Thursday, January 31, 2013

Review ~ Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard

Something Strange and Deadly (Something Strange and Deadly #1)
By Susan Dennard
Young Adult Steampunk
Edition Read: Hardcover

Blurb: 

The year is 1876, and there's something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia...

Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she's just read in the newspaper-

The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor... from her brother.

Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she'll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protected the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.

My Review: 
**4.5 Stars**

MY OVERVIEW: Yes, this book is steampunk, but it is steampunk-light. And as far as zombies... I honestly wouldn't classify it as a zombie book. Yes, there are walking dead, but it just had a different feel than most zombie books.

PROS: I really enjoyed seeing the progression Daniel took through the book. You could tell by the way he talked to Eleanor that he did not like her when they first met, then as the book progressed, his attitude changed to one of respect (while still picking on her), and then to love.

CONS: I didn't like how the two love interests were both abusive in their own ways. Clarence had hurt her physically and Daniel, verbally. I also did not like her mother. What a horrible person. However, I do have to admit that this is probably how a lot of the women were back in this time. I am so glad things have changed.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: What was happening with Elijah was not a surprise at all. I really saw it coming through the book. I am just surprised that the Spirit-Hunters were that blind to it. I highly recommend this book. Even if you are not a fan of steampunk - you should at least give it a try. I cannot wait for the next one!

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Oxford Whispers Tour ~ Review...

On Tour with AToMR Tours

Oxford Whispers (The Oxford Trilogy #1)
By Marion Croslydon
New Adult Paranormal Romance
Published October 8th, 2012
Goodreads link

Blurb:
SOOKIE STACKHOUSE GOES IVY LEAGUE!

Madison LeBon is dead set against the dead. She has vowed to ignore her Voodoo-stamped heritage and the psychic gift passed down through her Louisiana family. The world of the living is where she wants to belong.

But her resolution shatters when the tragic lovers in a painting-the subject of her first history class at Oxford-begin to haunt her. The lovers warn her against their own nemesis, a Puritan from the English Civil War.

College becomes more complicated when Madison falls hard for Rupert Vance, a troubled aristocrat and descendant of one of the characters in the painting. With the spirit of a murderer after her, she realizes that her own first love may also be doomed...

FALL IN LOVE FOR THE FIRST TIME...AGAIN

Get your copy:
Amazon

My Review: 
**3 Stars**
I received a copy of this book for an honest review as part of this blog tour. 

MY OVERVIEW: While I really did enjoy the story, I feel that it needed just a little more editing. It was rough in parts and the beginning seemed like it skipped scenes that should have been in there.

PROS: So, I really thought that I knew who Peter was and was just like "oh, just out with it"... but then... surprise! Betcha didn't see that coming! It was a twist that I really didn't expect and I love it when that happens. I love how the author created this whole mysterious story behind The Wounded Cavalier painting. I thought it was really creative and beautifully done.

CONS: This was a "New Adult" paranormal romance, so I did expect some sex in it. However, I was not prepared for the very graphic sex scenes. I don't mind that the scenes were in there, but I wasn't happy with how graphic they were. It is something that I would think would probably belong in an erotic novel.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: I wish I could say that there was one character that I fell in love with, however there wasn't. I probably would have liked Ollie the best if we had learned a little more about him, and he showed up a little more. I do like the looks of the next book in the series, so I do plan on reading it.

About the Author: 

In addition to being an author, I work as an entrepreneur, wife and mother-of-one but spend a good deal of time with books, DVDs and listening to my mp3 player; all for the sake of inspiration, of course.

My debut series, The Oxford Trilogy, has been a blast to write because I can indulge in my favorite types of music: Country and English rock.

My main goal as a writer is to make readers dream bigger and cause their hearts to beat a little faster. Since my writing is all about sharing dreams and stories, I love connecting with fellow readers and authors.

For more on The Oxford Trilogy and Marion Croslydon: 

Website
Goodreads
Facebook

Giveaway:
This giveaway is for one (1) print copy of Oxford Whispers and eight (8) eBook copies of Oxford Whispers. This giveaway is open internationally.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule: 

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Review ~ Carnival of Souls by Melissa Marr

Carnival of Souls
By Melissa Marr
Young Adult Fantasy
Edition Read: Hardcover

Blurb:

In a city of daimons, rigid class lines separate the powerful from the power-hungry. And at the heart of The City is the Carnival of Souls, where both murder and pleasure are offered up for sale. Once in a generation, the carnival hosts a deadly competition that allows every daimon a chance to join the ruling elite. Without the competition, Aya and Kaleb would both face bleak futures-if for different reasons. For each of them, fighting to the death is the only way to try to live.

