Tempest - Julie Cross

Synopsis: The year is 2009.  Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer is a normal guy… he’s in college, has a girlfriend… and he can travel back through time. But it’s not like the movies – nothing changes in the present after his jumps, there’s no space-time continuum issues or broken flux capacitors – it’s just harmless fun.
That is… until the day strangers burst in on Jackson and his girlfriend, Holly, and during a struggle with Jackson, Holly is fatally shot. In his panic, Jackson jumps back two years to 2007, but this is not like his previous time jumps. Now he’s stuck in 2007 and can’t get back to the future.
Desperate to somehow return to 2009 to save Holly but unable to return to his rightful year, Jackson settles into 2007 and learns what he can about his abilities.
But it’s not long before the people who shot Holly in 2009 come looking for Jackson in the past, and these “Enemies of Time” will stop at nothing to recruit this powerful young time-traveler.  Recruit… or kill him.Piecing together the clues about his father, the Enemies of Time, and himself, Jackson must decide how far he’s willing to go to save Holly… and possibly the entire world. (From Goodreads)

I'm confused by my emotions about this book. Part of me thinks I didn't really care for it, but then there's that moment where I had to exercise serious control to not cry in public because a moment came from out of nowhere and hit me. Or the fact that I did actually have a hard time putting it down. So there's something that's not quite clicking for me. I can't point at why I didn't like it, I can't find anything concrete to say - this is why this book didn't do it for me. I can give you moments I loved, which would point to I love this book. But still, I'm kind of indifferent.

Are you confused? Because I still am.

Maybe it's just the fact that time travel confuses me. I'm waiting for the book that explains perfectly the rules of time travel. This one did it better than most, but I think I spent most of the book thinking - can you do that? Are you sure you didn't just accidentally alter the entire course of history?

But still, Jackson is a great character. I think my favorite part about this book was his relationship with his twin sister - a relationship he can only keep going in the past because she died of cancer. The moments with his sister, or about his sister are some of the most beautiful, emotional and reallyly make this book worth reading. His relationship with his father was fascinating as well. It was a nice change to have a super busy, emotionally damaged, typical work-a-holic father turn it around and actually be there for his son. Even though I still don't completely trust him, the way his character progresses was great.

The ending. I just have to say that I LOVED the ending. It was perfect. It was unexpected and beautiful and brave. Because, even if I waver from I liked this book to indifference, I will remember and cherish that ending. I know the story continues, but to be honest I don't want to know what happens, because I have a feeling it won't go the way I want it to. I want to believe that it ends there.

Arcadia Burns - Kai Meyer (Guest Post)

Synopsis: Following the brutal deaths of her sister and aunt, Rosa Alcantara has become what she never thought possible: the very rich and very powerful head of the Alcantara clan. Saddled with this immense responsibility, Rosa must now conduct all business matters--legitimate and not--while negotiating among the greedy, bloodthirsty members of her own family. Not to mention convincing everyone that her blossoming relationship with enemy Alessandro Carnevare won't put the family business in danger.
But loving Alessandro comes at a price. As Rosa continues to fall for him, she discovers the dark secrets of his family's dealings and how they intersect with her own painful past. She wants to believe she can trust Alessandro, but they're so different: Alcantara and Carnevare, snake and panther. How can she love someone whose family wants her dead?When Rosa and Alessandro uncover an ancient conspiracy intent on destroying both clans, they will do anything to stop it. Racing to put the pieces together, evading their relatives' murderous feud, and learning what it means to control the most influential families in all of Sicily--the two teens must risk everything to love each other and survive. (From Goodreads)

The sequel to Arcadia Awakens was NOT a disappointment. So many revelations and action-packed scenes. I was pretty much on the edge of my seat every time I started reading. I don't want to give away any spoilers, so let me just say that Rosa really comes into her own in this book.

The last book took place in Italy, in case you haven't read it yet (DO IT!). This book takes place in Italy  AND New York City. Having recently moved to the Big Apple, I found this very exciting. It adds a whole new American familiarity where Rosa finally knows best. I will hint at one of my favorite scenes: Central Park craziness. Prepare to gasp in shock and horror.

