Friday, November 28, 2014

Blog Tour Promotional Post and Giveaway: The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer by Laxmi Hariharan

RubyIyer-TourBanner


  NOW AVAILABLE: The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer by Amazon bestselling author Laxmi Hariharan! This is a character-driven YA thriller with an awesome female protagonist, and she's set to take Bombay by storm, even if it means putting her life in the balance.

About The Many Lives of Ruby Iyer

ManyLivesOfRubyIyer_cover_purple (1)


A girl desperate to rescue her best friend. A cop willing to do anything to save the city he serves. A delusional doctor bent on Bombay's annihilation. When Ruby Iyer's best friend is kidnapped by the despotic Dr Kamini Braganza, she will do anything to rescue him. Anything, including taking the help of the unpleasant Vikram Roy, a cop on a mission to save Bombay. The city needs all the help it can get, and these two are the only thing standing between Bombay and its complete annihilation by Doctor Braganza’s teen army. As Bombay falls apart around them, will Ruby be able to save her friend and the city? Will she finally discover her place in a city where she has never managed to fit in? And what about her growing feelings for Vikram?

About Laxmi Hariharan

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A near life experience told Laxmi Hariharan to write. She never stopped. Laxmi is the creator of Ruby Iyer, and the Amazon bestselling, eLit Gold winner The Destiny of Shaitan (Bombay Chronicles, 1). She has been a journalist and a global marketer with NBCU and MTV. Laxmi also blogs for Huffington Post, among others. London is where she writes. Bombay is what fires her imagination. Reach her @laxmi or at http://www.laxmihariharan.com/.



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Thursday, November 27, 2014

Happy Thanksgiving!

(image taken from here)



While I know that not everyone celebrates the holiday, or while it isn't Thanksgiving everywhere around the world, here in the states, and in my home particularly, we are celebrating this day and giving thanks for all of our wonderful blessings.

This is my favorite time of year. I love being with family, eating lots (maybe too much) of yummy food, and being near those I love and remembering all I have to be thankful for.

I hope that however you are celebrating or spending the day that it is a wonderful one filled with those you love most around you.

That family and friends aren't too far away, there is a warm meal near by (or already in your tunny!), and of course a good book or two within reach.



Thank you to all of my followers, commenters and those I consider friends for sticking with me and visiting each day. It really does mean a lot to me. I love this community and I love blogging, so thank you for fueling my passion and sharing my love of reading.


Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day! 

















(image courtesy of crosscards.com)


Wednesday, November 26, 2014

WoW Pick of the Week



Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It is a chance to share those new releases were are super anxious to get our hands on and read.

Who would have thought I would fall in love with not only a dark retelling but a dark heroine? 

If there is one thing I have come to learn after reading Hodge's debut novel Cruel Beauty earlier this year, it is always expect the unexpected and throw all preconceived notions about what a retelling should be, out the window because this girl can write and her stories are not the norm. They are dark and twisted and oh my, I loved every minute of them.

It is no wonder that my pick this week is none other than Crimson Bound.





Release Date: May 5, 2015

Book Description:
When Rachelle was fifteen she was good—apprenticed to her aunt and in training to protect her village from dark magic. But she was also reckless— straying from the forest path in search of a way to free her world from the threat of eternal darkness. After an illicit meeting goes dreadfully wrong, Rachelle is forced to make a terrible choice that binds her to the very evil she had hoped to defeat.

Three years later, Rachelle has given her life to serving the realm, fighting deadly creatures in an effort to atone. When the king orders her to guard his son Armand—the man she hates most—Rachelle forces Armand to help her find the legendary sword that might save their world. As the two become unexpected allies, they uncover far-reaching conspiracies, hidden magic, and a love that may be their undoing. In a palace built on unbelievable wealth and dangerous secrets, can Rachelle discover the truth and stop the fall of endless night?

Inspired by the classic fairy tale Little Red Riding Hood, Crimson Bound is an exhilarating tale of darkness, love, and redemption.


(This is a standalone novel, not part of the Cruel Beauty Universe.) 



Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Review: Worth the Fall by Claudia Connor

Title: Worth The Fall
Author: Claudia Connor
Series: Book One in the McKinney Series
Published By: Loveswept (November 9, 2014)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.5 Stars!

Book Description:
They meet on a beach. . . . Abby Davis isn’t wearing a skimpy bikini or sipping umbrella drinks, not when she’s busy chasing around four little ones. And Matt McKinney isn’t looking for fun—he’s a Navy SEAL, a grown man with a long list of missions . . . and fallen brothers.

