Showing posts with label blog tour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blog tour. Show all posts

Monday, June 23, 2014

Blog Tour: Breaking Fences by Juliana Haygert

I'm stoked to welcome you to my stop on the blog tour for Breaking Fences by Juliana Haygert hosted by YA Bound. 
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Review

Juliana Haygert is an auto-read author for me: if she writes it, I'm going to read it. And so far she hasn't failed to make me fall in love with her characters and pull me into their world. I loved Bia as a secondary character in Breaking the Reins, so I knew going in this would be good. But even Bia surprised me with her vulerability. And I don't know where Juliana pulls her heroes from, but they're always fantastic and this one was particularly lovable. The horses, too, make this series special, as they really do act as characters that play an important role in the story.

I knew I'd love Bia and I was eager for her story, but like I said, she still surprised me. She's such a firecracker, but circumstances mellow her. I really like the internal struggle she has between keeping her head down and letting her spirit get the best of her. Although her circumstances are bullies that seem rather out of place in a college setting - I'll admit it kept me on my toes. What I kind of love, though, is that Bia seems to have the personality of a horse. She's high-spirited, loveable to some and will get agitated around others, and she spooks easily.

So then there's Garrett, who's just completely wonderful. He has this complex family story that shapes who he is. I was completely intrigued by him and his history. Garrett is so wonderfully layered that I couldn't help but savor it as Bia managed to pull away his layers. And then there's this one scene - that just goes to show that Juliana writes kissing better than anyone - and I dare you not to completely fall for him.

Then there's Midnight and Tom. One a horse, the other the stable hand, that are some of the best secondary characters. These two, and Garrett and Bia of course, make me want to start hanging around horse stables. They make it seem like the best thing in life is caring for horses and hanging out with one another.

Juliana manages to stay true to the new adult genre while bringing something different to the table. Breaking Fences is an awesome follow up to Breaking the Reins - which, by the way, if you haven't read yet, you need to - and I'm really hoping we'll get more from this Breaking world. 
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About the Book


All Beatriz “Bia” Fernandes wants is to prove herself—to her family and friends—though it’s hard to prove anything with an overbearing father and three famous polo-playing older brothers. After her acceptance into college results in a heated family argument, the Brazilian girl leaves everything behind to find her own American dream.

College life away from home is perfect until the people she believes to be her friends turn on her. With lies and rumors threatening to suffocate her, Bia turns to her only freedom. Riding.

But one thing gets in the way of her escape. Garrett Blackwell and his bad cowboy attitude. Working at the ranch is his obligation, bugging Bia is his newfound hobby. His thick skin and easy grin don’t hide what Bia already knows—this misunderstood and lonely cowboy fights his own demons. Brushing horses’ coats and mucking out stalls shouldn’t be this sexy, and it isn’t long before he becomes a part of her distraction.


However, escaping won’t solve her problems, and it’s up to Bia to break down the fences around her and prove her strength—not to her family and friends, but to herself … and for Garrett. Because standing on her own doesn’t have to mean standing alone.

** Companion novel of Breaking the Reins. Can be read out of order **

Book Links: Amazon :: B&N :: Kobo :: iBooks :: Goodreads :: Book 1 Goodreads

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About the Author
While Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. Thousands of miles away from her former home in Brazil, she now resides in Connecticut and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.

Find Juliana Online: Website :: Goodreads :: Facebook :: Twitter :: Pinterest
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Giveaway
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Monday, June 16, 2014

Blog Tour: I Become Shadow by Joe Shine


Hi all! Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for I Become Shadow by Joe Shine, out from Soho Teen! 

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Review
I love the concept for this novel. I wouldn't necessarily call it new adult, it's rather on the YA side, but it's still cool to see college-aged characters branching beyond the contemporary genre. Even better, Ren is the kind of heroine you can really get behind and root for. This book is doing something a little different and that's really all I needed to hear to jump on board. 

One of my favorite things about this book is the way the love interest is handled. I feel a little like this bypasses a lot of other great things about this book, but I just have to say that I love that it's not a focus and it's still unexpected. There is the hint of a triangle happening, but it's different than any triangle I've read before. I'm at a bit of a loss how to explain this without spoiling, but there's the guy you swoon over and then the one who is endearing and it seems to me that Ren doesn't make the obvious choice, ever, and I enjoyed being kept on my toes. 

I had a little bit of an issue with the structure. I'm not entirely sure a linear narrative best served the story, but it did create an opportunity to get Ren's voice out there. She's snarky and tough in the best way possible and it's great the way that personality shines through in her narration. 

