This is Sarah by Ally Malinenko Review

This is Sarah

by Ally Malinenko

Release Date: July 3rd, 2014

 Summary from Goodreads:

When Colin Leventhal leaned out his bedroom window on the night of May 12th and said goodbye to his girlfriend, he never expected it would be forever. But when Sarah Evans goes missing that night, Colin’s world unravels as he transforms from the boyfriend next door to the main police suspect. Then one year later, at her memorial service, Colin makes a phone call that changes everything. Is it possible that Sarah is still alive? And if so how can he bring her back? As Colin struggles with this possibility, across the street, Sarah’s little sister, Claire learns how to navigate the strange new landscape of life without her sister. While her parents fall apart, Claire remains determined to keep going even if it kills her. THIS IS SARAH serves as a meditation on loss, love and what it means to say goodbye. 

Review:

*I received an eCopy in exchange for an honest review.

“Hi, this is Sarah. You know what to do.“

This is Sarah is a harrowing tale about the disappearance of a teenage girl and the devastating impact it has on the two people closest to her. Although the book is called This is Sarah, it isn’t Sarah’s story, but rather the story of the people Sarah left behind.

Although the subject matter of This is Sarah is tough to stomach, it was one of my favorite reads of 2014. The story is told from alternating POV between Sarah’s boyfriend, Colin, and her sister, Claire. It was an emotional journey through the minds of both Colin and Claire. Colin struggled to deal with his own anger and grief, while Claire was suffocated by the impact Sarah’s disappearance had on her family. It was devastating seeing them both react to Sarah’s disappearance.

“Where are you, sweetheart? Where did you go that you can’t come back from? Why can’t you come back?“

 I really liked both Claire and Colin. I thought Malinenko really breathed life into them.  I think it would have been easy for Claire and Colin to tell us about their grief and pain and devastation but instead through Malinenko’s words the reader is really able to feel what they both felt. I was really able to delve into the deepest, darkest parts of both characters thoughts. I think the rawness and realness of both characters was what drew me into the story most. It was painful to see both characters suffer through this tragedy but what I found most heartbreaking was Claire’s struggle. Not only was her sister likely abducted, but she also felt the “survivor’s guilt” of being the sister left behind. Her whole world was turned upside down and she wasn’t able to find solace in her family, instead she found more pain. This was really hard for me to stomach. As for Colin, his love for Sarah was one of the purest loves. He is undeniably loyal to her, even a year after her disappearance. However, his feelings for her and the guilt he feels over her disappearance is crippling and begins to tear his world apart.

“I still see her face, turned up at me, with that smile. My God, how she smiled.“

The mystery that surrounded Sarah’s disappearance kept me thoroughly engrossed and invested in the story. Malinenko was able to plant seeds of doubt in my mind that left me wondering if someone closest to Sarah could indeed be responsible for her disappearance. I enjoyed the artful way the mystery was entwined with the characters’ stories.

With its gut-wrenching and heartbreaking subject matter, This is Sarah is a powerful book that will take readers on an emotional rollercoaster.  Although I found the ending to be rather satisfying, This is Sarah is definitely one of those stories that concentrates more on the journey than the destination so it may leave some readers wanting more. I highly recommend this book and I look forward to reading more from Malinenko in the future!

Landslide by Jenn Cooksey – Cover Reveal & Giveaway

Release Date: January 2015

Publisher: Jenn Cooksey

Genre: New Adult/ Contemporary Romance

Add to Goodreads

 

I’m pretty excited about this cover, isn’t it gorgeous?! Jenn Cooksey is one of my favorite authors and I am so excited about this upcoming release!

Synopsis:

For Erica and Cole, the bond of friendship was forged in childhood.

Now, torn and broken by grief, that bond will become paramount as two friends look to one another for comfort, strength, and hope in the aftermath of loss. On a journey taken both together and alone, Erica and Cole search for healing and life born anew. Although when mistakes, secrets and betrayal are revealed, the two must each learn to accept that even saints and some angels are human and people aren’t always who they appear to be.

But in the age old struggle to forget and forgive, realization dawns. And with it, so does the understanding that sometimes, the sturdiest foundation for the future lies buried in the dust of the past. Because, for some people…

…love is friendship caught on fire.

Jenn has provided a playlist for each one of us participating in the cover reveal to “reveal”! So I have Skinny Love by Birdy, which is one of my favorite songs and is guaranteed to choke me up every time I hear it. Enjoy! Check out Jenn’s Blog to see the rest of the playlist and enter the giveaway!

