dangerous for him to handle. But when Shayna tries to help Jeremy control his magical abilities she realizes it might be the biggest mistake of her life.

Air links:

Release Date: 06/19/12
Paperback/e-book
Summary from Goodreads:
Book Three in The Elemental Series

Shayna's first surfing session of the summer is interrupted by the screams of a mother who has lost her little boy in the water. Without regard to her own safety, Shayna swims out, rescues the boy, but must escape the clutches of something far worse than she could have ever imagined – mermaids.

Compelled to answer the sirens' call, the boys of Shayna's town are drawn to the sea, but when they return are afflicted by an unknown illness, a sickness which is draining them of their life force. Unable to tell anyone about the mermaids, Shayna and her friends are forced to solve the mystery before it's too late, and in doing so, Shayna will finally have to face the full force of her powers. Whether she’s ready or not, she will have to face her true nature.

Water links:
Fire, book #4 in the Elemental series is coming soon!

About the Author
I don't do well talking about myself. So as basics go, I have recently self-published the first two books in my Elemental Series, Earth and Air, Young Adult Urban Fantasy novels. Look for the third installment, Water, coming in 2012!

I have been working on the Elemental Series for the last four years and plan for it to be a 5 book series. It was a hard decision to self-publish but it's been an exciting and terrifying ride. 

You can find me on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shauna-...

And to my readers (or fans of my covers), I have beautiful bookmarks that I would love to share with you. If you'd like one, drop me a note with your contact info and I'd be happy to send you one!

Goodreads:
Blog:
Twitter:
Facebook:


Dream cast for Air (Elemental #2).
Shayna: Emily Browning
First: Shayna, my main character and narrator. I have always like Emily Browning ever since I first saw her as Violet in Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events and I loved her in Suckerpuncheven though a lot of people had negative things to say about that last. Emily has the almost the exact facial structure that I see when I think of Shayna and let's face it, her hair here is perfect. Shayna means to do the right thing and tries to be confident but she worries a lot and Emily could totally pull off that juxtaposition.

Jodi: AnnaSophia Robb (though with shorter hair)
Next up: Jodi, Shayna's oldest friend and first partner in magic. Jodi is hard-headed and has a little bit of a snide streak in her. She wants to be your best friend, she wants to be a good person but her self-esteem issues get in her way. Jodi will always trip Jodi up. Until Jodi can accept her own flaws and the idea that someone can have more than one important person in their life, she'll always have trouble. AnnaSophia Robb just screams Jodi to me. Her face is perfect, her stature is perfect and I think she would do well with this roll.

Steven: Tyler Posey
Third is my favorite character: Steven. Steven is the best friend we always wanted in high school. Steven will tell you how it is without shame because there is no reason to lie. Steven has a kind heart and a young soul but he has so many issues he's dealing with. He's half Mexican and half Caucasian, homosexual and a teenager. The poor thing. But whatever his problems, he puts his friends first, sometimes too much, if you ask me. I just want to wrap him up in a Snuggie and drink hot chocolate with him. I'll admit, I don't know Tyler Posey that well. Yes, I saw him in Maid in Manhattan forever ago (stop judging me, yes I watched it!) but just look at him! He's adorable! And his heritage is spot on for Steven! Of course Tyler is Steven!

Jensen: Alex Pettyfer
No, I never saw I Am Number Four because of my personal dislike for James Frey, and I still refuse to see it, but when I saw Alex Pettyfer's face, I saw Jensen. One of the first things Shayna notices about Jensen is his cheekbones and how can you not notice Alex's? Sharp and beautiful. Also, I really think his eyes hit the mark. The only thing wrong is the hair, but that is fixable. But this dude has the height, the eyes, the cheekbones and I think he could pull of both Jensen and Ian's crazy quite well.

Finally, Jeremy: Cameron Bright
Do you remember this creepy kid from Godsend? Because I do. I know a lot of people will recognize him as Alec from Eclipse but I can’t not think of Godsend when I see Cameron. I think his features are just striking enough to show Jeremy’s potential, but if we lengthened his hair a bit and dyed it black, he would be the spitting image of Jeremy. Jeremy has the potential to be a cool, normal kid if life hadn’t beaten him down all his seventeen years. His intensity and anger are all most people get to see of him, but Shayna sees his true potential and I think Cameron has the ability to play the dual roles of Jeremy’s personality. And seriously? Just look at those eyes!