This is a great thriller that brings out a new voice and a different twist on your typical YA elements. The pages kept turning in anticipation of what Ren would do next. There's a lot of fun and adventure in this book.  
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About the Book

This debut thriller combines a pulse-pounding thriller (like False Memory or Starters) with a new adult coming-of-age story set at Texas A&M University.

When Ren Sharpe was fourteen, she was kidnapped by a shadowy organization called FATE and trained to be a human weapon.

Now, four years later, she receives her assignment: protect Gareth Young at all costs. Currently a student at Texas A&M, Gareth will someday change the world. FATE calls people like Gareth FIPs -future important people - and they're everywhere, each with a FATE-trained shadow.

But when disaster strikes, Ren will have to turn on her maker. Together with Junie, a fellow abductee and the one person she trusts, Ren takes Gareth on the run.

Because whatever else happens, failure is not an option. 


Book Links: IndieBound :: B&N :: Amazon :: Goodreads
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About the Author
Joe Shine grew up in Austin, TX (the greatest city ever), and is a graduate of Texas A&M University. He has an MFA from the Peter Stark Producing Program at the University of Southern California, and after brief stints in Los Angeles and Washington, DC, Joe returned home to Austin (repeat: the greatest city ever). Joe has a normal human job like most everyone else but hopes to become a full-time writer one day, and this is where you, the reader, must do him a really big solid and love I Become Shadow, his first novel. 

Find Joe Online: Goodreads :: Twitter

Friday, May 9, 2014

Royally Lost Blog Tour: Review + Excerpt



Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Royally Lost by Angie Stanton. After you check out my review and an excerpt, you should check out some of the other awesome blogs taking part in this tour. The full schedule is here
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Review
This book has all things I love: traveling, royalty and well...does there need to be more? I love this cover, I love the concept and was so excited for a fun jaunt around Europe with a beautiful prince in tow. As a fan of movies like The Prince and Me and more recently, books like Suddenly Royal, this was right up my alley.

This is a great, light book that would be great company on a trip to the beach or as you travel across Europe. I can't help but enjoy myself when books take me to different places. And there's always something I completely connect with when a main character is traveling for the first time. It's always an adjustment and a little scary - but you have to go through that before it gets good. And with this book - it does just that. The prince stuff is all great - he's adorable and wonderful and all things you want your prince to be. But it's really when Becca has to stand on her own and how she grows into who she is because of her travels that I really came to adore this book.

That said, I also have to throw in a word about Becca's brother Dylan. I had to include the excerpt with him, because he's just the best. He may be the brightest character in this book. I love his balance of annoying brother and really great ally. He was always helping Becca in ways that were really adorable I kind of want to read his story.

If you're looking for a read to get you in the mood for summer, this is a great place to start. Becca starts out a little whiny and some of the dialog is a little too unnatural, but it grows out of that as Becca comes into herself. I love where she ends up by the end. 
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Excerpt
"So how was your date with Nikolai?"
Becca glared at her brother, Dylan.
"Uh-oh. Did he stand you up?" Dylan held a rolled-up magazine. 
She frowned, frustrated that she'd been so easily played. "Yeah, you could say that."
"This might explain why." Dylan held the magazine under her face, forcing her to look at the glossy picture of a guy who looked exactly like Nikolai. 
She took the magazine and examined it closer. Her breath caught in her throat. "That's Nickolai!"
She'd recognize him anywhere. She couldn't read the foreign headline, but it ended with an exclamation point. "Dylan where did you find this?"
He grimaced and shrugged. "It was at every newspaper stand I saw today."
"Why is he on the cover? Did he do something wrong?" She paged through the magazine, holding her breath. Confusion turned to shock when she saw a two-page spread filled with pictures of Nikolai. Nikolai at the beach; a picture of him playing polo; a picture of him in a tuxedo with a girl wearing a glittering gown. Then Becca's eyes landed on a formal picture of Nikolai in uniform, with a sword at his belt, standing next to a young girl. A stern man and austere woman sat in gilded chairs; both adults wore crowns. 
Her jaw dropped open. 
"Why is Nikolai in that picture with people wearing crowns? Who is he?" she asked. Her heart pumped so fast she could feel the blood pulse through her temples. "And why did he lie about his identity?"
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About the Book
Author: Angie Stanton
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publication Date: May 6, 2014

Summary: Dragged on a family trip to Europe’s ancient cities, Becca wants nothing more than to go home. Trapped with her emotionally distant father, over-eager stepmother, and a brother who only wants to hook up with European hotties, Becca is miserable. That is until she meets Nikolai, a guy as mysterious as he is handsome. And she unknowingly finds herself with a runaway prince.

Nikolai has everything a guy could ask for-he's crown prince, heir to the throne, and girls adore him. But the one thing he doesn't have...is freedom. Staging a coup, he flees his kingdom and goes undercover on his own European tour.