 

Skinny Love by Birdy – click me!

Dirty Secret (The Burke Brothers, #1) by Emma Hart Blog Tour – Review, Excerpt, & Giveaway!

 

Dirty Secret (The Burke Brothers, #1)

by Emma Hart

Release Date: December 1st, 2014

Summary from Goodreads:

Conner Burke never expected Sofie Callahan to come back.Where she’s been for the last two and half years is a mystery, and so is the reason she left in the first place. Now, though, she’s back in their hometown of Shelton Bay, South Carolina, at the same time Conner’s band Dirty B. is home on a tour break.

Sofie Callahan has spent the months since her father’s death avoiding anything to do with her hometown. But with her brother in Afghanistan, she has no choice but to return and sort out her father’s house, even if it means facing the boy she fell in love with and revealing the reason she left.

Conner has questions, and when his broken heart and her guilty one collide, Sofie has to start answering them. Their present is rocky, their future unknown. Only one thing is certain: Sofie’s daughter will change everything.

 

BUY LINKS:

AMAZON –  iTunes
Barnes & Noble – Blio
BAM – Google Play

 
Review:

*I received an eARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Dirty Secret is a second-chance romance featuring Conner Burke, lead singer of Dirty B, and Sofie Callahan, the girl next door. Sofie disappeared 2 years prior without a trace, leaving Conner heartbroken and confused. Now that she’s back, Conner is determined to find out why she left in the first place and if they can mend what’s broken.

I liked Dirty Secret, a lot. There were many times I was left breathless from the chemistry between Sofie and Conner, and many times I wanted to throw my Kindle against the wall because of them. I love when a book can make my heart race from equal parts excitement and anger.

I have to admit, I was not a huge fan of Sofie for the majority of the book. I think her actions were immature and irrational and I really wasn’t on board with her reasoning. I also could not for the life of me understand why she would be upset when Conner was angry with her. I think he had every right to be angry and I think he treated her more respectfully than most people would in his situation.  I think her saving grace for me was that even though I didn’t agree with her logic, I could on some level understand it and forgive her naiveté.

Conner, however, was another story. He’s a rock star with a down-to-earth attitude which is seriously hot. I found him to be endearing and although he was pretty quick to forgive Sofie, I think he was the more mature of the two characters and I respected that. I loved his Southern charm and I loved the way he loved Sofie and Mila. His interactions with Mila may have been what made this book for me. I could feel myself smiling and my heart swelling with every interaction between the two.

My favorite part of reading a new series from Emma Hart is meeting all the characters. I think she is fabulous at creating characters with distinctive personalities. I have never found one unmemorable.  I am so excited that this will be a series because I cannot wait to see more form the Burke brothers, especially Tate. I found Tate’s stand-offish behavior to be intriguing and I was ecstatic when Mila was able to deflate his tough guy persona. I was also a really big fan of Leila, the Burke sister. She was such a spit-fire and I loved that she had no problem telling Conner and Sofie when they were being childish. I know this series is called The Burke Brothers but I would be more than happy to read Leila’s story. (hint, hint)

Dirty Secret is chock full of romance, drama, and hilarity. I was furiously turning pages to find out what was going happen next between Sofie and Conner, would they or won’t they? Although I struggled with Sofie as a character this didn’t really affect my enjoyment of the story itself. I don’t have to like a character but I need to be able to at least know the why of their behavior. I cannot wait to get my hands on the next Burke Brothers book!

Giveaway:

Enter to win a Dirty B Swag Pack!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Excerpt:

