Friday, December 6, 2013

Blog Tour Book Review and Giveaway: Switched by Cassie Mae






Title: Switched
Author: Cassie Mae
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Random House (December 2, 2013)
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)


Book Description:
Ever since high school, Kayla has been crazy for gorgeous football player Talon. But before she could muster the courage to tell him, he became a hot item with her beautiful BFF, Reagan. The only person who knows Kayla’s secret is Wesley, Talon’s best bud—and he’s got it bad for Reagan. Now they’re all in college together, hanging out 24/7. For Kayla, seeing the two lovebirds together is absolutely unbearable. So Kayla and Wesley hatch a plot to drive them apart before Talon has a chance to give Reagan the Christmas gift she’s been waiting for.

Soon enough, the once happy couple is fighting. Reagan suddenly can’t get enough of Wesley’s goofy sense of humor, and Talon seems to be paying more attention to Kayla than a guy who’s “only a friend” ever should. But just when everything seems to be falling into place, Kayla and Wesley accidentally spend a night together and discover a hitch in their plan they never considered: that switching partners may not lead to a perfect ending after all.





About the Author:




Cassie Mae (sometimes writes as Becca Ann ;)) is a nerd to the core from Utah, who likes to write about other nerds who find love. Her angel children and perfect husband fan her and feed her grapes while she clacks away on the keyboard. Then she wakes up from that dream world and manages to get a few words on the computer while the house explodes around her. When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with the youth in her community as a volleyball and basketball coach, or searching the house desperately for chocolate. 


Website
Facebook




I always love when I am pleasantly surprised by just how sweet and good a book that I had no expectations is.

It is fun to get a read, dive in and expect nothing but still secretly hope for the best. When that book turns into a fun, entertaining read that was actually hard to put down,  it feels a little like winning a prize. 

I read this in one sitting it was just so much fun and exactly what I needed to lighten things up after a couple of harder reads. 

I love books about friends who turn into more because I just feel that is how it should be. Your significant other should be your best friend. The person you go to first for everything and that person whom you care about more than any other.

I wasn't sure if I was going to be able to love Kayla and Wesley, all things considered but, you know what? I completely did. In fact, I fell in love with all the characters, Kayla, Reagan, Wesley and Talon. They each had their own unique qualities that made them very likable and loveable. And even though they were all friends and yes, Kayla and Wesley had a plan to break apart Reagan and Talon, some how it just all worked and made them even more loveable. In most cases I would frown upon the girl code or the bro code being overlooked but not in this case.

I have to give the author credit for making this a laugh out loud read that defied all logic (in the friendship department) and still just worked and not only worked but was a fun cute read.


I would definitely pick up another book by this author in the future.







*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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A blog giveaway! 
Anyone who comments on this review post through midnight (PST) on Sunday, December 8 is eligible to win a NetGalley review copy of SWITCHED! Winner chosen at random. 

Hop along 

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Cover Reveal: The Saving of Benjamin Chambers by Anna Bloom



We're excited to announce the release of The Saving of Benjamin Chambers, a Uni Files novella by Anna Bloom.  This tells the story of Ben and when he meets Lilah. You can read it before or after reading The Art of Letting Go.

The Uni-Files novels are NA/Adult British romantic comedies that will make you swoon, laugh and sigh.  The first book, The Art of Letting Go is now available.  The Saving of Benjamin Chambers releases December 4th.


Excerpt:

Delilah, Lilah or whatever she is called is, standing over on the far side of the room, her back against the wall wearing a figure-hugging red, floor-length dress. Her dark hair and eyes stand out in contrast. She looks like a Forties movie star, all curves and perfect poise, watching everyone with a critical eye. She hates this place and she hates the people that are here, that is clear to me straight away.

I want to jump off the stage to get to her. I can’t tear my eyes away, even though Dave has picked up my guitar and shoved it back into my hands, hissing, “play, you idiot.”

I am walking to the front of the stage still staring when I notice that I am being watched but not by her.

Some guy who looks like a pretentious arsehole is watching me watch her and then he starts to move across the floor to get to her before I can leave the stage. I am stuck like a rabbit in headlights, rooted to the spot as I watch him clearly move towards her like he is proving he has ownership.

When he gets to her he pulls her in close and winds his hands around her waist. I have to physically restrain myself from leaping off the stage and punching him. That’s what I want to do, a deep urge burning inside me. Jump from the stage, bop him on the nose, hopefully causing significant blood loss, and then throw her over my shoulder and march her off with her someplace. Someplace where I can kiss her and talk to her, in no particular order. Then I may well ask her to marry me because I am pretty sure that I want to.

I don’t though, I don’t move from my spot on the edge of the stage. I start to play my guitar instead but not the song the rest of the band are expecting. Luckily it has a long intro so they are able to catch up.

As I start to sing ‘Wonderwall’ I watch as the banker wanker twirls her onto the dance floor.

It’s not a song for twirling, what is he doing the bloody arse?

She has her hands on his shoulders and her back to me but I can clearly see an enormous diamond ring sitting on her left hand from my spot quite a distance away on stage.