When Nikolai and Becca meet, it’s their differences that draw them together. Sparks fly as they share a whirlwind of adventures, all the while dodging his royal guard. But Becca's family vacation ends in a matter of days. Will Nikolai and Becca be forced to say goodbye forever, will his destiny catch up to him, or will they change history forever?

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About the Author
Angie Stanton never planned on writing books; she wanted to be a Rockette. However, growing up in rural Wisconsin, with her brothers' 4-H pigs as pets, dance didn't work out. Instead she became an avid daydreamer. After years of perfecting stories in her head, she began to write them down, and the rest is history.

Angie is the author of six books including Royally LostRock and a Hard Place, and Snapshot. She graduated with a Journalism degree from the University of Wisconsin, and is a proud double finalist of the National Readers Choice Awards for Love 'em or Leave 'em.

Find Angie Online: Website :: Twitter :: Facebook
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Giveaway

Monday, March 10, 2014

Blog Tour: Playing Pretend by Juliana Haygert

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Playing Pretend by Juliana Haygert, organized by YA Bound Blog Tours. Check out my review, enter the giveaway and then check out the other stops on the tour here
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Review
The best part about this book is that it's exactly like watching a rom-com, except you're reading so you get so much more. I've always been a sucker for the First Daughter and Catching Liberty kind of movies and this reminded me a lot of that. It's just a fun story about growing up and finding your own voice. Plus, there's not only an awesome romance, but a great friendship as well.

The book just dove right into the developing relationship between Charlotte and Mason, which was a little different. I like that it immediately threw off what I've come to expect from NA novels. It wasn't a meet-cute kind of situation and it wasn't suppressed feelings because of a dark past kind of thing. It was two people who liked each other just going all out. Until Charlotte goes home after Spring Break and back to real life. The way Charlotte and Mason meet up again is a little too coincidental, but for what this book is, it's easy to roll with.

I think Charlotte's relationship with her mother is really well done. It's a smothering and demanding relationship, but it isn't too crazy. I mostly love that it sets up Charlotte to have this kind of awesome secret life, which includes a fantastic friend and then, of course, Mason. It was fun to watch Charlotte's secret life. And Mason is definitely swoon-worthy. For what he goes through to be with Charlotte, he has to be the most patient and understanding dude ever. But that's why it's easy to love him.

Playing Pretend is a quick read, but it has the smart rom-com thing going for it. Basically I love Juliana Haygert, and she's proven herself with urban fantasy in her Everlast Trilogy, with darker contemporary in Breaking the Reins, and now with the sweeter side of contemporary in Playing Pretend. I'd definitely recommend her for anything you're craving in the new adult field. 
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About Playing Pretend

Playing Pretend
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Word Count: 65,000Release date: March 2014
Cover: Berto Designs

As the Governor’s daughter, Charlotte McClain is an expert in playing pretend. High society, the men her mother shoves in her direction and a Pre-Law major are all a part of her perfect pretense. But when she pretends to be a nobody during Spring Break, she meets someone who rocks her world.


Mason Rowell knows heartbreak and Spring Break don’t mesh well, so he allows the mysterious Charlotte to seduce him. What should have been a fling, results in something deeper. After Spring Break has long since passed, he moves to Washington to pursue his graduate degree, but what he never expected to find living among the rich and pompous, was the girl who gave him the strength to change and the desire to start anew.

When the guy Charlotte can’t forget goes from a sensual memory to temptation in the flesh, her facade is put to the test. If she surrenders to his charms, she risks ruining her mother’s perfect career and master plan. Playing pretend is what Charlotte does best, but how long can she pretend she doesn't love the man who made her proud of her true self?

**A light, sexy NA Contemporary Romance**

Book Links: Amazon :: B&N :: Kobo :: iBooks :: Createspace :: Goodreads
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About the Author
New Adult author and contributor at NA Alley blog.
While Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. Thousands of miles away from her former home in Brazil, she now resides in Connecticut and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.

Author Links: 
Website :: Blog :: Twitter :: Facebook :: Goodreads :: Pinterest
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Giveaway 
 RULES AND RESTRICTIONS: 
Contest is void where prohibited. Entrants must be 13 or else have parent or guardian’s permission to enter. Winners will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond  or another winner’s name will be selected. Winning entries will be verified for authenticity.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour Organized by:

Monday, February 17, 2014

Taking Something Tour: Review + Giveaway

Welcome to my stop on the tour for Taking Something by Elizabeth Lee! 
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Review
I just have to give major props to Elizabeth Lee for taking a character I so thoroughly loathed in Give Me Something and turning him into someone I cared about and rooted for. It's pretty impressive. Nick is still up to his conning ways and he doesn't exactly shine as a changed man in the beginning. I was nervous about the whole pop star angle, but she even managed to twist that plot line around. Everyone seems to be manipulating each other for one reason or another and maybe seeing someone else do worse than Nick made him more likable.