There are some make or break moments for Alessandro and Rosa, but they never stop fighting. It's so incredible. Vicious attacks, fires, attempted murder, century-old mysteries, and clans more at odds than ever all affect Rosa and Alessandro while they try to piece together what's right for them, their families, and their friends. I know I couldn't stay sane after learning the things Rosa does about her past. I wish I could say more, but you'll just have to read it to know how amazing this book is.

I'll give you this: Sarcasmo is back, ladies and gentlemen. Rest assured.

Arcadia Burns has so many cliff hangers. I'm pretty bummed it will be so long before I can get my hands on the 3rd book. I cannot wait to see how everything gets wrapped up and what twists are still up Kai Meyer's sleeve.

This book was reviewed by Jackie. 

Give Me Something Cover Reveal

I'm SO excited to be participating in the cover reveal for Elizabeth Lee's new book Give Me Something.  I fell in love with her work when I read Shattered and I can't wait to see what she's written now. Give Me Something will be released on March 7, 2013! This amazing cover was designed by Regina at Mae I Design.

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About the book:

Here's the deal... I learned a long time ago that sometimes you have to use what you've got to make things happen. What I happen to have is a pretty smile, long legs and the ability to make men believe anything I say. Before you get on your high horse and start judging me, can you honestly say you've never batted your lashes at some guy for a free drink at the bar? That's what I thought. Keep that in mind as I tell you my story of how I took it one step further. My story of lies, deceit, manipulation and love. Yeah, love. Believe me, it fits. Especially, when you factor in Nick and Tucker – one had my heart and the other one wanted it all for himself. Which one? Well, I can't tell you that. It would defeat the purpose of the story. If I'm going to fill you in about me, Lila Garrison, and my life as a con artist you're going to need to know all the facts, including the ones about the two guys who made me want to give up the life of fancy clothes, expensive jewelry, fast cars and easy money. Because sometimes, one person can give you something that's more valuable than all of that. If you're still interested, stick around. Just remember, I'm pretty good at convincing people to do what I want, so if by the end of this whole thing you feel worked over, don't say I didn't warn you.

Bookmark on GOODREADS

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About Elizabeth:

Born and raised in the middle of a Midwestern cornfield (not literally, that would be weird), I’ve spent my entire life imagining stories. Stories where the right guy always gets the right girl, first kisses are as magical as they are on the big screen and anything is completely possible if you believe.

Although this journey began years ago, it recently took on a whole new life. After years of devouring hundreds of Romance, YA and New Adult novels, I had an epiphany... I should write a book. And I did it! My first YA/New Adult novel is out now!

If I’m not reading, writing, enjoying drinks with my amazing group of girlfriends or chasing around a sarcastically funny one-year old, I’m probably watching television shows that were created for teenagers, while my husband teases that I’m too old to watch them.

Connect with Elizabeth: Facebook :: Blog :: Goodreads ::Twitter

Immortal Circus Blog Tour: Review, Teaser & Giveaway:: Week 9

I'm so psyched to be representing the Summer Court with Fiktshun as a part of the Immortal Circus Blog Tour! 

There are TWO weeks left of the tour. Craziness.  You can show your support for the Summer Court by entering in the contest here or on Fiktshun's site and leaving us a comment. We really need your help now - we're getting down to the wire, so leave your comments and spread the word!

Also, feel free to grab the Summer Court button from the right sidebar and put it on your blog or wherever else you want to show your support! 

Before I jump into this week's goodies, which include my review of the 1st Episode and a teaser, here's more about The Immortal Circus and about the author!

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My Review of Episode Five:

I freaked out through the whole last episode. Okay, I freaked out longer than that. I got way excited when I got the notification that I had the last episode available and I pretty much read it as soon as possible. My head is still spinning a bit from what went down in the end. I kept thinking I'd figured out where it was going and then a page later I'd find out I was way off. I definitely felt like I was chasing the end, just trying to get answers.

This episode was defnitely the most intesnse. There's a pretty slow to steady build through the the whole book, but it's a little hard to breathe with the velocity at the end. But who needs to breathe?

With all these secrets and suspects, kidnappings, fires, magical battles, and chaos in general, it was such a satisfying end. You get your feet planted in the reality of the situation, and then in the last line the whole plane you're standing on just tilts.