That kid that could be mine. I get up and let the empty bottle drop to the floor. The woods are eerily quiet, as if it can sense my anger. As if it knows the bitterness that lingers in my veins, as if it knows the burn of not knowing anything.
Like the woods, I’m left in the dark. Completely.
Branches and twigs crunch under my feet as I increase my pace to a gentle jog. And again, to a slow run. Then to a sprint.
The need to know increases with every footstep, as evenly paced as the ticking of the clock. It doesn’t matter that I’ve probably drunk too much beer to be here or that we’ve only been back for a matter of days.
I can’t be in this shithole full of memories without knowing. I can’t move on until I know. I can’t forgive her for a single fucking thing until I know—and even then, maybe I won’t be able to.
Maybe she’s unforgivable.
Instead of knocking on the back door like I did yesterday, I round the side of the house to the front door. The front room light glows softly through the curtains, but the rest of the house is dark.
My chest heaves with the exertion of my run here and I grab the doorframe to balance myself. I’m definitely too fucking drunk for this conversation, but what the hell.
I bang on the door, once, twice, again and again and again. “Sofie! Open the fuckin’ door!”
“Shut up!” she hisses, yanking it open. “The hell’re you doing here?”
I smirk, leaning against the wall. “Shouldn’t I be askin’ you that, princess?”
“Are you drunk?” Her voice rises a little at the end, and her eyes widen.
Those eyes. Fuck, those baby blues that have always undone me.
“Drunk? No. If I was drunk I’d be sitting at home like a miserable bastard and not here facing the cause of my misery.”
“You’re being an asshole. I don’t have to listen to this.”
She pushes on the door, but I wedge my foot in front of it. I let go of the wall and grab the edge of the door.
“Actually, you do.”
She can’t overpower me, and she knows it, because she lets up and the door swings open. “Why are you here, Conner?”
“You have a kid.”
She smacks her lips together. “Yep.”
“When? When did you have her?”
Sofie takes a deep breath in and presses her hands to her stomach. They’re shaking, even as she links her fingers to hide it. I can see that fucking tremble.
She whispers something but I’m too pre-occupied by her hands to hear it.
“What?”
“August last year,” she repeats, still a whisper.
August. Last year. My stomach clenches as I meet her eyes. “When? When in fuckin’ August, Sofie?”
“August fifteenth.” Her voice hitches halfway through the ‘fifteenth.’
Almost seven months to the day she walked out on me and the rest of Shelton Bay.
Adrenaline hums through my body, and I stare at her. At the tears building in her eyes, the quiver of her lips, the bob of her throat as she swallows harshly.
It’s no different from the burn in my chest, the twisting of my stomach.
“Is she mine?”
She shudders and a tear drips from her eye.
“Sofie. Is. She. Mine?!”

 

 

About the Author:

By day, New York Times and USA Today bestselling New Adult author Emma Hart dons a cape and calls herself Super Mum to two beautiful little monsters. By night, she drops the cape, pours a glass of whatever she fancies – usually wine – and writes books.
Emma is working on Top Secret projects she will share with her followers and fans at every available opportunity. Naturally, all Top Secret projects involve a dashingly hot guy who likes to forget to wear a shirt, a sprinkling (or several) of hold-onto-your-panties hot scenes, and a whole lotta love.
She likes to be busy – unless busy involves doing the dishes, but that seems to be when all the ideas come to life.

Find Emma online at:
Blog: http://www.emmahart.org
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/EmmaHartBooks
Twitter: @EmmaHartAuthor
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6451162.Emma_Hart

 

The Wilds (Reign and Ruin, #1) by Jules Hedger

The Wilds (Reign and Ruin, #1)

by Jules Hedger

Release Date: October 9th, 2014

Summary from Goodreads:

Coming home to New York in summer holidays is nothing short of torturous. Maggie’s mother is officially the worst widow ever and her wayward uncle can’t see past the heroin or the twisted pictures he paints. Lonely is normal and normal is becoming unbearable.Plagued by nightmares and left behind to pick up the pieces of a fallen king, an opportunity of escape leads Cirrus to take a dangerous gamble; a gamble that snatches Maggie out of her uncle’s apartment and into a dangerous world of shifting sand and treacherous beauty.Now Maggie must fight for a nation she never knew existed. But who can she trust when everything around her is melting like paint? Even more, the man she’s fighting against is at once the captor and her savior, the villain and her friend. They could be each other’s salvation or destruction, the choice is up to them . . .

Review:

*I received and eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I enjoy a good fantasy book. I love being swept away into new, strange worlds, so I was excited to start The Wilds. This book is reminiscent of Alice Adventures in Wonderland. There are not a lot of plot similarities but both worlds are complex and imaginative.

The story begins with the reader meeting Maggie, a 20 something year old returning home from college. After being forced to spend a night at her drug-addicted uncle’s house, he overdoses and dies. Maggie is then informed by her uncle’s “friend,” Marty, that her uncle is the Creator of Palet, another world, and she must go with him and take her rightful place as the descendant to the throne. Maggie is understandably reluctant, but Marty forces her to swallow a marble that transports her to Palet. Thrust into an unknown world, and forced to participate in “The Walk” against Cirrus, a ruthless opponent, Maggie is forced to fight for the throne but she has to survive first.