But of course, as he actually finds someone who sees through him and makes him vulnerable, I actually started to like him. I was totally caught up in this book trying to figure out how he was going to get himself out of his own messes and make it all okay. He makes a lot of decisions and does some things that are questionable, but I realized how much he'd wormed his way into my good graces when I started making excuses for his behavior. I wanted him to come out on the good side of things and I'm officially a fan of Nick's.

Gia was harder for me to understand. I love that she had her own storyline that we only get to see little by little, but I wanted to connect with her more. It was a bold move for Elizabeth to tell the whole story through Nick's perspective and it paid off in a lot of ways. But the girl in me wanted to know more about the girl in the story. Sadie was a treat though (I meant that sarcastically). I don't even know where to start with that hot mess of a girl.

With this departure from Elizabeth Lee's usual country setting and good country boys, I think she's branched out into a good place. She's been an automatic read for me since I read Shattered and I just continue to enjoy everything she writes. So if you haven't given her books a shot, just know that she's one of my most highly recommended new adult authors.
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About the Book

I know what you're thinking. “You were such a jerk, Nick!”  Believe me, I know I screwed up the best thing I had going in my life, but that was kind of my thing. I’d learned how to run cons before I could even form complete sentences, and I'd always been selfish.  But I changed.  Lila forgave me, my brother and I were getting along, and I was trying to make a name for myself in the music world.

At least that was what I was trying to do when I negotiated my way into the recording studio with pop superstar Sadie Sinclair. I thought it would be a piece of cake—charm my way into her heart and into her record label's good graces.

Just when I thought I had it all figured out, I got mixed up in a web of lies, manipulation, and deception. A web that had me questioning my motives and desires altogether.

Was the fame and fortune really worth the price? 
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About the Author
When I'm not writing or playing the part of wife and mother, you can find me dancing back-up for Beyonce, singing back-up for Miranda, or sunning myself on the beach with a drink in hand.  Here's the thing about being born and raised in a small town—you have a very vivid imagination!  Now, I channel it all to create stories where the girl always ends up with the right guy, first kisses are magical, and a happy ending is just that!

Find Elizabeth Online: Facebook :: Twitter :: Website :: Goodreads
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Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Tour Schedule

February 17
Movies, Shows & Books – Author Interview
In The Best Worlds – Review Only
The Phantom Paragrapher – Review Only
The Indie Express – Review Only

February 18
Read This~Hear That – Playlist
Blimey! I Fancy Reading – Review Only
Roxy’s Reviews – Review Only
Stormy Day Reading Books – Review Only
Paperbook Princess – Review Only

February 19
Comfort Books – Guest post
2 Bookaholics – Excerpt
Halos and Horns Book Blog – Review Only
Cocktails & Books – Review Only
In My Room Reading  – Review Only
Into the Hall of Books – Review Only

February 20
Reader Girls – Excerpt
Scandalous Book Blog – Character Interview
Rumpled Sheets Blog – Review Only
Ramblings From This Chick – Review Only

February 21
Living in a Bookworld – Excerpt
Lovin’ Los Libros – Review Only
Deal Sharing Aunt – Review Only

February 22
Kassie’s Book Thoughts – Author Interview
Sofia Loves Books – Review Only
Biblio Belles – Review Only
Mean Girls Luv Books – Review Only
Not Everyone’s Mama – Review Only

February 23
Read-Love-Blog – Guest Post
My Favorite Things – Review Only
Book Freaks – Review Only
Books Unhinged Book Blog – Review Only
The Boyfriend Bookmarks – Review Only

February 24
Stuck in YA Books – Guest Post
Above Average Below Special – Review Only
Group Therapy Book Club – Review Only

February 25
StarAngel’s Reviews – Review Only
Lustful Literature – Review Only
True Story Book Blog – Character Interview
Romance Addict Book Blog – Dream cast

February 26
Fabulously Girly Book Blog – Review Only
Once Upon a Twilight – Review Only
Girl With Books – Review Only
Seeking Book Boyfriends – Review Only
Book Addict Mumma – Review Only
Fiddle Fadle – Guest Post




Showing posts with label blog tour. Show all posts
Showing posts with label blog tour. Show all posts

Monday, June 23, 2014

Blog Tour: Breaking Fences by Juliana Haygert

I'm stoked to welcome you to my stop on the blog tour for Breaking Fences by Juliana Haygert hosted by YA Bound. 
---------------------------------
Review

Juliana Haygert is an auto-read author for me: if she writes it, I'm going to read it. And so far she hasn't failed to make me fall in love with her characters and pull me into their world. I loved Bia as a secondary character in Breaking the Reins, so I knew going in this would be good. But even Bia surprised me with her vulerability. And I don't know where Juliana pulls her heroes from, but they're always fantastic and this one was particularly lovable. The horses, too, make this series special, as they really do act as characters that play an important role in the story.