All Mallory knows of The City is that her father-and every other witch there-fled it for a life in exile in the human world. Instead of a typical teenage life full of friends and maybe even a little romance, Mallory scans quiet streets for threats, hides herself away, and trains to be lethal. She knows it's only a matter of time until a daimon finds her and her father, so she readies herself for the inevitable. While Mallory possesses little knowledge of The City, every inhabitant of The City knows of her. There are plans for Mallory, and soon she, too, will be drawn into the decadence and danger that is the Carnival of Souls.

From Melissa Marr, bestselling author of the Wicked Lovely series and Graveminder, comes a brand-new tale of lush secrets, dark love, and the struggle to forge one's own destiny.

My Review: 
**3 Stars**

MY OVERVIEW: The book was a rollercoaster ride for me. It started out good, then got boring in the middle, and then ended "ok". This was my first Melissa Marr book, and I was disappointed. Everyone raves about her books, and I found it just ok.

PROS: I think Kaleb was the most well written character out of the bunch. I really like how protective he is and how scared he got when he felt some real power. He really underestimates Zevi, and I look forward to Zevi stepping it up more in the next book.

CONS: Mallory was confusing and annoying. She knew Adam wasn't her real father - yet she called him Daddy through most (and I do emphasize most) of the book. However there were quite a few times where she switched to calling him Adam. To me this doesn't really solidify how she really feels about him. The other thing I didn't understand was Aya was trying all this stuff to change her life, yet, she never thought of leaving. Why?

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: Even though the book only ended "ok" for me, I do look forward to the next book in the series. I am more interested in what is going to happen to Kaleb than anyone else.


Saturday, January 26, 2013

Review ~ Skylark by Meagan Spooner

Skylark (Skylark #1) 
By Meagan Spooner
Young Adult Fantasy
Edition Read: Hardcover

Blurb:

Sixteen-year-old Lark Ainsley has never seen the sky.

Her world ends at the edge of the vast domed barrier of energy enclosing all that's left of humanity. For two hundred years the city has sustained this barrier by harvesting its children's innate magical energy when they reach adolescence. When it's Lark's turn to be harvested, she finds herself trapped in a nightmarish web of experiments and learns she is something out of legend itself: a Renewable, able to regenerate her own power after it's been stripped.

Forced to flee the only home she knows to avoid life as a human battery, Lark must fight her way through the terrible wilderness beyond the edge of the world. With the city's clockwork creations close on her heels and a strange wild boy stalking her in the countryside, she must move quickly if she is to have any hope of survival. She's heard the stories that somewhere to the west are others like her, hidden in secret-but can she stay alive long enough to find them?

My Review: 
**3.5 Stars**

MY OVERVIEW: I have no idea where this book takes place. It seems like it was supposed to be earth in the future, and when everyone has magic... but there is so much that is wrong with that. The pre-war method of transportation was horse and carriage. This seems a little outdated even for a world that was full of magic. 

PROS: OMG! I love Nix!!! I want it so bad! For a pixie who is just a program, he really builds up such a fantastic personality. I can't wait to see more of him in the next book. 

CONS: There were a lot of times where you really didn't know what was going on. Especially when Lark is still in the city. I also didn't understand how the magic thing happened to Lark at the end (not giving spoilers cause it is a big one), but I can just say that her magic didn't really make a lot of sense through the whole book. 

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: Ok, the twist with Oren at the end... did not see that coming. I won't give any spoilers, but it really makes you stop and think, "What if?". I look forward to reading the next book. 

Friday, January 25, 2013

Author Sighting ~ Jennifer McMahon

I am so happy! I got to meet Jennifer McMahon last night and found this fantastic independent bookstore & cafe (RJ Julia Booksellers).
Me & Jennifer McMahon
It was awesome being able to meet Jennifer. She read the first chapter of her new book The One I Left Behind and answered a lot of our questions (even the odd ones). Awesome! I can't wait to read the book (of course I had to buy a copy - - and have her sign it!) :)

For more information on Jennifer and her awesomely creepy books check out the following links:
Goodreads
Website
Facebook

Monday, January 21, 2013

The Exemeus Blog Tour ~ Review & Excerpt



The Exemeus
By Folami and Abeni Morris
YA Fantasy Romance
Published January 3rd 2013
Goodreads Link

Blurb: 

Hyalee Smith is dead, she just doesn't know it yet.