The different places and people of Palet come to life through the Creator’s paintings. The Creator paints his dreams; therefore the different settings within Palet are often very bizarre. I didn’t really expect anything less from a world made from a man’s dreams but there were times that I felt I didn’t always understand what was going on which caused me to struggle a bit with the world-building in the beginning. I found myself re-reading passages here and there to make sure I was absorbing and comprehending everything. This definitely slowed down my progress for about the first 40%.

Maggie is full of spunk and attitude, so I knew I was going to like her from the get-go. When she found out about her uncle and her role within Palet, she did not immediately say “Oh, okay, let’s go!” She was full of skepticism and I respected that. It was nice to see a heroine who didn’t immediately believe everything she was told. There were definitely moments throughout the book where I thought “What are you doing, Maggie?!” I seemed to always have these thoughts with regards to her relationships with Cirrus and Lucan. She continuously fell all over herself when it came to these two men.

Cirrus was confusing. Sometimes I was convinced he was a villain and other times I felt empathy for him. I couldn’ttell if he was in love with Maggie or just wanted to infiltrate her mind. The scenes from his POV were told in third person which did make it a little more difficult to really understand his motives.

As for Lucan, I did really like what I saw of him. He was gruff and full of sarcasm. He served as Maggie’s protector, confidante, and companion throughout The Walk. As Cirrus’ brother and mortal enemy, I’m interested to see what becomes of him and his dynamic with both his brother and Maggie.

I am very fond of character development within the stories I read. Although I felt there wasn’t a lot of character development in The Wild’s, I do understand that this is the first book in what is most likely going to be a complex story, and therefore the world-building definitely took the front seat. I’m hoping with the next novel the characters are more fleshed out. Where the world of Palet made an impact on me, none of the characters made a huge impact on me and I definitely hope that will change.

Overall, I enjoyed The Wilds, despite my initial struggle with the world-building. Hedger provides a rich and colorful world that I grew to really revel in.  I would recommend it to someone who enjoys fantasy and is willing to invest time in understanding a new world. I am interested to see where Hedger takes Maggie and the world of Palet in the upcoming novels.

The Eternal by Helen Boswell Cover Reveal

A note from the author:

Thank you for helping me celebrate the release of the
cover to the third and final installment of the Mythology YA series! I’ve had
such an amazing publishing journey with these books, and I’m forever grateful
to fans both old and new who have supported me along the way.

Such exciting things are afoot with this series. It was
optioned out by Off the Grid Entertainment for potential movie/TV production
earlier this year, and starting in 2015, I’ll be writing the start to the
Mythology Adult series! Hopefully you’ll stay tuned to my website for future
developments!

With my ETERNAL love
and gratitude,

Helen
Boswell

And now, the cover….

BOOK TITLE: THE
ETERNAL (Mythology #3)

AUTHOR: Helen Boswell

GENRE: Young Adult, Urban
Fantasy/Paranormal

Coming: Winter 2014

BOOK DESCRIPTION:

Self-preservation, above all. That’s the credo by which
guardian Jonathan Draper justifies his existence. Or at least it was until he
found Hope Gentry. Backed by the powers of his beloved Hope and his most loyal
guardian Raleigh Peyton, Jonathan should have enough influence to save his
sector from destruction. But Buffalo is plagued by guardian unrest and
increasing threats from the city’s most evil entities, and Jonathan is stripped
of all authority.

Never harm a soul. That’s the credo by which the members
of the demon alliance live. Micah Condie has trouble fitting in, and it doesn’t
help that he has enough power to set anyone he touches on fire. He can’t return
home until he cancels out the debt he owes the most powerful immortals. But
when he uncovers an eighteen-year old secret that rocks the foundation of his
existence, Micah has no choice but to go back home. Now not only must he
placate the immortals, but he must face an uncertain future with his girlfriend
Hope Gentry, reconcile with the family he abandoned, and finally settle the
score with Jonathan Draper.

Someone is masterminding a plot to destroy all of the
guardians and human souls in existence. Only if Jonathan and his most unlikely
ally, Micah, can join forces will they be able to save them.

The fate of all depends on the will of one: THE ETERNAL.

ADD TO GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22441543-mythology

MYTHOLOGY (Mythology #1) and THE WICKED
(Mythology #2) are now available on Amazon.com. Read for free with the
KindleUnlimited Program.