I knew I'd love Bia and I was eager for her story, but like I said, she still surprised me. She's such a firecracker, but circumstances mellow her. I really like the internal struggle she has between keeping her head down and letting her spirit get the best of her. Although her circumstances are bullies that seem rather out of place in a college setting - I'll admit it kept me on my toes. What I kind of love, though, is that Bia seems to have the personality of a horse. She's high-spirited, loveable to some and will get agitated around others, and she spooks easily.

So then there's Garrett, who's just completely wonderful. He has this complex family story that shapes who he is. I was completely intrigued by him and his history. Garrett is so wonderfully layered that I couldn't help but savor it as Bia managed to pull away his layers. And then there's this one scene - that just goes to show that Juliana writes kissing better than anyone - and I dare you not to completely fall for him.

Then there's Midnight and Tom. One a horse, the other the stable hand, that are some of the best secondary characters. These two, and Garrett and Bia of course, make me want to start hanging around horse stables. They make it seem like the best thing in life is caring for horses and hanging out with one another.

Juliana manages to stay true to the new adult genre while bringing something different to the table. Breaking Fences is an awesome follow up to Breaking the Reins - which, by the way, if you haven't read yet, you need to - and I'm really hoping we'll get more from this Breaking world. 
---------------------------------
About the Book


All Beatriz “Bia” Fernandes wants is to prove herself—to her family and friends—though it’s hard to prove anything with an overbearing father and three famous polo-playing older brothers. After her acceptance into college results in a heated family argument, the Brazilian girl leaves everything behind to find her own American dream.

College life away from home is perfect until the people she believes to be her friends turn on her. With lies and rumors threatening to suffocate her, Bia turns to her only freedom. Riding.

But one thing gets in the way of her escape. Garrett Blackwell and his bad cowboy attitude. Working at the ranch is his obligation, bugging Bia is his newfound hobby. His thick skin and easy grin don’t hide what Bia already knows—this misunderstood and lonely cowboy fights his own demons. Brushing horses’ coats and mucking out stalls shouldn’t be this sexy, and it isn’t long before he becomes a part of her distraction.


However, escaping won’t solve her problems, and it’s up to Bia to break down the fences around her and prove her strength—not to her family and friends, but to herself … and for Garrett. Because standing on her own doesn’t have to mean standing alone.

** Companion novel of Breaking the Reins. Can be read out of order **

Book Links: Amazon :: B&N :: Kobo :: iBooks :: Goodreads :: Book 1 Goodreads

---------------------------------
About the Author
While Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. Thousands of miles away from her former home in Brazil, she now resides in Connecticut and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.

Find Juliana Online: Website :: Goodreads :: Facebook :: Twitter :: Pinterest
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Giveaway
---------------------------------

Monday, June 16, 2014

Blog Tour: I Become Shadow by Joe Shine


Hi all! Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for I Become Shadow by Joe Shine, out from Soho Teen! 

-------------------------
Review
I love the concept for this novel. I wouldn't necessarily call it new adult, it's rather on the YA side, but it's still cool to see college-aged characters branching beyond the contemporary genre. Even better, Ren is the kind of heroine you can really get behind and root for. This book is doing something a little different and that's really all I needed to hear to jump on board. 

One of my favorite things about this book is the way the love interest is handled. I feel a little like this bypasses a lot of other great things about this book, but I just have to say that I love that it's not a focus and it's still unexpected. There is the hint of a triangle happening, but it's different than any triangle I've read before. I'm at a bit of a loss how to explain this without spoiling, but there's the guy you swoon over and then the one who is endearing and it seems to me that Ren doesn't make the obvious choice, ever, and I enjoyed being kept on my toes. 

I had a little bit of an issue with the structure. I'm not entirely sure a linear narrative best served the story, but it did create an opportunity to get Ren's voice out there. She's snarky and tough in the best way possible and it's great the way that personality shines through in her narration. 

This is a great thriller that brings out a new voice and a different twist on your typical YA elements. The pages kept turning in anticipation of what Ren would do next. There's a lot of fun and adventure in this book.  
-------------------------
About the Book

This debut thriller combines a pulse-pounding thriller (like False Memory or Starters) with a new adult coming-of-age story set at Texas A&M University.