Her short life was devoted to love and to hate. Love of the man who stole her heart, hate for the man who stole the world. Murdered by the government she swore to destroy, fate has given her another chance to make it right. But to save the planet, she needs the help of the most powerful mystic the world has ever seen-unfortunately he hasn't been born yet.

In a world where fear is the only currency, Dephon has committed the ultimate crime: inspiring hope.

His only goal is to make it safely through ninth grade, but on a post-apocalyptic Earth run by the Treptonian government, it isn't that simple. Heir to a legendary power, Dephon Johnson is the only threat to the government's rule. And on Trepton, all threats must be eliminated. When hundreds of assassins are dispatched to neutralize him, Dephon is forced to fight back. His only chance of survival is to enlist the aid of the greatest warrior the world has ever known. The only problem is, she's been dead for 13 years.

Get Your Copy:

Amazon
Barnes & Noble

My Review: 
**4.5 Stars**
I received a copy of this book for an honest review as part of this blog tour. 

MY OVERVIEW: I really enjoyed this book. There wasn't too much that I found wrong with it. It was a little long however. I felt it should have transitioned over to the next book in the series, about 100 pages before the end.

PROS: I love Hyalee! If the whole book could have been about her and Singleton, that would have been great. I also love Mallea. She has such a fantastic personality. I actually hope that she and Dephon end up together at some point.

CONS: Ok, ok. I know I said above that the book was a little too long... but I wish there was more from the Exemeus (Hyalee's backstory). I felt that either Dephon skipped important parts and big gaps of time, or the Exemeus did. And it just didn't flow right. I understand why some of it was skipped, cause of the big twist at the end, but I would have at least like to have seen the engagement, wedding, and a little more of the pregnancy (and nope - not giving anything away).

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: A fun dystopian adventure that brings in the supernatural. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.


Excerpt from The Exemeus:

     A scream rippled through the emerald-green sea. "You've got to be kidding me," Singleton groaned. I signed deeply, trying to remain composed. Another scream pierced our ears, this one coming from a different direction. Within seconds the horizon was filled with no less than twenty of the slug-like creatures traveling with chilling military-style precision towards us. They were all swimming from different directions, their eyes flickering in the distance.
     "Hyles, leave."
     "No," I said firmly.
     "I'm losing too much blood as it is. I'll never make it back and who'll avenge my mother? Get out of here. I will not watch you die too! Do it now, Hyles!"
     "Would you leave me?" I challenged him, racking my mind for a course of attack.
     I gripped my sword awkwardly in my hand as I tried to keep Singleton afloat with the other one.
     "Hyles, just go or we'll both die." The creatures were close enough for us to see their rattling teeth. The combined affect of their screams was enough to shatter our eardrums. "Hyles, go!" he said again. The creatures were no more than eight feet away, and it was clear that neither of us was getting out of here alive.

About the Authors: 
Folami and Abeni Morris are a sister-sister writing team. Together they wrote (and rewrote) The Exemeus series, somehow managing to accomplish it without murdering one another. Despite their tendency to finish each others thoughts and stick up for each other constantly, no, they're not twins and thus deserve their own individual bios.

Folami Morris
Folami grew up in the tiny city of San Mateo, CA, where nothing ever happens and no one ever leaves. She went to Xavier University for undergraduate, getting her B.A. in Physics and her B.S. in Biology. After graduating she returned to California, to live in an even smaller city, where even less happens, Antioch, CA. During this time she escaped the monotony by hanging out with her imaginary friends Hyalee and Dephon, and by writing The Exemeus. 

She finally escaped to Queens, NY and now realizes that quiet and tiny aren't so bad.

Abeni Morris
As luck (and logic) would have it, Abeni grew up in the same tiny little town as her sister, then she too escaped to the tinier town of Antioch. She has yet to leave. She received her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Development from Cal State East Bay. She is the mom of two amazing kids, who sear that they deserve a percentage of the book proceeds and a ton of the credit. At least she raised dreamers.

For more on The Exemeus and Folami & Abeni Morris check out the following links: 

Website
Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads


Friday, January 18, 2013

Evie's Knight Tour ~ Yummylicious Recipe & Excerpt


On tour with Prism Book Tours
Up For Grabs? $50 Amazon Gift card, book swag, and much more!