Damn it to hell.

I nearly stop singing, but I hold it together and as I head into the second verse my choice of song becomes even more appropriate.

The banker wanker pulls her in even tighter and I get a nasty taste in the back of my mouth. I am just in the middle of the chorus when they take a turn and I catch a glimpse of her face.

That’s what does it. That very moment gives me something completely different to live for.

Her.

She is biting her lower lip and the beautiful eyes are staring far away in the distance, framed by a frown. She looks like she would rather be anywhere then where she is right now. She looks lost, but on top of that she looks lonely and I feel a bubble of something well up inside me, something like joy. Joy at the fact that this guy holding her, who’s obviously bought her the ring, has no idea what she is feeling. I don’t think he has looked at her face once, not to read it the way that I am. This is good. It means that if I can get to talk to her again then I can make sure my words are the right ones, the ones to make her notice me, the ones to make her want to at least talk to me. And, well, if that fails then I will just crinkle my freckles at her, pick her up and throw her over my shoulder and march off with her hoping for the best.

I know that I will do anything to save her from whatever is causing her sadness and by doing that I have a feeling she will save me.
 
About the Book:
Benjamin Chambers needs saving, he just does not know it yet. Bored of his life of repetitive gigs with a band going nowhere fast and one night stands with girls who are only interested in his role as a lead singer, something has got to change. It’s just what do you do when the only life you know involves messing around with guitars and attempting to run away from any female attention that comes your way.
Ben has a New Year’s resolution and one that he is determined to keep, quit the band and get a life of his own. Little does Ben realise that on his last night with his band Sound Box he is going to meet a girl who will turn everything he knows upside down.
As Ben sets himself the challenge to find ‘The Girl’ again, he may be about to learn that in an effort to rescue her, he himself will be the one to be saved.
 Find the book: Goodreads 

Find The Art of Letting Go:Goodreads | Amazon US Amazon UK

About the Author:
Anna Bloom is a contemporary romance writer who writes about life as it happens.
Combining a busy schedule of looking after two small children whilst working in a local school and completing The Uni Files series she also spends a lot of time imagining kissing hot guys – all in the name of her art.
Find the author: Website/Blog | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads


Giveaway:


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Tuesday, December 3, 2013

2013 Debut Author Giveaway Hop!




I am always looking for great new authors to follow, after all what is better than discovering not only a new series to love but an author as well?

Which of course is why I decided to once again join one of I Am A Reader Not A Writer and Bookhounds hops!

This time up, it is all about debut authors and lucky for you I have found not one but a writing duo that are both debut author and both fabulous ones at that. Their new book and series promises to be something you do not want to miss out on. 

What book am I talking about?

So glad you asked! It is none other than extracted by Tyler Jolley and Sherry Ficklin!

If you want to see my review on this one go HERE.

Up for grabs I have an ARC paperback copy of this baby just for you (sorry US residents only).





This is a fabulous book filled with steampunk, adventure, sweet romance and time travel not to mention a whole cast of lovable characters and even some historical goodness thrown in. Really, what more could you ask for?



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Blurp Blitz and Book Review: A Cursed Moon by Cecy Robson


I am so excited to be a part of this blitz because this happens to be one of my all time favorite urban fantasy series out there and if you haven't read it yet, you really are missing out.  And not only does the series rock, but the author does as well and really, you can't ask for more than that!




Title: A Cursed Moon
Author: Cecy Robson
Series: Novella in the Weird Girls Series (#2.5)
Published By: Penguin (December 3, 2013)
Genre: Urban Fantasy



Book Description:
Meet the furry big brother that the Wird sisters never had…

Bren is a cocky, brash hound of a werewolf who loathes the idea of belonging to Aric’s pack—much less finding a mate. But Bren’s hotheaded behavior lands him in the doghouse when he defies Aric’s authority in front of his pack, bringing up a sore subject that’s bound to make the Alpha wolf’s blood boil…

Luckily for him, no one can stay mad at Bren and his wild charm for long. And when some frightening ghosts launch a hostile paranormal takeover, Bren will team up with Celia Wird to take down the evil ghouls before they hurt someone they both love…

Includes a preview of the upcoming Weird Girls novel Cursed by Destiny! 





Purchase Links:





About the Author:


Cecy (pronounced Sessy) Robson is a full-time writer, registered nurse, wife, and mother living in the Great Northwest. A member of Romance Writers of America, she attributes her passion for storytelling to the rough New Jersey neighborhood she was raised in. As a child, she was rarely allowed to leave the safety of her house and passed her time fantasizing about flying, fairies, and things that go bump in the night. Gifted and cursed with an overactive imagination, she began writing in May 2009. Her Weird Girls Urban Fantasy Romance series is published with Penguin Random House’s Signet Eclipse and released to stellar praise from multiple reviewers including: Publisher’s Weekly, USA Today, and Romantic Times. THE WEIRD GIRLS: A Novella, SEALED WITH A CURSE, and A CURSED EMBRACE are now available. A CURSED MOON: A Novella, releases December 3, 2013, followed by CURSED BY DESTINY, January 7, 2014.  