When Ren Sharpe was fourteen, she was kidnapped by a shadowy organization called FATE and trained to be a human weapon.

Now, four years later, she receives her assignment: protect Gareth Young at all costs. Currently a student at Texas A&M, Gareth will someday change the world. FATE calls people like Gareth FIPs -future important people - and they're everywhere, each with a FATE-trained shadow.

But when disaster strikes, Ren will have to turn on her maker. Together with Junie, a fellow abductee and the one person she trusts, Ren takes Gareth on the run.

Because whatever else happens, failure is not an option. 


Book Links: IndieBound :: B&N :: Amazon :: Goodreads
-------------------------
About the Author
Joe Shine grew up in Austin, TX (the greatest city ever), and is a graduate of Texas A&M University. He has an MFA from the Peter Stark Producing Program at the University of Southern California, and after brief stints in Los Angeles and Washington, DC, Joe returned home to Austin (repeat: the greatest city ever). Joe has a normal human job like most everyone else but hopes to become a full-time writer one day, and this is where you, the reader, must do him a really big solid and love I Become Shadow, his first novel. 

Find Joe Online: Goodreads :: Twitter

Friday, May 9, 2014

Royally Lost Blog Tour: Review + Excerpt



Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Royally Lost by Angie Stanton. After you check out my review and an excerpt, you should check out some of the other awesome blogs taking part in this tour. The full schedule is here
-------------------------
Review
This book has all things I love: traveling, royalty and well...does there need to be more? I love this cover, I love the concept and was so excited for a fun jaunt around Europe with a beautiful prince in tow. As a fan of movies like The Prince and Me and more recently, books like Suddenly Royal, this was right up my alley.

This is a great, light book that would be great company on a trip to the beach or as you travel across Europe. I can't help but enjoy myself when books take me to different places. And there's always something I completely connect with when a main character is traveling for the first time. It's always an adjustment and a little scary - but you have to go through that before it gets good. And with this book - it does just that. The prince stuff is all great - he's adorable and wonderful and all things you want your prince to be. But it's really when Becca has to stand on her own and how she grows into who she is because of her travels that I really came to adore this book.

That said, I also have to throw in a word about Becca's brother Dylan. I had to include the excerpt with him, because he's just the best. He may be the brightest character in this book. I love his balance of annoying brother and really great ally. He was always helping Becca in ways that were really adorable I kind of want to read his story.

If you're looking for a read to get you in the mood for summer, this is a great place to start. Becca starts out a little whiny and some of the dialog is a little too unnatural, but it grows out of that as Becca comes into herself. I love where she ends up by the end. 
-------------------------
Excerpt
"So how was your date with Nikolai?"
Becca glared at her brother, Dylan.
"Uh-oh. Did he stand you up?" Dylan held a rolled-up magazine. 
She frowned, frustrated that she'd been so easily played. "Yeah, you could say that."
"This might explain why." Dylan held the magazine under her face, forcing her to look at the glossy picture of a guy who looked exactly like Nikolai. 
She took the magazine and examined it closer. Her breath caught in her throat. "That's Nickolai!"
She'd recognize him anywhere. She couldn't read the foreign headline, but it ended with an exclamation point. "Dylan where did you find this?"
He grimaced and shrugged. "It was at every newspaper stand I saw today."
"Why is he on the cover? Did he do something wrong?" She paged through the magazine, holding her breath. Confusion turned to shock when she saw a two-page spread filled with pictures of Nikolai. Nikolai at the beach; a picture of him playing polo; a picture of him in a tuxedo with a girl wearing a glittering gown. Then Becca's eyes landed on a formal picture of Nikolai in uniform, with a sword at his belt, standing next to a young girl. A stern man and austere woman sat in gilded chairs; both adults wore crowns. 
Her jaw dropped open. 
"Why is Nikolai in that picture with people wearing crowns? Who is he?" she asked. Her heart pumped so fast she could feel the blood pulse through her temples. "And why did he lie about his identity?"
-------------------------
About the Book
Author: Angie Stanton
Publisher: Harper Collins
Publication Date: May 6, 2014

Summary: Dragged on a family trip to Europe’s ancient cities, Becca wants nothing more than to go home. Trapped with her emotionally distant father, over-eager stepmother, and a brother who only wants to hook up with European hotties, Becca is miserable. That is until she meets Nikolai, a guy as mysterious as he is handsome. And she unknowingly finds herself with a runaway prince.

Nikolai has everything a guy could ask for-he's crown prince, heir to the throne, and girls adore him. But the one thing he doesn't have...is freedom. Staging a coup, he flees his kingdom and goes undercover on his own European tour.