They only have a week. . . . Abby has brought her children to this beach to start over, to give them the enjoyable memories they deserve. Matt’s been sidelined by a combat injury, and haunted by the best friend he lost and the promise he made: to remain a SEAL—focused and dedicated. This leaves no time for what he’s always wanted: a family.

But a week is all it takes. . . . Matt opens her heart while Abby soothes his soul. And though they plan to say good-bye when the week is over, something magical happens on that beach, something neither can forget. Something utterly, completely worth falling for. 









It is rare that I am blown away by a book, especially one that I had no expectations for whatsoever, but blown away I was.

Holy hawtness this was fabulous and sweet and just what I needed to read, when I needed to read it.

I dare anyone to read this and not fall in love with Matt, Abby, Gracie, Annie, Jack, and Charlie because I don't think it is possible. They each grabbed a hold of my heart and held on tight throughout the story and even though I read this in one sitting (yes it was that good), I found myself thinking about it, about them, hours even days later. I couldn't get them out of my mind or out of my heart. 

Matt is probably the most swoon worthy man (and SEAL) I have ever meet in a story. He was all man and I couldn't get enough of his tenderness towards Abby's children and Abby herself. Some of the best moments in this story were his interactions with the kids. It was so heartwarming and I wanted to scoop them all up and hug them tight. 

This was one heck of a read and I am so glad I took a chance and read it. Now I want to read about all the McKinney men.

This was a book full of the good stuff, sexy, romantic, funny, endearing and poignant. It will capture your attention and leave you with warm and fizzy feelings that will last hours after you have put it down.










*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

Monday, November 24, 2014

Review: Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare

Title: Clockwork Angel
Author: Cassandra Clare
Series: Book One in the Internal Devices Trilogy
Published By: Simon & Schuster (August 31, 2010)
Source: Purchased
Genre: YA Fantasy
My Rating: 3.5 Stars

Book Description:
In a time when Shadowhunters are barely winning the fight against the forces of darkness, one battle will change the course of history forever. Welcome to the Infernal Devices trilogy, a stunning and dangerous prequel to the New York Times bestselling Mortal Instruments series.

The year is 1878. Tessa Gray descends into London’s dark supernatural underworld in search of her missing brother. She soon discovers that her only allies are the demon-slaying Shadowhunters—including Will and Jem, the mysterious boys she is attracted to. Soon they find themselves up against the Pandemonium Club, a secret organization of vampires, demons, warlocks, and humans. Equipped with a magical army of unstoppable clockwork creatures, the Club is out to rule the British Empire, and only Tessa and her allies can stop them.... 









I am going to be honest, I put off reading this series because, while I loved the first three books in Mortal Instruments, I was slightly upset that the author had decided to make the trilogy a series of six instead. I know what you are thinking, why in the world would that upset me?

The simple answer? Because I was happy with the way it had ended after book three and I didn't feel more books were necessary and honestly, that they were nothing more than a ploy to make more money.

Not very nice at all, I know, but it was how I felt at the time and so, I decided against reading the Internal Devices anytime soon and put it off and kept putting it off until I finally decided I couldn't put it off anymore. 

What an idiot I can be sometimes.

I was quickly reminded why I fell in love with Clare's writing from the very first page and kicking myself that I had been such a fool.

And even though it took me a really long time to warm up to Will, I fell in love with Tessa and Jem from the get go.

It was fun to see familiar faces (oh Magnus how I love thee) and meet some familiar surnames from characters from the original series. 

I definitely won't be putting off reading book two and three. 






*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

Friday, November 21, 2014

Review: Behind the Stars by Leigh Talbert Moore

Title: Behind the Stars
Author: Leigh Talbert Moore
Series: Stand Alone
Published: December 31, 2014 (as a full length novel, was released earlier as a serial novel)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Author (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Sci-Fi Fantasy
My Rating: 3.5 Stars

Book Description:
Prentiss Puckett is certain of three things:
-Graduation is two weeks away.
-Summer only gets hotter in south Mississippi.
-She’s getting a job with air-conditioning.

She did not expect to be kidnapped walking to work. 
And she never expected to become a hero.








I am always on the lookout for some new and fresh and Moore has managed to do just that in her new book Behind the Stars. 

So very different from anything I have read by her yet or even in this genre by anyone. 

It is described as Red Dawn meets Lost and I think that is very fitting because this was quite the read.

This doesn't necessarily have action in it so much as it just had a lot going on between the past and present that kept you turning the pages and constantly guessing. Flashes of Prentiss' life before the invasion and during and what it all means for her and those she cares for gave insight to her feelings about her life then and her life now.