Aromatic Noodles with Lime Peanut Sauce

Setting the Stage: Evie and Calvin have been together for a while now, but recently Calvin has been distant and she doesn't know why. To complicate things, Evie's been having nightmares that she's losing something of great importance. Here, she questions her father, also teen therapist, about the dream.
If you would like to print the recipe above directly from online, please follow this photobucket link HERE.

Super Swag-a-licious Giveaway:


Grand Prize: $50 Amazon gift card, a signed paperback of Evie's Knight, SoftLips chapstick, recipe cards, E.K. calendar card, postcard of The Storm, and bookmark.

2nd Prize: $25 Amazon gift card, a signed paperback of Evie's Knight, SoftLips chapstick, recipe cards, E.K. calendar card, postcard of The Storm, and bookmark.

3rd Prize: $10 Amazon gift card, a signed paperback of Evie's Knight, SoftLips chapstick, recipe cards, E.K. calendar card, postcard of The Storm, and bookmark.

Five more winners will receive an ebook version of Evie’s Knight!
Paperback winners may choose between old cover (shown below) or the new cover, featuring Calvin Knight (shown above).

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced on Colorimetry & Rafflecopter as well as emailed to winners who will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Laura, Burgandy Ice, @ www.burgandyice.blogspot.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway






Catch the Tour:

1 - Min Reads and Reviews – Blast!
1 - Passion and Life – Blast!! – English/Spanish
1 – Kelly Fox – Goodreads Review
1 – I Am A Reader, Not A Writer – Clean Romance I
2 – Monique Morgan – All You Need is Love I
2 - Letters to the Cosmos – Review
3 – Getting Your Read On – Review - Clean Romance II
3 – Reading with Anacrasia - Interview
4 - Christy’s Cozy Corners – Review
6 – Passion and Life – Peaches Recipe & Excerpt – English/Spanish
6 - Paulette’s Papers – All You Need is Love II
7 - Bookworm Lisa – Review - Clean Romance III
7 – Pages of Forbidden Love – Review
8 - Proud Book Nerd – Review
8 - Vanessa Morgan – All You Need is Love III
9 - Kari’s Crowded Bookshelf – Review - 
10 - Geo Librarian – Review
10 - The Literary Forest - Review, Exerpt
11 - InfectedLoser – Review
14 – One A Day YA – Drafts Guest Post
14 - Little Miss Bookworm – Review
15 – Musings of a Reader Happy – ART excerpt Raven-haired Ghost
15 -  Magical Manuscripts – Review 
16 – Proud Book Nerd – Ultimate Grilled Cheese
17 - Books, Books, the Magical Fruit – Interview
17 - Book Sake – Review
18 - Kari’s Crowded Bookshelf – Aromatic Noodles Recipe
20 - A Life Bound by Books – Excerpt I
21 - Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Reviews – Excerpt II
21 - Oh, The Books You’ll Read – Review
22 - A Backwards Story – Review, Excerpt III
22 - Passion and Life – Review – English/Spanish
23 - Framed In Words – ART Guest Post
23 - Colorimetry – ART Guest Post
24 – Unputdownable Books – ART Guest Post
24 - Living a Goddess Life – Crepe Cake
25 – icultgen – Review, ART Guest Post
25 – Pieces of Whimsy - Review
27 – The Reading Diaries – Review
27 - Icefairy’s Treasure Chest – Excerpt
28 – Stressed Rach – Review
28 - Literally Jen – Review
29 – Min Reads and Reviews – Review
29 – Colorimetry – Grand Finale, WINNERS drawn


Thursday, January 17, 2013

Review ~ Falling Kingdoms by Morgan Rhodes

Book: Falling Kingdoms
Author: Morgan Rhodes
Falling Kingdoms Book #1
Edition Read: Hardcover

Blurb:

In a land where magic has been forgotten but peace has reined for centuries, a deadly unrest is simmering. Three kingdoms grapple for power-brutally transforming their subjects' lives in the process. Amidst betrayals, bargains, and battles, four young people find their fates forever intertwined:

Cleo: A princess raised in luxury must embark on a rough and treacherous journey into enemy territory in search of a magic long thought extinct.

Jonas: Enraged at injustice, a rebel lashes out against the forces of oppression that have kept his country impoverished-and finds himself the leader of a people's revolution centuries in the making.

Lucia: A girl adopted at birth into a royal family discovers the truth about her past-and the supernatural legacy she is destined to wield.