When Nikolai and Becca meet, it’s their differences that draw them together. Sparks fly as they share a whirlwind of adventures, all the while dodging his royal guard. But Becca's family vacation ends in a matter of days. Will Nikolai and Becca be forced to say goodbye forever, will his destiny catch up to him, or will they change history forever?

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About the Author
Angie Stanton never planned on writing books; she wanted to be a Rockette. However, growing up in rural Wisconsin, with her brothers' 4-H pigs as pets, dance didn't work out. Instead she became an avid daydreamer. After years of perfecting stories in her head, she began to write them down, and the rest is history.

Angie is the author of six books including Royally LostRock and a Hard Place, and Snapshot. She graduated with a Journalism degree from the University of Wisconsin, and is a proud double finalist of the National Readers Choice Awards for Love 'em or Leave 'em.

Find Angie Online: Website :: Twitter :: Facebook
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Giveaway

Monday, March 10, 2014

Blog Tour: Playing Pretend by Juliana Haygert

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Playing Pretend by Juliana Haygert, organized by YA Bound Blog Tours. Check out my review, enter the giveaway and then check out the other stops on the tour here
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Review
The best part about this book is that it's exactly like watching a rom-com, except you're reading so you get so much more. I've always been a sucker for the First Daughter and Catching Liberty kind of movies and this reminded me a lot of that. It's just a fun story about growing up and finding your own voice. Plus, there's not only an awesome romance, but a great friendship as well.

The book just dove right into the developing relationship between Charlotte and Mason, which was a little different. I like that it immediately threw off what I've come to expect from NA novels. It wasn't a meet-cute kind of situation and it wasn't suppressed feelings because of a dark past kind of thing. It was two people who liked each other just going all out. Until Charlotte goes home after Spring Break and back to real life. The way Charlotte and Mason meet up again is a little too coincidental, but for what this book is, it's easy to roll with.

I think Charlotte's relationship with her mother is really well done. It's a smothering and demanding relationship, but it isn't too crazy. I mostly love that it sets up Charlotte to have this kind of awesome secret life, which includes a fantastic friend and then, of course, Mason. It was fun to watch Charlotte's secret life. And Mason is definitely swoon-worthy. For what he goes through to be with Charlotte, he has to be the most patient and understanding dude ever. But that's why it's easy to love him.

Playing Pretend is a quick read, but it has the smart rom-com thing going for it. Basically I love Juliana Haygert, and she's proven herself with urban fantasy in her Everlast Trilogy, with darker contemporary in Breaking the Reins, and now with the sweeter side of contemporary in Playing Pretend. I'd definitely recommend her for anything you're craving in the new adult field. 
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About Playing Pretend

Playing Pretend
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Word Count: 65,000Release date: March 2014
Cover: Berto Designs

As the Governor’s daughter, Charlotte McClain is an expert in playing pretend. High society, the men her mother shoves in her direction and a Pre-Law major are all a part of her perfect pretense. But when she pretends to be a nobody during Spring Break, she meets someone who rocks her world.


Mason Rowell knows heartbreak and Spring Break don’t mesh well, so he allows the mysterious Charlotte to seduce him. What should have been a fling, results in something deeper. After Spring Break has long since passed, he moves to Washington to pursue his graduate degree, but what he never expected to find living among the rich and pompous, was the girl who gave him the strength to change and the desire to start anew.

When the guy Charlotte can’t forget goes from a sensual memory to temptation in the flesh, her facade is put to the test. If she surrenders to his charms, she risks ruining her mother’s perfect career and master plan. Playing pretend is what Charlotte does best, but how long can she pretend she doesn't love the man who made her proud of her true self?

**A light, sexy NA Contemporary Romance**

Book Links: Amazon :: B&N :: Kobo :: iBooks :: Createspace :: Goodreads
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About the Author
New Adult author and contributor at NA Alley blog.
While Juliana Haygert dreams of being Wonder Woman, Buffy, or a blood elf shadow priest, she settles for the less exciting—but equally gratifying—life of a wife, mother, and author. Thousands of miles away from her former home in Brazil, she now resides in Connecticut and spends her days writing about kick-ass heroines and the heroes who drive them crazy.