Now that I've survived all the waiting periods and the head rushes from reading too fast (seriously once you start, I dare you to stop) I can say that this is a wonderfully written debut from A.R. Kahler full of surprises and dark pleasure. If you haven't picked it up yet, you should probably get on that. And lucky you - you can read the whole thing at once. It was pretty genius to release this book serially, though. It gave me something to look forward to for a few weeks and I was really able to savor this amazing story.

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Teaser:

“The Summer Court. They took Melody. They must have. I can’t tell you why, but I know they did. And you’re one of the few who understands the danger.” 

“I do?” 

“Don’t be stupid,” he says. “You saw it. You saw Lilith on the field, you saw her kill Senchan and the other Summer Fey. One of them must have escaped and told their king. They know about Lilith. They know what she is. The Blood Autumn Treaty is broken. Now, we’re at war.”

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About the Book

Publisher: 47 North

Publication Date: December 4, 2012

Format: Kindle eBook

Murdered contortionists aren't exactly what Vivienne signed up for when she ran away to join the circus. But like most things under the big top, nothing is what it seems. With a past she can't quite remember, Vivienne finds that running away forever might not be as appealing as it once sounded - especially not when she realizes the devilishly attractive ringleader Mab is the Faerie Queen of legend...and that she and the rest of the troupe are locked in an age-old rivalry between the otherworldly courts. 

Aided by her friends Kingston - a feisty stage magician whose magic is quickly stealing her heart - and his smart-ass assistant Melody, Vivienne finds herself racing against the clock to discover the culprit behind a series of deaths that should be impossible. However, the answer she seeks might reveal more about her own bloody past - and future - than she bargains for. 

The show's just beginning.

Step right up...

Find the book:

BOOK WEBSITE :: FACEBOOK :: GOODREADS :: AMAZON

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About A.R. Kahler

Most little boys dream of running away to join the circus.

Alex didn't just dream it: he did it. But then, he rarely lets a good dream pass him by.

In the past six years he's toured and trained across America and Europe. He's performed in Amsterdam, taught trapeze in Madrid, studied in Glasgow and even had a stint as assistant to Holly Black and Cassandra Clare in New England. He's constantly on the lookout for new places to explore and new worlds to invent. He's a Sagittarius fueled by full moons and espresso. The way to his heart is a latte and fan art. Just for the record.

THE IMMORTAL CIRCUS is his first New Adult novel, and is being released exclusively through the Amazon Kindle e-Serials program by 47North. It will be available in print and audio when the episodes are complete.

MARTYR the first book in his post-apocalyptic fantasy, will be published by Spencer Hill Press in October 2014.

Find him:

TWITTER :: @ARKahler TWITTER :: @ImmortalCircus WEBSITE :: http://www.arkahler.com

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Week Nine Tour Schedule:

Monday, Feb. 4: Summer – Fiktshun – GUEST POST

Tuesday, Feb. 5: Winter – The Bookish Brunette – GUEST POST

Wednesday, Feb. 6: Summer – In the Best Worlds – REVIEW & TEASER– Episode4

Thursday, Feb. 7: Winter – The Non-Reluctant Reader – REVIEW & TEASER – Episode 4

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Giveaway:

THE IMMORTAL CIRCUS Prize Pack Giveaway will be for a signed copy of the book, illustrated trading cards and circus-y goodies.

The giveaway will run for the length of the tour and will end on Friday, February 15th.

the giveaway is US-only. 

There are FOUR prize packs up for giveaway.

There are extra entries for tweeting daily. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Top Ten Tuesday: My Life is Built With Books

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

This week's topic is: Top Ten Bookish Memories

1. Getting Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder for Christmas.

I was 7 and it's the first time I actually remember reading a book. I was so excited, I faked that I was asleep to get out of the rest of the Christmas festivities. After my dad carried me to my room, I turned the lights back on and started reading.

2. My Mom reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone out loud to my little brother and I.

I was 12 and my little brother was 8. She bought the book for him, but he showed no interest. She'd heard great things about it, so she started reading it out loud to us. We read a chapter every night before bed.