Magnus: Bred for aggression and trained to conquer, a firstborn son begins to realize that the heart can be more lethal than the sword....

The only outcome that's certain is that kingdoms will fall. Who will emerge triumphant when all they know has collapsed?

My Review: 
**4 Stars**

MY OVERVIEW: Where's the next page???? Where's the next page!!!!! Aaaaa. : ) Talk about a cliff hanger. Wow, the author has no problem killing off characters quickly. I think sometimes it was good, and other times it was bad. Just as you got to like someone... oh wait, they're dead!

PROS: I really like how you can see Cleo change through the book. All the experiences she has really make her a better and stronger person. I also enjoyed how the magic was broken into the 4 elements, and how witches didn't have all of them... only sorcerers'/sorceress' did.

CONS: All the jumping back and forth between kingdoms and characters was confusing for the first half of the book. It was a lot of backstory that didn't flow together until about halfway through. Then you could see where everything came together and fit while still being different. I also didn't like the fact that the Kindred weren't fully explained until towards the end of the book. They are mentioned a lot and I had no idea what they really were and what they did.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: I can't wait to read the next book. I am most excited to see what happens to Cleo and Lucia. I am hoping we learn who Lucia's birth parents are in the next book.

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Touching Evil Blog Tour ~ Review, Author Interview & Giveaway


Touching Evil (Leila Marx #1)
By Amber Garr
Goodreads Link


Blurb:


With one touch, Leila can see it all.

Leila Marx is trying to put her life back together after her fiance is murdered. When Detective Garrick Pearson enlists her help with a difficult case, she is thankful for the distraction and the opportunity to use her talents as a touch clairvoyant. Leila and Garrick delve into the mystery behind a series of missing teenage girls and mummified corpses while discovering their own growing attraction to each other.

Conner Hoffman is an intriguing lawyer and striking half-demon who enters Leila's life unexpectedly. Although her visions are terrifying, she is fascinated by his charm and his legacy. When it becomes evident that the murders are linked to a paranormal event, Conner introduces Leila to a world unbeknownst to ordinary society. She suddenly finds herself immersed in supernatural politics, sorcery, and danger as she becomes the killer's next target.

Staying alive will mean relying on friends, accepting the unbelievable, and trusting in her heart again.

Get Your Copy:
Amazon
Smashwords
Barnes & Noble

My Review: 
**4 Stars**
I received a copy of this book for an honest review as part of this blog tour.

MY OVERVIEW: If you are looking for a good paranormal adult mystery that reads as easily as a young adult book... then Touching Evil is for you. This book had a really nice flow to it. I have a hard time picking up adult books lately, cause they just don't grab your attention right away like most young adult ones do; this one did.

PROS: I like how all the supernatural beings live "normal" lives amongst humans. The mystery was great. You really don't know the who and why until the end. It really does keep you guessing. Oh, and I can't forget Garrett. I really liked him. He was my favorite character! (Yup, team Garrett.)

CONS: Ok, don't hate me for saying this... but I didn't like Conner. He seemed to try too hard to be "normal" and it just didn't feel right. I do wish that a little more had been left hanging, but then I can see that maybe she wants to do different storylines with each book. I just hope that Russ' storyline continues.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: There are so many things that the author could do with this new series, and I really look forward to reading more!


About the Author: 

Amber Garr spends her days conducting scientific experiments and wondering if her next door neighbor is secretly a vampire. Born in Pennsylvania, she lives in Florida with her husband and their furry kids. Her childhood imaginary friend was a witch, Halloween is sacred, and she is certain that she has a supernatural sense of smell. She writes both adult and young adult urban fantasies and when not obsessing over the unknown, she can be found dancing, reading, or enjoying a good movie.



Author Interview: 

1) I thought Touching Evil was a fantastic start to the Leila Marx series! How many books do you plan to write in this new series?
Thank you so much! YEAH! As of right now, I don't have a plan for a set number of books. I figured I'd let the characters tell me when they're done.

2) I am already awaiting the next book's release... do you already have it written?
I hate to say, I don't have it completely written yet... but it's been started. I do have the whole book outlined though, so it's just a matter of finding the time. And I'm anxious to write it!

3) Who was your favorite character to write and why?
I like Leila. Probably an easy answer, but I can relate to her in some ways. I like the way she handles herself in the unpredictable situations and accepts her new role with ease. I also enjoyed writing Mac and look forward to seeing more of him in the next book.