Author Links: 
Website :: Blog :: Twitter :: Facebook :: Goodreads :: Pinterest
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Giveaway 
 RULES AND RESTRICTIONS: 
Contest is void where prohibited. Entrants must be 13 or else have parent or guardian’s permission to enter. Winners will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond  or another winner’s name will be selected. Winning entries will be verified for authenticity.
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Blog Tour Organized by:

Monday, February 17, 2014

Taking Something Tour: Review + Giveaway

Welcome to my stop on the tour for Taking Something by Elizabeth Lee! 
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Review
I just have to give major props to Elizabeth Lee for taking a character I so thoroughly loathed in Give Me Something and turning him into someone I cared about and rooted for. It's pretty impressive. Nick is still up to his conning ways and he doesn't exactly shine as a changed man in the beginning. I was nervous about the whole pop star angle, but she even managed to twist that plot line around. Everyone seems to be manipulating each other for one reason or another and maybe seeing someone else do worse than Nick made him more likable.

But of course, as he actually finds someone who sees through him and makes him vulnerable, I actually started to like him. I was totally caught up in this book trying to figure out how he was going to get himself out of his own messes and make it all okay. He makes a lot of decisions and does some things that are questionable, but I realized how much he'd wormed his way into my good graces when I started making excuses for his behavior. I wanted him to come out on the good side of things and I'm officially a fan of Nick's.

Gia was harder for me to understand. I love that she had her own storyline that we only get to see little by little, but I wanted to connect with her more. It was a bold move for Elizabeth to tell the whole story through Nick's perspective and it paid off in a lot of ways. But the girl in me wanted to know more about the girl in the story. Sadie was a treat though (I meant that sarcastically). I don't even know where to start with that hot mess of a girl.

With this departure from Elizabeth Lee's usual country setting and good country boys, I think she's branched out into a good place. She's been an automatic read for me since I read Shattered and I just continue to enjoy everything she writes. So if you haven't given her books a shot, just know that she's one of my most highly recommended new adult authors.
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About the Book

I know what you're thinking. “You were such a jerk, Nick!”  Believe me, I know I screwed up the best thing I had going in my life, but that was kind of my thing. I’d learned how to run cons before I could even form complete sentences, and I'd always been selfish.  But I changed.  Lila forgave me, my brother and I were getting along, and I was trying to make a name for myself in the music world.

At least that was what I was trying to do when I negotiated my way into the recording studio with pop superstar Sadie Sinclair. I thought it would be a piece of cake—charm my way into her heart and into her record label's good graces.

Just when I thought I had it all figured out, I got mixed up in a web of lies, manipulation, and deception. A web that had me questioning my motives and desires altogether.

Was the fame and fortune really worth the price? 
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About the Author
When I'm not writing or playing the part of wife and mother, you can find me dancing back-up for Beyonce, singing back-up for Miranda, or sunning myself on the beach with a drink in hand.  Here's the thing about being born and raised in a small town—you have a very vivid imagination!  Now, I channel it all to create stories where the girl always ends up with the right guy, first kisses are magical, and a happy ending is just that!

Find Elizabeth Online: Facebook :: Twitter :: Website :: Goodreads
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Giveaway
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Tour Schedule

February 17
Movies, Shows & Books – Author Interview
In The Best Worlds – Review Only
The Phantom Paragrapher – Review Only
The Indie Express – Review Only

February 18
Read This~Hear That – Playlist
Blimey! I Fancy Reading – Review Only
Roxy’s Reviews – Review Only
Stormy Day Reading Books – Review Only
Paperbook Princess – Review Only

February 19
Comfort Books – Guest post
2 Bookaholics – Excerpt
Halos and Horns Book Blog – Review Only
Cocktails & Books – Review Only
In My Room Reading  – Review Only
Into the Hall of Books – Review Only

February 20
Reader Girls – Excerpt
Scandalous Book Blog – Character Interview
Rumpled Sheets Blog – Review Only
Ramblings From This Chick – Review Only

February 21
Living in a Bookworld – Excerpt
Lovin’ Los Libros – Review Only
Deal Sharing Aunt – Review Only

February 22
Kassie’s Book Thoughts – Author Interview
Sofia Loves Books – Review Only
Biblio Belles – Review Only
Mean Girls Luv Books – Review Only
Not Everyone’s Mama – Review Only

February 23
Read-Love-Blog – Guest Post
My Favorite Things – Review Only
Book Freaks – Review Only
Books Unhinged Book Blog – Review Only
The Boyfriend Bookmarks – Review Only

February 24
Stuck in YA Books – Guest Post
Above Average Below Special – Review Only
Group Therapy Book Club – Review Only

February 25
StarAngel’s Reviews – Review Only
Lustful Literature – Review Only
True Story Book Blog – Character Interview
Romance Addict Book Blog – Dream cast

February 26
Fabulously Girly Book Blog – Review Only
Once Upon a Twilight – Review Only
Girl With Books – Review Only
Seeking Book Boyfriends – Review Only
Book Addict Mumma – Review Only
Fiddle Fadle – Guest Post