3. The midnight release party for Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. 

My mom used to work at our local bookstore, so we'd always gone to all the midnight releases together. For the last book, I was 5 hours away at school. I'd worked at a coffee shop all day, but I called my mom and said I wished I was there. She offered to pay for my gas and buy me the audio to listen to on my way home. So I drove up for the release - which was awesome - and then drove back to school at 1 am to be at work at 7 the next morning. Totally worth it.

4. Barnes and Noble with my Grandma

I don't have one particular memory for this one. But I used to spend a week with my grandma in Fargo, ND and we'd shop for school clothes, and go to Chuck E. Cheese - or as I got older Space Aliens. But my best memories were going to Barnes and Noble and she'd tell me I could get whatever I wanted and we'd just spend time going through the shelves together.

5. Reading The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga

This book changed my life. It made me want to study post-colonial literature, so just by reading a book, my life was shifted onto a grad school course.

6. Reading City of Bones

After reading adult books all through high school and years of academic study, this was the book that re-introduced me to YA. I read it and I've been hooked on YA ever since.

7. Reading Anna and the French Kiss on a plane to Ireland

It was my first time traveling to a different country by myself. I had no one to meet me there and a whole day in Dublin by myself. It was exciting and scary, but I drew inspiration and courage from Anna. It was a powerful book at a powerful moment.

8. YAll Fest

I went to YAll Fest last year, and it was amazing. I met Andrea Cremer, Kimberly Derting, Beth Revis, David Levithan, and SO many other awesome authors. So awesome. ALSO I got to meet Sarah Rees Brennan, who needs her own TV show. She also signed my books with random phrases - they're my most cherished signed books. Plus, watching all those authors compete in storytelling contests against one another was one of the best things I've ever seen.

9. Reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone to my niece.

My niece stays with my parents for a month every summer, so I started reading the first book out loud to her. It's amazing to pass this story, this love, to a new generation.

10. Moving to New York

 

Ok, not everything about this move is bookish, but most of it is. I work with books, I live with people who read tons of books, and I've meet so many awesome authors here. New York is book nerd heaven.  Last weekend I met Cynthia Hand and two amazing bloggers - Alexa from Alexa Loves Books and Jamie from The Perpetual Page Turner. I've also met Leigh Bardugo, Andrea Cremer (again), Karsten Knight, Jessica Shirvington, Miranda Kenneally, Jenny Han, and so many more. Also, I got to meet Libba Bray, which made my 15 year old self AND my 24 year old self ecstatic. I had a chance to tell my writer idol how much she influenced me and that is one of the best memories ever.

The Watcher Trailer Reveal

Author Lisa Voisin’s THE WATCHER will be releasing exactly one month from today, on March 4th, 2013 and we’re super excited to be able to share with our blog’s readers a short excerpt from the book and to be a part of the book’s awesome trailer reveal!

There is also a giveaway for a pre-order copy of THE WATCHER for US/Canada residents. So be sure to enter below.

THE WATCHER is author Lisa Voisin’s debut novel and is a book Eileen Cook says, “…is sure to keep readers turning the pages late into the night.”

And after having read both the excerpt and the book’s description, we couldn’t agree more! But we’ll let you decide for yourself. They’re both included below. As is the book’s wicked cool trailer!

With some gothic techno beats, super cool images and a description that is meant to tease, this trailer totally sets the mood for this story. What do you think?

About the Book

Title: THE WATCHER
Author: Lisa Voisin
Publisher: InkSpell Publishing
Publication date: March 4, 2013
Pages: 508
Format: Available to pre-order in Paperback
Find it: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Inkspell | Kobo

Millennia ago, he fell from heaven for her.
Can he face her without falling again?

Fascinated with ancient civilizations, seventeen-year-old Mia Crawford dreams of becoming an archaeologist. She also dreams of wings—soft and silent like snow—and somebody trying to steal them.

When a horrible creature appears out of thin air and attacks her, she knows Michael Fontaine is involved, though he claims to know nothing about it. Secretive and aloof, Michael evokes feelings in Mia that she doesn’t understand. Images of another time and place haunt her. She recognizes them—but not from any textbook.

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About the Author


A Canadian-born author, Lisa Voisin spent her childhood daydreaming and making up stories, but it was her love of reading and writing in her teens that drew her to Young Adult fiction.