Buy MYTHOLOGY
for $1.99 on Kindle: http://amzn.to/XHZYf4

Buy THE WICKED
for $2.99 on Kindle: http://bit.ly/amazonMCondie

About the
Author:

Helen Boswell credits her dad, an avid fiction
reader, with encouraging her to read ALL OF THE BOOKS on his shelves from the
time she was a teenager. Originally from upstate New York, Helen spent much of
her early adult life tromping around in Buffalo, NYC, Toronto, and Las Vegas,
those cities now serving as inspiration for the dark and gritty backdrops of
her stories. She is the author of YA urban fantasies MYTHOLOGY, THE WICKED,
and THE ETERNAL (coming Winter 2014), and NA contemporary romance LOSING ENOUGH
(GOING FOR BROKE; coming Spring 2015). 

Website    |    Twitter    |     Facebook    |     Tumblr    |     Instagram    |    Pinterest 

Between the Stars and Sky by David James Blog Tour – Promo and Giveaway!

Today I am hosting a promo stop for David James’ new novel Between the Stars and Sky! I actually had the opportunity to read a bit of this and I have to say it is amazing so far! If you haven’t read a book by James yet, you’re missing out. Be sure to enter the giveaway at the end of the post!

 

 

NOW AVAILABLE

BETWEEN THE STARS AND SKY
is a vivid contemporary novel from Young Adult author David James.
Lyrical and romantic, BETWEEN THE STARS AND SKY is a heart-stopping,
contemporary read for fans of Maggie Stiefvater and David Levithan. 

 

 

SYNOPSIS: “In the small,
lakeside town of Huntington, the Firelight Festival marks the end of summer. A time to laugh, to live, to love. And for Jackson Grant, it is a chance to begin again. But there is a darker side to the Firelight Festival, a deadly tradition known as the Firelight Fall. A secret game. A legendary lie. A test of bravery. Those who fall risk everything, and Jackson is on the edge. Until he meets a girl who pushes him over. 

For Jackson, falling for Sarah Blake might be as dangerous as jumping in the Firelight Fall. As summer burns away, Jackson and Sarah ignite an unstoppable love game. For her, his heart is on fire. And soon, Sarah shows him life, saves him from loss, and opens his heart to an infinite and wild love found between the stars and sky.”

 

 

BUY LINKS Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Kobo

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

David James writes books about stars and kisses and curses. He is the author of the YA novel, LIGHT OF THE MOON, the first book in the Legend of the Dreamer duet, as well as the companion novellas, THE WITCH’S CURSE and THE WARRIOR’S CODE. A Legend of the Dreamer anthology, SHADES OF THE STARS, was released July 2013, and includes the exclusive novella, THE ENCHANTER’S FIRE. The final book in the duet, SHADOW OF THE SUN, will be released in 2015. Living in Michigan,
he is addicted to coffee, gummy things, and sarcastic comments. David enjoys bad movies, goofy moments, and shivery nights. Visit David’s blog at djamesauthor.blogspot.com and facebook at facebook.com/djamesauthor to learn more about his novels.

STALK LINKS

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon

 

GIVEAWAY

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

eCopy of Between the Stars and Sky!

Marrow by Tarryn Fisher Blurb Reveal!

 

Today is the synopsis reveal for Tarryn Fisher’s new novel Marrow! I am SO excited about this book. After devouring Mud Vein and the  Love Me With Lies Series  she has become a definite one-click for me. She is the master of creating eccentric, disturbing, but somehow lovable characters and intriguing plots.

So without further ado the blurb for Marrow:

 

In the Bone there is a house.
In the house there is a girl.
In the girl there is a darkness.Margo is not like other girls. She lives in a derelict neighborhood called the Bone, in a cursed house, with her cursed mother, who hasn’t spoken to her in over two years. She lives her days feeling invisible. It’s not until she develops a friendship with her wheelchair-bound neighbor, Judah Grant, that things begin to change. When neighborhood girl, seven-year-old Neveah Anthony, goes missing, Judah sets out to help Margo uncover what happened to her.What Margo finds changes her, and with a new perspective on life, she’s determined to find evil and punish it–targeting rapists and child molesters, one by one.But hunting evil is dangerous, and Margo risks losing everything, including her own soul.