Prentiss is a smart girl in a life where smarts and determination aren't always smiled on. Her small town is very backwards at times and the whole place has an almost sad feeling to it.

In fact, I would guess the kidnapping of her and several town's people, is the most exciting thing to happen to it ever.

This was a very interesting read. One filled with choices that not only changes Prentiss but makes her stronger too. Makes her really shine and see who she is and what she can become when she doesn't always have others to lean on for help and to fight her battles.

I liked this, it was much different from Moore's other reads but in a good, entirely original kind of way. I am a fan of Moore's and I have been from the beginning and reads like this, just show me all over again why I can keep turning to her work when I want something fun, entertaining, and original. 





*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author. I was not compensated for this review.*

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Blog Tour Book Review and Giveaway: Not Quite Forever by Catherine Bybee



It is no secret that I always turn to one of Bybee's books when I want a good fun, heartwarming and pulse pounding love story and her latest release, is no different.



Series: Book Four in the Not Quite Series
Published By: Montlake Romance (November 4, 2014)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Description:
The touching and heartwarming fourth novel in the wildly popular Not Quite series from New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee.

Romance author Dakota Laurens believes that happily-ever-afters exist only between the covers of her sexy novels. But to her surprise, she finds a real-life hero when she meets a handsome emergency room doctor. The outspoken author feels an instant and intense attraction to Dr. Walt Eddy, and the feeling is mutual. When the globetrotting doctor pulls a disappearing act on Dakota, she’s prepared to write him off…until fate brings a blindsiding twist to her story.

Still scarred from a past tragedy, Walt may have disappeared on Dakota, but now he’s determined to win her back. For the first time in years, he knows he’s ready for a new chance at love. Yet between Dakota’s doubts and two sets of meddling parents, can the once-blissful couple finally create the bright, loving future they desperately want? 






About the Author:



New York Times Bestselling Author
USA Today Bestselling Author
Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author
Amazon #1 Bestselling Author
#1 IndieReader Bestselling Author

RONE Award Winner 2012
Not Quite Dating
Married by Monday

RONE award Winner 2013
Not Quite Enough

Winner of the More Than Magic Award for Paranormal romance 2011
Silent Vows

Finalist RT Award in Contemporary Romance 
Fiance by Friday

New York Times bestselling author Catherine Bybee was raised in Washington State, but after graduating from high school, she moved to Southern California with hopes of becoming a movie star. After growing bored with waiting tables, she returned to school and became a registered nurse, spending most of her career in urban emergency rooms. She now writes full-time and has penned the International Bestselling Not Quite series, the MacCoinnich Time Travel series as well as the Internationally Bestselling Weekday Brides series.

Here books have been translated in over half a dozen languages. 



I don't know what it is about this series, well, other than the lovable characters, fun plot line, and swoon worthy romance....okay, I guess I DO know exactly what I love about this series. Either way, it really does just keep getting better and better. It is to the point now that I know if I pick one up, I pretty much need to clear my schedule for the rest of the day because it is hopeless, I won't be getting anything done until I devour it all and finally put it down, satisfied at another wonderful happily (but realistic) ever after. 

I love that Dakota was a writer of “bodice rippers” giggles sorry Dakota, I couldn't resist saying it! And that Walt was a stuffy (okay not really) swoon worth doctor and these two hit it off from the beginning. And while there was insta attraction, there wasn't, I repeat, wasn't, insta love. Instead it was a slow burning romance that just grew into something beautiful, even if at times I felt like bopping the both of them over the head until they both saw that they were in love with one another (especially, ahem, you Dakota. Love you girl but, really? Come on, what wasn't there to love about Walt?).

What I also love about this series is that Bybee always gives us that little look into how the couple from the previous novels are doing in some way or another (yay Monica and Trent!). 

Throw in an amazing best friend, a feisty mother, and a budding romance between said best friend and another friend, and you have a winner and a read that was simply irresistible.

Well done once again Bybee, well done!





*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*









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Wednesday, November 19, 2014

WoW Pick of the Week



Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. It is a chance to share those new releases were are super anxious to get our hands on and read.

My pick this week is from an author that I had no idea how much I would love until trying her recent YA release Uninvited. I absolutely loved it, from the concept of HTS down to the very characters themselves and thankfully I don't have very long to wait because the next installment releases in February *does happy dance*. 




Release Date: February 24, 2015

Book Description:
What if the worst thing you ever did was unforgivable?