4) Can you give us a hint as to what kind of mess Leila is going to get into in the next book?
The next book is going to explore a bit more of the werewolf/vampire relationship, we'll learn more about Conner and how he works, and Leila will be intricately involved with it all while finding out some things about her past that would have been better left unknown.

5) Do you prefer to write with pen and paper or on a computer/laptop?
I write my book/plot outlines by hand in a notebook, but then I do all of my typing on the computer.

Find and Follow Amber Garr: 
Website
Blog
Facebook
Twitter
Goodreads

Thank you iLuvTours for putting on this tour.

Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Review ~ Black City by Elizabeth Richards

Book: Black City
Author: Elizabeth Richards
Black City Book #1
Edition Read: Hardcover


Blurb: 

A dark and tender post-apocalyptic love story set in the aftermath of a bloody war. 

In a city where humans and Darklings are now separated by a high wall and tensions between the two races still simmer after a terrible war, sixteen-year-olds Ash Fisher, a half-blood Darkling, and Natalie Buchanan, a human and the daughter of the Emissary, meet and do the unthinkable-they fall in love. Bonded by a mysterious connection that causes Ash's long-dormant heart to beat, Ash and Natalie first deny and then struggle to fight their forbidden feelings for each other, knowing if they're caught, they'll be executed-but their feelings are too strong.

When Ash and Natalie then find themselves at the center of a deadly conspiracy that threatens to pull the humans and Darklings back into war, they must make hard choices that could result in both their deaths.

My Review:
**3.5 Stars**

MY OVERVIEW: This book is a perfect example of why I always try and at least read 100 pages before putting a book down. I was ready to give up on page 2, but pushed through. I thought the beginning scene was about sex/prostitution, however, it was about drugs. I know that doesn't make it better, but I would rather read a book dealing with drugs than one that starts with a sex scene. To me, if you start with a sex scene, it probably means it will continue throughout the book-and I don't really want to read that when I pick up a Young Adult book.

PROS: Once I got into the story, I had a very hard time putting the book down. It really kept my attention. I know a lot of people probably aren't going to like the fact that it is very religious heavy in that pretty much a religious leader (creator) rules the world... However, I actually enjoyed this. I think in a society that has been overrun with vampire-like creatures, people would turn to religion as an answer. And from that, a new religion would emerge.

CONS: Ok, I did have problems with this book. Sometimes the bouncing back and forth was a little rough. However, probably one of my biggest problems was the end. I won't give any spoilers here, but I really didn't like what happened with Ash (and Natalie) at the end. I think it should have ended differently.

This wasn't a "con" but more of an opinion... I wouldn't have called them 'Darklings.' These are vampire-like creatures and I would have gone with a twist on the word 'vampire.' But that is just me personally.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: As I really did enjoy the story line, I do plan on reading the next book. I really look forward to seeing how the story progresses. Especially with how Black City ended.


Saturday, January 12, 2013

Review ~ Glitches by Marissa Meyer

Book: Glitches
Author: Marissa Meyer
Lunar Chronicles 0.5 ~ Prequel to Cinder
Edition Read: eBook

Blurb:

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She's a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister's illness. In "Glitches," a short prequel story to Cinder, we see the results of that illness play out, and the emotional toll that takes on Cinder. Something that may, or may not, be a glitch...







My Review:
**4.5 Stars**

MY OVERVIEW: This was a fantastic prequel to Cinder. I personally would recommend that you read it after reading Cinder however. You will better understand what is going on if you have already read the main book first (even though the events in Glitches come before). OR... if you are on the fence about reading Cinder, this is a good introduction.

PROS: I loved reading about little Cinder! She was so cute. I also really liked seeing the different things that made this little girl into the Cinder we loved in her title book.

CONS: Ok, I didn't think I could dislike Adri any more that I already did. But to see how she acted even before coming into some money... wow. What a horrible, horrible person. <-- I guess this isn't really a 'con.' Just a character I don't like. : )  The one actual 'con' that I did have was that we really didn't get a grasp of just how old/young Cinder is in this story. It would have been nice to get an actual age.

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: A very short read that I would highly recommend. You can read it for free on the TOR website or download a copy from Amazon. ($0.99 on Amazon ~ FYI)

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Evie's Knight Blog Tour ~ Review, Interview & Giveaway


On tour with Prism Book Tours
Up For Grabs? $50 Amazon Gift card, book swag, and much more!