Link to Marrow on Goodreads

Teasers:

About Tarryn Fisher:

I am a real life villain, truly. I drink sick amounts of Starbucks. Most of the time my hair smells like coffee. I was born in South Africa, and lived there for most of my childhood. I moved to Seattle just for the rain. Rome is my favorite place in the world so far, Paris comes in at a close second. I read and write more than I sleep. When I was eleven, I wrote an entire novel about runaway orphans, using only purple ink. I am addicted to Florence and the Machine and will travel to see concerts. I love scary movies and giraffes. I spend way too much time on Facebook. Meet you there?…

Facebook  – Twitter – Author website

Instagram – Goodreads

 

Divine Vices by Melissa Parkin

 

 

Divine Vices (Divine Vices #1)

by Melissa Parkin

Release Date: November 2nd, 2013

 

 

Summary from Goodreads:

Danger seldom leaves its victims unscathed in the ways of seduction, and this lesson is one that sixteen-year-old Cassie Foster now knows all too well.

Nine months following the traumatic accident that claimed the life of her mother and sister, this high school junior has at last found a fresh start in the quiet town of New Haven, Maine. In the company of her best friends, Ian and Gwen, she’s bracing the usual turmoil of adolescence and taking all in stride… until the new transfer student, Jackson Matthews, comes walking into her life. He’s arrogant, sarcastic, roguish, devastatingly sexy, and the very last thing Cassie wants to entertain. But when circumstances drive these two together, she finds herself a bit too close for comfort as their bond intensifies. Plagued by unexplainable events, a sudden string of disappearances, and even a cult-related murder, Cassie begins to fear for her life. Is it all just a coincidence that these happenings began when this Casanova strolled into town, or has she in fact fallen for a real lady-killer, or worse?

Review:

*I was provided an eCopy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I liked Dive Vices. It was witty with an edge of mystery that kept me guessing from beginning to end. Divine Vices picks up with Cassie starting over, new life, new town, new friends, new beginning. Or so Cassie thinks, until Jackson “Jack” Matthews finds his way into town and a string of strange murders begin.

I liked Cassie a lot. I loved her intelligence, big vocabulary, and off-beat fashion sense. I enjoyed her wit and gentle banter with her two best friends Gwen and Ian. Gwen was a spit-fire and a mini-detective. I loved that she always had her nose stuck where it didn’t necessarily belong. Like Cassie’s love life and a murder case…It was entertaining to see her work her magic and it was even better when she went into battle mode against mean girl Stacy. As for Ian, I LOVED him. He was a doll. He was the kind of best friend every girl needs. I was actually really hoping for a romance to blossom between him and Cassie, even though there was obvious chemistry between her and Jack. As for Jack, I was never really certain of him. He was always very contradictory. Sometimes he was sweet and other times he seemed downright devious. I was never sure what to expect from him and thus I had a hard time imagining him with Cassie. I definitely saw the attraction between them but beyond that I thought he was a bit controlling.

As for the story line, I enjoyed it. I will say that I didn’t find the story particularly enthralling until about a third of the way through. I honestly think it was due to the lack of action in the first part of the book and a bit of confusion on my part. There was a lot of background given that I think might have been a bit superfluous. I also didn’t really understand the role of the supernatural elements until the end of the book. However, the murder mystery elements really drove the plot and I found myself trying to play Sherlock and figure out who was behind the gruesome murders.

Overall, I enjoyed Divine Vices despite our bumpy start. Full of pop culture references including a newfound favorite of mine, Supernatural, Divine Vices will appeal to those who enjoy paranormal mixed in with their mysteries. I think readers will connect with and enjoy the characters, especially Cassie. To wrap up this review I have to say I couldn’t believe the book ended the way it did and I’m a bit anxious to see what happens next!

 

Soul Promise (The Soul Mate Series Book 2) Blog Tour – Review, Excerpt, & Giveaway

Soul Promise (The Soul Mate Series Book 2)

by Rachel Walter

Release Date: July 20th, 2014

Summary from Goodreads:

“Broken is finding the light and the healing you crave,
and knowing you can never have it.”
After the attack on his sister and his newfound abilities forming, Henry Williams is struggling to keep it all together. His wolf does not allow him to sleep, and he is beginning to hear voices, torturing him mercilessly.
Henry feels as though there is a war brewing inside of him and he is unable to control it. As a protector, he must find a way to fight his inner demons before he is left vulnerable to the real ones.

But an unexpected love finds Henry and he tries hard to resist it. Will Henry be able to overcome his inner demons? Will he be able to protect his mate? 