When she's not writing, you'll find her meditating or hiking in the mountains to counter the side effects of drinking too much coffee.

She lives in Vancouver, B.C. with her fiance and their two cats.

Find her: Twitter | Facebook | Website | Blog

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Instead of saying more, he brushed his fingertips along my cheek, and his halo glimmered. I could hear the waves slapping the rocks behind us, the wind driving them in. That same wind whipped against my skin, but the touch of his hand on my face was all I could think about. It sent a current through both of us and filled me with longing for something I wasn’t sure I understood.

“I’m sorry.” He stepped back and shoved his hands into his pockets as the light around him faded. “You don’t know what it’s like. Being near you now, remembering those moments we had…” His hair blew into his eyes, but this time he didn’t move. I wanted to brush it back, but I didn’t know how he’d react. Would touching him be bad?

“You want to know who you were?” he asked. “You may look different, but you’re the same. I look into your eyes and see you.” He took in a deep breath, fixing his attention on the horizon. I’d seen and heard so much now that the logical part of my brain had long since given up arguing with me. I could feel what he was saying was true. All of it.

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• ONE pre-order copy of THE WATCHER by Lisa Voisin open to US/Canada.
• Must be 13 or older to enter.
• ONE entry per household.
• Winner will be announced in the Rafflecopter and contacted by email.
• Winner will have 48 hours after notification to respond or another winner will be chosen.

Enter below... a Rafflecopter giveaway

While He Was Away Special Edition Cover Reveal & Guest Post

Today I have the gorgeous cover for the Special Edition of While He Was Away by Karen Schreck. I also have an incredible guest post from the author! 

While He Was Away Walmart-Exclusive Cover Reveal and How Inspiration Can Come From Anywhere:
Even a Trip to the Grocery Store and a Handful of Long-Lost PhotographsBy Karen Schreck  

I sometimes wonder what my mother would say if she knew that her story—one of the saddest, sweetest love stories I’ve ever heard—was retold in a new way in my young adult novel, While He Was Away.

Now Sourcebooks Fire is sharing the story yet again, in a second, exclusive edition, released nation-wide at Walmart.  The fact that Sourcebooks believed enough in While He Was Away to bring it to life the first time felt like a much-needed confirmation of years of hard work.  The fact that they are standing behind my book again in this way . . . well, it feels like a miracle.  I’m truly grateful.

I wonder what my mother would say to this incredible news? I like to think she would be grateful too.  I like to think she would be happy.  She wanted her story heard after all.  So much so that it was one of the last things she told me, just before she died.

One rainy night when I was fourteen, right before cancer left her to ill to talk, let alone drive a car, my mother said, “Come with me.  We’re going shopping.”  We drove to the little local market and wandered up and down the aisles, as she threw in a can of tuna, some dishwashing soap, and other little things we didn’t need.  We paid for these little things.  She looked anxious and tired, still she hadn’t said a thing; we hadn’t spoken a word.

It was only when we were parked in our driveway again that my mother said, “I was married once before when I was very young.  He died a hero in WWII.”

And that was that.  Soon after, she died.

I thought about my mother’s mysterious love story for many years.  I talked to relatives, found long-lost photographs.  The story took seed in me.  It flowered into a novel about a young women whose boyfriend leaves for the Iraq War.  In her loneliness, she seeks out a grandmother she’s never met, whose first husband died in WWII.  She seeks out a character inspired by mother.

A late night drive, a few words spoken in the dark.  Even things as simple as this can inspire a novel.

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About this book:

Title: While He Was Away

Author: Karen Schreck

Original Pub Date: May 2012

Special Edition Pub Date: January 2013

Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire

Synopsis: One year--he'll be gone for one year and then we'll be together again and everything will be back to the way it should be.

The day David left, I felt like my heart was breaking. Sure, any long-distance relationship is tough, but David was going to war--to fight, to protect, to put his life in danger. We can get through this, though. We'll talk, we'll email, we won't let anything come between us.
I can be an army girlfriend for one year. But will my sweet, soulful, funny David be the same person when he comes home? Will I? And what if he doesn't come home at all?... (From Goodreads)