Evie’s Knight
by Kimberly Krey
Published September 11th 2012 by Kimberly Krey

Blurb:

When Evie falls in love with Calvin Knight, their young, virtuous romance conjures a truly wicked spell.

Evie always thought her eighteenth year would be magical, but so far it's not what she hoped for. Her best friend has gone wild, her love life is void, and she misses her mom more than ever. But life for Evie is about to change. Calvin Knight, the object of her fascination, is about to fall madly in love with her. Just one problem: Their love conjures a murderous woman from beyond the grave who wants Evie dead. The same demon who has haunted the Knight men for over four generations. Soon Calvin is forced to make a choice: Set Evie free and hope to evade the wrath of The Raven- haired Ghost, or use his newly gifted strengths to fight against her. If he chooses to fight and wins, Calvin will free the Knight men of this demonic witch. If he loses, Evie will become her next victim.

Get Your Copy:

Barnes & Noble
The Book Depository
Amazon: ebook just $2.99 for a limited time.

My Review: 
**4 Stars**
I received a copy of this book for an honest review as part of this blog tour.

MY OVERVIEW: Ok, while I really enjoyed this book... it was long. I actually wish it was a series, or even just two books to spread it out. About three quarters of the book was Evie & Calvin getting to know each other (or at least that is what it felt like). It seemed like the excitement and action didn't take place until the last quarter of the book, and it was kinda glazed over in parts.

PROS: Wow, the author is really good at making a book HOT without any sex! I am not a big fan of sex in books (especially graphic sex), so it was refreshing to experience Evie & Calvin's intense relationship without any of that in there. It really sends the message that two people can be madly in love, and not need to have sex to prove it to each other.

CONS: I felt there was too much time given to Evie & Calvin's relationship. I would have liked to see a little more of each of them without the other... or thoughts of the other. I also wish Evie's attraction to the necklace was explained better. Did she have some powers of her own? What was going on with that?

MY FINAL THOUGHTS: I really enjoyed this book. I just wish it had been broken up a little. Also, I do hope that it becomes a series, or there is at least a spin-off. While the book ended, it left a lot open for more... and I want more!

Author, Kimberly Krey:

Writing Romance That’s Clean Without Losing the Steam!

I’m a reader of good, clean romance, a lover of family time and Diet Coke, and the ultimate hater of laundry.
I’m not patient enough to enjoy a yoga class, or tall enough to be great at basketball, but I do love to run – anywhere but on a treadmill. I love the sound of a rainstorm when I have no place to go, the feel of Soft Lips chap Stick on my lips, and the first peek of blue water as we round the mountains toward our favorite getaway in Bear Lake.





Author Interview: 

1) How did you come up with the idea for Evie's Knight?
When I first started brainstorming the book, I pretty much knew who my characters were. I knew falling in love with Calvin was dangerous for Evie, but I just wasn't sure why. In writing fiction, authors often feel as if the situations they are writing about already exist (not in reality, but abstractly) and it's our job to uncover and write them. 
That is definitely the case for me. As I come up with certain possibilities, it's almost as if I know whether the idea is right or wrong. I can feel it. I knew that Calvin had lost his mother at a young age. And from there, it was just a matter of finding out what that had to do with his family's dark curse. It's such a fun and exciting process. 

2) Will there be another book (spin-off or series) associated with Evie's Knight?
Yes! In fact, in the new edition of Evie's Knight, I've included an epilogue which is followed by one final phrase: Watch for Fiona's Fight ~ coming soon ~. I had several readers take an interest in Fiona and Parker, and realized their story needed to be told. These two characters are so different from Evie and Calvin. Calvin is such a gentlemen. Parker is not. Yet he's still got a lot of great qualities. Evie is kind, patient, and loving, while Fiona is blunt, sarcastic, and rough around the edges. The contrast makes writing 'Fiona's Fight' so much fun!

3) Do you prefer to write with pen & paper or on a laptop/computer?
Laptop, definitely. But I do resort to pen and paper if inspiration strikes when the laptop's not around. While submerged in the writing process, I am constantly musing on the story. I'll often pull over while driving to dig up a pen and a scrap of paper to jot down important events, scenes, or conversations that come to me while on the road. And it's never a bother for me. I'm only thrilled to have more of the story reveal itself to me - no matter the time or place. It's a total rush!

4) Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?
Absolutely! First: Immerse yourself in the writing community! Get online, find out where local writers meet (there are always local writers) and go to the classes, conferences, and critique groups. 
Second: Stick to one story. It's easy to get excited about an idea, write a few chapters, and distracted by another idea you think is more interesting. And then another. Or maybe you practically finish the entire thing and get overwhelmed during the editing process and switch gears by turning to another story. This can become a habit that inevitably results in failure. Stick with one novel at a time. Force yourself to see it through. 
Lastly: Do not give up. I shared my own personal story in a blog called 'The Day I Almost Quit' HERE. In my case, I had finished the novel. I'd had over a dozen beta readers read and review it. I had gone through the entire thing a hundred times. I hadn't once considered quitting; it wasn't in me. Or so I thought. It took one blunt response from one particular agent to take the wind out of my sails. An agent who'd requested my full manuscript had rejected the ms stating that it "lacked polish".
LACKED POLISH?!? After everything I'd put into it? I was horrified! In that moment, I felt like I was sinking. Foolishly swimming in waters that would swallow me whole at a moment's breath. I seriously considered getting out completely. Staying on safe, dry ground. Luckily, my mother was there as a lifeline, encouraging me to stick with it. This was the point I finally got involved in the writing community. I later discovered how right that agent was. It has made all the difference!

Find & Follow Kimberly Krey:



Super Swag-a-licious Giveaway:


Grand Prize: $50 Amazon gift card, a signed paperback of Evie's Knight, SoftLips chapstick, recipe cards, E.K. calendar card, postcard of The Storm, and bookmark.

2nd Prize: $25 Amazon gift card, a signed paperback of Evie's Knight, SoftLips chapstick, recipe cards, E.K. calendar card, postcard of The Storm, and bookmark.

3rd Prize: $10 Amazon gift card, a signed paperback of Evie's Knight, SoftLips chapstick, recipe cards, E.K. calendar card, postcard of The Storm, and bookmark.

Five more winners will receive an ebook version of Evie’s Knight!
Paperback winners may choose between old cover (shown below) or the new cover, featuring Calvin Knight (shown above).

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by Rafflecopter and announced on Colorimetry & Rafflecopter as well as emailed to winners who will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Laura, Burgandy Ice, @ www.burgandyice.blogspot.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway






Catch the Tour:

1 - Min Reads and Reviews – Blast!
1 - Passion and Life – Blast!! – English/Spanish
1 – Kelly Fox – Goodreads Review
1 – I Am A Reader, Not A Writer – Clean Romance I
2 – Monique Morgan – All You Need is Love I
2 - Letters to the Cosmos – Review
3 – Getting Your Read On – Review - Clean Romance II
3 – Reading with Anacrasia - Interview
4 - Christy’s Cozy Corners – Review
6 – Passion and Life – Peaches Recipe & Excerpt – English/Spanish
6 - Paulette’s Papers – All You Need is Love II
7 - Bookworm Lisa – Review - Clean Romance III
7 – Pages of Forbidden Love – Review
8 - Proud Book Nerd – Review
8 - Vanessa Morgan – All You Need is Love III
9 - Kari’s Crowded Bookshelf – Review - 
10 - Geo Librarian – Review
10 - The Literary Forest - Review, Exerpt
11 - InfectedLoser – Review
14 – One A Day YA – Drafts Guest Post
14 - Little Miss Bookworm – Review
15 – Musings of a Reader Happy – ART excerpt Raven-haired Ghost
15 -  Magical Manuscripts – Review 
16 – Proud Book Nerd – Ultimate Grilled Cheese
17 - Books, Books, the Magical Fruit – Interview
17 - Book Sake – Review
18 - Kari’s Crowded Bookshelf – Aromatic Noodles Recipe
20 - A Life Bound by Books – Excerpt I
21 - Paranormal & Urban Fantasy Reviews – Excerpt II
21 - Oh, The Books You’ll Read – Review
22 - A Backwards Story – Review, Excerpt III
22 - Passion and Life – Review – English/Spanish
23 - Framed In Words – ART Guest Post
23 - Colorimetry – ART Guest Post
24 – Unputdownable Books – ART Guest Post
24 - Living a Goddess Life – Crepe Cake
25 – icultgen – Review, ART Guest Post
25 – Pieces of Whimsy - Review
27 – The Reading Diaries – Review
27 - Icefairy’s Treasure Chest – Excerpt
28 – Stressed Rach – Review
28 - Literally Jen – Review
29 – Min Reads and Reviews – Review
29 – Colorimetry – Grand Finale, WINNERS drawn