 

This is book number 2 in this series. Please note that it is suggested to read the series in sequential order. 
*Warning* This novel is intended for mature YA readers. 15 + for language and mild violence.

Buy Links:Amazon US | Barnes & Noble | Amazon CA  Amazon UK | Kobo | Lulu

Review:

*I received an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed True Connection so when I was offered the chance to read and review Soul Promise I was really excited! Soul Promise picks up right where TC left off but tells Henry’s story this time around.  I liked the fact that I could easily slip inside his head and fall back into his world. Henry is going through a lot. He’s just found out he can shape shift into a wolf, that his biological father is a murderer, and his head is filled with the whispers of something dark. Henry struggles knowing that even though something is after him, he doesn’t know how to protect himself or his family.

My favorite things about this series are the bonds between the characters. Henry’s relationship with his family and his pack are extremely evident throughout both books. It’s nice to see an emphasis placed on familial bonds and I love that Henry actually has a parent who knows what’s going on with him. It’s awesome when parents actually take part in a  YA novel, rather than being sidelined or absent. I also just love his relationships with Jazzy and Barry. I love the comedic relief their teasing each other brings to the story but when things are rough they’re always there for each other. I also loved his relationship with Skeeter/Delilah. Delilah has just enough spunk to go head to head with Henry and keep him grounded. I was definitey cheering for them (since book 1, actually!) and there were definitely some moments where I  “squeed.”

I can’t say enough about the supernatural elements of this series, the different beings are definitely unique and fresh. I think my favorite beings might just be the Firebirds. So hopefully we’ll get to see more from them, or perhaps a book focused on Tristan?

As for the overall story, I felt that it was well-paced, there were a few places I felt the story was a little rushed. I definitely couldn’t put this book down and was so happy it lived up to book 1! I can’t wait to read what’s in store for these crazy characters! I would definitely recommend this series to readers who love a great cast of characters and unique supernatural elements!

 Excerpt:

Finding Dad and Sophie’s graves, I shift back to my human form and slip the elastic belt loose to release my shorts. I put them on and walk between the stones to sit right in front of Dad’s headstone. Seeing his name, Curtis James Williams, I nearly lose myself. I break my stillness by wiping away some dirt from the face of the stone.

“Hey, Dad,” I whisper. Taking a seat in the grass, I begin pulling weeds, my usual routine. “Things have been…well, pretty insane.”

I think back over the last few weeks since the last time I visited. Between finals in school, working out, pack duties, learning things of this world that I never knew possible, fighting and not fighting with Skeeter, things have been intense and nonstop crazy.

“Football will start in August. I don’t think I’m doing the playbook boot camp again this year. I know it’s important, but I’ve got a lot on my plate now. I won’t give up football,” I promise my dad.

With a hard swallow, I decide to move into updating him on the family. “Mom is trying to be Mom,” I say, yanking a weed from in front of his headstone. “She’s okay, I think. I know it’s harder on her than she lets on, but she’s trying to live for us, which is more than she did a few months ago. She has days where the tears just won’t stop, but they’re not as constant now. She seems angrier than usual.” I wince as memories zoom around me. Mom got angry at me for throwing my wet towel in the hamper, ripped into Leland over a brand of peanut butter he bought, and has been suspicious of Jaz and Seth for no reason. I’d rather not rehash all that again, so I continue on with the family updates.

“Alex is talking more. Sometimes we can understand him. He just started calling me Heywe the other day,” I say proudly. Alex is Leland’s son and is a little over a year old. He only says “dada” and “Heywe.” Mom and Jaz were a bit upset about that and are still trying to teach him new words.

“He’s getting a lot better with walking, too. He’s not tottering as much and doesn’t need help all the time. Mom fusses when he falls down, but I know she’s enjoying watching him walk and try to reach different milestones. Leland had to baby proof the living room and kitchen, too, because Alex thought his gold fish crackers belonged in the VCR and DVD player. That was a mess. Leland just tossed it after attempting to shake out all the crackers.” I snort.

I don’t tell him about the time Alex put his teddy in the cabinet next to the oven. None of us could find it and he had no way of letting us know where it was, even if he could remember. I can laugh now, but that was a rough two days. He screamed almost non-stop for that thing. Jazzy finally found it when she went to make waffles, and he conked out as soon as he got his little hands on it. Dad had picked out that teddy bear just for Alex the day Psycho Sammy, Leland’s ex, dropped him off, calling him freak spawn. That teddy is Alex’s best friend now.