Thursday, October 11, 2012

Reaction Cover Reveal

Here's the cover for Reaction by Jessica Roberts. Reaction is the sequel to Reflection. Tell me what you think of the cover. Is this one you would pick up at a bookstore based on the cover?

Reflection
By Jessica Roberts
Release Date: February 17, 2012
289 pages

Summary from Goodreads:
Bright, spunky Heather Robbins has escaped her small hometown and is anxiously beginning her freshman year of college. Rising above her rocky childhood, she’s found a place where good things are finally starting to happen: her own private apartment, refreshing college classes, and an intense attachment to a mysterious and rugged classmate, Nick Richards.

But when her dreamy college life turns out to be nothing more than a wonderful dream while resting in a coma, questions threaten. 

Now, Heather must press forward to unlock the real past, and find the answers buried deep in her mind. What she unlocks instead is a roller coaster ride through flashbacks, embellished memories, and a whirlwind romance.

And when it’s all over and she comes face to face with the truth, will she lose everything she’s fallen in love with?


Reaction: Reflection #2
By Jessica Roberts
Release Date: November 6, 2012
Book Description: (Spoilers if you haven't read Reflection!)
Harmony…  
I’ve previously had that in my life, but only once, briefly, a while ago.  It was during the time I’d started my first year of college.  My own apartment, a new old car, and a life free of deadbeat stepfathers, all of which was fulfilling enough.  But if it wasn’t, I also had a best friend, soul mate, and boyfriend all in one.  Yes, life was near perfect.
But one stormy night can change everything…
For many months I rested in a prolonged sleep, fighting for my life.  Well, more than fighting for it, also dreaming of it.  Dreaming of him.  Thank goodness, the dream is over and I’m back in the real world now.  And all I want is for everything to return to the way it was.  But nothing’s the same; most of all, us.
Once again, I find myself at the crossroads of a ruthless battle, this time not for life, but love.  Do I fight for the guy I twice fell for, or do I let her take him away?


About this author
JESSICA ROBERTS grew up in the San Francisco, California Bay Area where she spent most of her time playing sports alongside her six siblings. She was crowned Miss Teen California her senior year of high school, and went on to Brigham Young University where she graduated in Human Development. Her love of family, church, writing, athletics, and singing and dancing keeps her life busy and fulfilled. She currently resides in Utah with her husband and three children.
website
twitter username

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Book Review: Newport Ladies Book Club: Paige

Paige is the third book in the Newport Ladies Book Club series. It's written by Annette Lyon:
The Newport Ladies Book Club: Paige

Author Biography

Annette Lyon is a Whitney Award winner, the recipient of Utah's Best of State medal for fiction and the author of nine novels, a cookbook, and a grammar guide as well as over a hundred magazine articles. She's a senior editor at Precision Editing Group and a cum laude graduate from BYU with a degree in English. When she's not writing, editing, knitting, or eating chocolate, she can be found mothering and avoiding the spots on the kitchen floor. Find her online at blog.annettelyon.com and on Twitter: @AnnetteLyon

Book description
After a bitter divorce from her unfaithful husband, Paige moves from Utah to California with her two little boys and vows to make a fresh start. She finds a job at a dental practice that helps her get back on her feet, but it's the friends she makes at her new book club who help her realize how strong she is and who give her support to carry on as she faces the challenges of being a single mom. She also meets Derryl, a wonderful, kind, attentive man who treats her right, something her ex never did. Yet Paige struggles to figure out who she is as a woman rather than a wife, how to help her boys adjust to a broken home, and whether she can ever trust a man or love again. As Paige leans on the book club ladies and Derryl's everpresent care, one thing becomes clear: healing from the past requires more than a change of address.

My Review
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the main character, Paige, and immediately sympathized with her situation. Her emotions and reactions seemed realistic for the most part. I liked how she dealt with the challenges of raising two young boys as a single mom and how she found ways to reach outside herself and help other women in the book club who were struggling. I especially liked the romance between her and Darryl, but I wanted to see more of their interactions and conversations. He seemed respectful of and open to her beliefs, and I wished she would have shared more of them and seen if he was interested. I was a bit disappointed at the ending. It seemed to come out of nowhere. Overall I found myself looking forward to reading the story and smiling a lot while I read it.