Davy’s world fell apart after she tested positive for Homicidal Tendency Syndrome. She was expelled from her school, dumped by her boyfriend, abandoned by friends, and shipped off to a camp that turns HTS carriers into soldiers. Davy may have escaped, but the damage has already been done. The unthinkable has happened. Now, even worse than having everyone else see her as a monster is the knowledge that they may have been right about her all along. Because Davy has killed.


On the run from government agents, Davy is rescued by Caden, the charismatic leader of an underground group of rebels. Despite Caden’s assurances that the Resistance is made up of carriers like her, Davy isn’t sure she can trust them. Then again, she doesn’t even know if she can trust herself . . . or her growing feelings for Caden. But if she doesn’t belong with Caden and his followers, is there anywhere she can call home?



Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Release Day Excerpt Post: Tail Lights by Connie L. Smith

Today I have a special guest post/excerpt post from Connie L. Smith about her new book, Tail Lights.

I am loving the funky psychedelic cover on this!

I hope you all take a minute to check it out and read the excerpt!



Release Date: November 18, 2014
Genre: New Adult Contemporary


Book Description:
Preston and Nick endured the breakup of all breakups when Nick accused her of cheating on him. He insisted, and she denied while the rain pounded against her driveway and thunder roared in the distance. Then they both ran – Preston to a life of Rock and Roll, and Nick to a career in the Army.

Over four years later, they’re damaged and broken almost beyond repair. He’s carrying baggage from his military days, and she bears the scars of living a lifestyle she’s grown to hate.

When Preston’s label forces her to take time away from music, their paths cross in a parking lot not twenty-four hours after her hometown return, anger and sparks flying in a confusing blend. But regardless of the feelings neither has been able to shake, too many lies and secrets stand in the way of the one thing they need in order to recover.

Each other.






About the Author:


Connie L. Smith spends far too much time with her mind wandering in fictional places. She reads too much, likes to bake, and might forever be sad that she doesn’t have fairy wings. And that she can’t swing dance. Her music of choice is severely outdated, and as an adult she’s kind of obsessed with Power Rangers. She has her BA from Northern Kentucky University in Speech Communication and History (she doesn’t totally get the connection either), and is currently working on her MA.










Excerpt:


Surprisingly, he was leaving his apartment when I reached his floor, and he smiled at me like no animosity existed between us. “Hey, Preston.”

“Hey, Preston,” I mocked, then held up the figurine and fastened a glare on him. “Take it back.”

He had the nerve to smirk. “How do you know I gave that to you?”

“Who else would leave a dolphin on my doorstep besides the guy who knows I love dolphins and wants to suddenly fix four years’ worth of betrayal?” His smirk disappeared, and I shoved the object closer to him. “Take it back.”

He shook his head. “I don’t want it back.”

“Well, I don’t want it ether.” When he arched a brow, I rolled my eyes. “Okay, it’s cute. It’s absolutely adorable, and it would look fantastic on my end table, but I can’t take this.”

“Why not?”

“Because I know what it means! You made a mistake, and you’re trying to make up for it. But it’s too late, Nick. And if I take this, it’s like saying that you have a chance to make things right, and you don’t.”

His brow again lifted. “You sure about that?”

I frowned. “Which part?”

With a grin, he shrugged in an almost casual manner, far too comfortable in a conversation that made me anxious. Evidently he’d meant what he said about mending things between us, and he wasn’t about to let my reservations ruin his determination.

“You’re absolutely right about what the dolphin means, but are you sure I can’t make things right?”

“I’m so far beyond sure that sure isn’t even in my line of sight anymore.” I held the dolphin farther out, hoping that he’d take it. “I can’t keep clinging to things that weren’t good for me in the first place if I want my next four years to be any better than the last four years.”

Then he scowled. “And you think I wasn’t good for you in the first place?”

“I know you weren’t. If you were, you wouldn’t have believed Dad and dumped me, and…” Sighing, I waved the figurine in his direction. “Take it.”

“Your sentence trailed off,” he pointed out, a small smile forming on his lips. “That’s a good sign for me.” Eyes on me, he stepped closer, completely invading my personal space and causing the hand holding the dolphin to fall back against my stomach. After a moment of silently looking at me, so intense and needing, he pointed a finger at my face.

“That’s exactly why I can’t take it back,” he whispered. His finger moved to brush my hair behind my ear, trailing along my jaw before tracing my lips. I knew I should move, slap his hand away, something. But I couldn’t. I just stared, my mouth gaping in shock, my mind consumed with Nick and his caresses. “That was the biggest mistake of my life. And you are my life.”