I grab a few more weeds and pile them off to the side. It’s not many, and the landscapers usually get them all, but they don’t come out often.

 Giveaway:

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Author Bio:

Rachel is a wife and mother from Central Pennsylvania. Her favorite season is fall, for hockey, changing leaves, pumpkin everything, and bonfires often. She’s also a coffeenista with an insomnia problem. When Rachel isn’t playing with the people inside her head, making her family believe she belongs in the loony bin, she enjoys spending time with her family, friends, species confused cat (he believes he’s part dog, love him), and finding new books and music.

Regarding writing, her first love is Young Adult Paranormal, but she’s venturing outside of her comfort zone and opening up to writing more genres. Be on the look out!

    

Wild Temptation by Emma Hart Cover Reveal – Excerpt & Giveaway

I’m really excited to get Tyler’s story! Today I have the cover reveal, an excerpt, and giveaway.

*The excerpt contains language that is not suitable for young audiences*

 
 

Title: Wild Temptation (Wild, #1)

Release Date: August 18th, 2014

Author: Emma Hart

Book Description:

In this sexy new CALL series spin-off series by New York Times bestseller Emma Hart, enter the intense world of a no strings relationship and experience addiction like you never expected…

The moment I walked in to find Mr. Tall, Dark, Handsome, and Oh So British–my mind-blowing one night stand–as my photographer for the shoot that could change it all, I knew life was throwing me a curveball.
The moment he, Tyler Stone, walked into my best friend’s apartment, I knew that curveball was heading straight for my gut.
The hit comes in the form of a no-strings proposition… One that gives him utter control over my body.
If I surrender, that curveball is steadily en-route for a collision course with my heart.

He’s a sex addict. I’m a love addict.
This is temptation.

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Excerpt:

(Unedited and subject to change or removal before publication.)

Tyler grabs my arm and tugs me into what looks like an office. He closes the door behind us and spins me into him. “You really are a feisty little thing, aren’t you?”

“Fuck you, asshole.” I glare up at him, shaking his hand from my arm and stepping back.

“Damn, Liv, why don’t you tell me how you really feel?” he says with a smirk.

“Why? So it can go right over your egotistically enlarged head?”

“I might consider it for a moment… Actually, on second thought, you’re right. I won’t pay any attention.”

“You are the most arrogant, self-entitled, patronizing bastard I’ve ever had the displeasure of meeting in my life,” I hiss anyway. “And before you mention the pleasure, because you inevitably will, you should know the displeasure far outweighs the measly amount of pleasure you’ve given me.”

Tyler’s eyes darken and he closes in on me, grabbing the back of my head and pulling me into him. His fingers thread through my hair and tug my head back so I’m looking at him, and, “Measly bit of pleasure? Didn’t seem so small when you were screaming my name and begging for more.”

“Clearly you’ve never watched When Harry Met Sally. That movie taught a woman everything she needs to know about faking it.”

He presses his lips to mine in a crash of teeth and a tangle of tongue. He grips my hip and pulls me toward him forcefully, his grasp on my hair never easing as he sweeps his tongue through my mouth. The zinging tension of earlier is back, except this time it’s worse and it’s swirling around us and holding us together. Holding his mouth against mine, our bodies flush together.

My anger swiftly changes to desire at the feel of his teeth nibbling my bottom lip, and a whimper leaves me involuntarily when he pulls away.

“I don’t believe for a second you fake it, Liv.” He ghosts his nose along my jawline. “I can feel the realness of your reaction in your body. I saw it earlier—I felt it earlier. My fingers barely brushed your gorgeous arse and you moved away as if I’d run them along your pussy. Your body responds to me whether you want it to or not, and it does it so clearly. So obviously.”

“My body is a liar,” I breathe when he sucks on my earlobe lightly.

“Much like you.” His words are spoken again my skin with a gentle brush of his lips.

“My dislike of you is no lie, Tyler.”

“Well, your body didn’t get the memo, babe. Your body likes me. A fucking lot.”

Purchase the CALL series boxset and read the prologue and first three chapters of WILD TEMPTATION. On sale for $0.99 until July 31st when it will be removed from sale:

Amazon US
Amazon UK
Barnes and Noble

iBooks

Enter the giveaway for a chance to win one of two eARCs of WILD TEMPTATION:

*eARC files will be delivered on August 11st.

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