His index finger exchanged for his thumb, outlining my bottom lip over and over. “I should’ve fought for this, and I’m not making the same mistake twice. I’m getting my life back.” Then he stepped away, gesturing at the dolphin. “That’s only the first step.”

Turning, he walked to the stairway entrance at the other end of the hall, leaving me standing – still gawking where he’d been and suddenly holding the dolphin figure much tighter.

Monday, November 17, 2014

Blog Tour Review: After the Rain by Renee Carlino

I am excited to be a part of the tour for After the Rain because this was such a sweet tragic story about losing love and finding it again when you least expect it.



Release Date: November 11, 2014 (Atria Books)
Author: Renee Carlino
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Description:
From the USA TODAY bestselling author of Sweet Thing and Nowhere But Here comes a deeply emotional contemporary romance about the second chances waiting beyond the shattered dreams of youth.

Under the bright arena lights of a rodeo show, young Avelina Belo falls for a handsome cowboy with a larger-than-life personality. After a whirlwind courtship, she happily moves away from her family in northern California and settles into married life with her cowboy on a seven-thousand-acre cattle ranch in Montana. One freak accident later, Avelina’s hopes for the future come to an end.

Nate Myers graduated from UCLA medical school at the top of his class, ready to follow in the footsteps of his father, a superstar cardiothoracic surgeon. Six years later, Nate’s career is being ruined by a malpractice suit. Questioning himself for the first time, he retreats to a Montana cattle ranch to visit his uncle and gain perspective. There, he meets a beautiful young woman named Avelina who teaches him more than he ever knew about matters of the heart. 






About the Author:



Renee’s first friends were the imaginary kind and even though her characters haven’t gone away, thankfully the delusions have. She admits she’s a wildly hopeless romantic and she blames 80’s movies staring Molly Ringwald for that. She lives in Southern California with her husband, two sons, and their sweet dog June. When she’s not at the beach with her boys or working on the next book, she likes to spend her time reading, going to concerts, and eating dark chocolate.




I knew going into this that it was going to be one of those raw, emotional reads that would twist me all in knots one minute and make me sigh with content in the next.

An emotionally driven plot that is sure to pull at your heart strings every bit as much as it will make you seethe with anger and the next chapter smiling with sweetness.

Gritty with tough subject matters of suicide, death, abuse, heartache, loss, love, and so much more, all beautiful done to make up a truly wonderful story about letting go, forgiving, moving on, and growing up.

With ups and downs that make any good relationship one worth having. Hard times and good times and some twists along the way. I didn't know whether to smile one second or cry the next.

So much changing, so much growing happens for both Avelina and Nathan that it really was a beautiful journey to take with them.

This was so well done, laid out, and presented. It really is a read that will break your heart only to slowly piece it all back together again, a little more worn from the wearer but beating all that much stronger from the struggle to a happily ever after in the end.




*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*

Friday, November 14, 2014

Review: Black Knight by Christopher Pike

Title: Black Night
Author: Christopher Pike
Series: Book Two in the Witch World Series
Published By: Simon Pulse (December 2, 2014)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Fantasy
My Rating: 2.5 Stars

Book Description:
The thrilling Witch World saga continues in this suspenseful paranormal sequel to Red Queen, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Christopher Pike.Jessica Ralle thought the worst was over. The mindblowing revelations. The terrifying danger.

The heartbreaking loss.

Turns out, discovering Witch World was just the beginning.

The riveting Witch World saga continues in a sequel packed with even more shocking twists and sexy suspense than Book One… 








My teen years, like many, were filled with Pike's crazy and highly entertaining stories. How could I refuse a new release? Well it turns out I can't but maybe I should have.

Let me explain, I struggled with the first book, a lot. It was too detail oriented and felt very juvenile, yes I know these are for a younger audience than I happen to belong to but still, even for the characters being 18 and older it felt young, it read young.

Once again while this has classic Pike greatness, like the first book, it seemed to lack substance. Often falling into familiar overly used tropes such as insta-love, a love triangle and of course, lots of angst and drama. 

While the whole concept of the book was fascinating with the parallel dimensions and the Witch World, this still lacked important details to the story and descriptions and details that didn't need to be there, making this almost 500 page story was too long. 

The story lulled in spots and then in others went by so quickly you were left scratching your head wondering what in the heck just happened. 

Don't get me wrong, this wasn't all bad, there were some great moments in the story, the arena especially but it just wasn't enough to truly wow me like I wanted to be wowed. 

Sadly I think this is one series that just wasn't for me.





*All thoughts and opinions are my own and were not influenced by the author or publisher. I was not compensated for this review.*