Bren, Bren, Bren. I already knew I liked your cocky, bad boy heart of gold but now, now I love you. 

I have to say this before really getting into anything else, it says something big about the author's ability to pack so much punch into a novella. To make it feel like it is a complete story in and of itself.

It is no secret that I love this series, the writing captures you, pulls you in and refuses to let go. The fact that it is full of memorable characters who are witty, funny, loving and not to mention kick butt, doesn't hurt either. 

Bren has always been somewhat of a mystery and to finally get not only a background on his past but a look into that perverted mind of his was so much fun! It proved how loyal, fierce and protective he is of the Wird sisters and of Dan. I really couldn't of asked for a better look into him. 

The fact that we not only get some much needed Bren time but also a continuation of the series as a whole with Celia and Aric being very much present throughout was a huge bonus and one that I wasn't expecting.  

I really can't do this series justice. It is just fabulous. It truly has everything a person could possibly ask for in a mind blowing, keep you on the edge of your set one minute and laughing out loud the next read. 


This is a must read series for any fan of urban fantasy, heck this is a must read series for any book lover period. 

This was the perfect read to tide me over for the next book Cursed By Destiny and leave me salivating for more. 







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

Monday, December 2, 2013

Blog Tour Guest Post and Giveaway: The Master's Book by Philip Coleman






About The Master’s Book:

Sean moves to Brussels to a house that is a crime scene... In 1482 Mary, the last Duchess of Burgundy, lies on her deathbed in a castle in Flanders. She is only 25. In her final moments she makes a wish that, 500 years later, will threaten the lives of a boy and a girl living in Brussels. The Master’s Book is the story of Sean, an Irish teenager, just arrived in Brussels to a house that is also a crime scene. Together with Stephanie, his classmate, he finds an illuminated manuscript, only for it to be stolen almost at once. Where did this manuscript come from? Who was it originally made for? Is there a connection with the beautiful tomb Sean has seen in Bruges? Above all, why does someone want this book so badly that they are prepared to kill for it? Part thriller and part paper-chase, this book is aimed at boys and girls of twelve and over.





Book can be found at: GoodReads | Amazon







Author bio:



 Philip Coleman has worked as a biologist for most of his life—in Ireland, Belgium and now in Switzerland. Having been an avid reader all his life, he took up writing only in 2006. This is his first published novel. He drew his inspiration for the story from the period he spent working for the EU in Brussels. He has a grown-up son and daughter (who were roughly the same ages as Sean and Maeve during the time in Brussels but otherwise aren’t a bit like them at all!). He now lives in France.

Author Sites: Website | Twitter | Facebook | GoodReads


Guest Post:
Philip Coleman’s Top Ten Cities and Towns
The choice is weighted very much in favour of Europe because, although I have travelled elsewhere, I live in mainland Europe and know it much better.
1.       Venice
Italy has a number of great cities but Venice is unique in the world, occupying a special place in European culture. It is the city of artists like Tintoretto and Bellini, and composers such as Monteverdi and Gabrielli. But is has also inspired numerous English and American writers, including Henry James, Ezra Pound, L.P. Hartley, Daphne du Maurier and Ian McEwan. The mixture of old-world charm and slightly sinister decay is captivating. If you want to get a feel for it, read John Berendt’s The City of Falling Angels.
2.       Prague
Next to Venice, Kafka’s home town is probably the most beautiful city in Europe in my opinion, though very touristy. It has what I consider to be the most beautiful bridge in the world and a delightful old town. The enormous castle that dominates the skyline, is the castle of Kafka’s novel of that name, while the cathedral in the castle precinct also features in his novel, The Trial.
3.       Krakow
Poland’s cities suffered horrors in WWII. Many were being totally destroyed and had to be painstakingly reconstructed. Krakow, which was the principal city of Poland for centuries before Warsaw came to prominence, escaped destruction. It is almost as beautiful as Prague, while being less touristy and offering better food. The fact that the charming Jewish quarter is now practically empty of Jews, and the proximity of Auschwitz-Birkenau, are grim reminders of the past.
4.       New York
What can I say that hasn’t  already been said? Did you know that it never sleeps? And that if you can make it there you’ll make it anywhere? Seriously, though, the skyscraper architecture of Wall Street, the brown stone hoses of Greenwich Village, Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge and the High line are all beautiful in their own right.
5.       Barcelona
This city is most famous for its connection with Gaudi. His unfinished Sagrada Familia church, his Parc Guell and several houses that he designed or restored are among the jewels of the city. However, Barcelona also has a charming old town with a superb cathedral. The food is superb and, like New York, the city never sleeps. 
6.       Brussels
People who haven’t been there, or those who go on EU business and come straight home, think this city is ugly. Indeed, parts of it are. However, parts are beautiful. There is also plenty of art to see by masters such as Breughel and Magritte, as well as beautiful Art Nouveau architecture. Again, the food is excellent. And Bruges and Ghent, two of Europe’s most beautiful towns, are only a day trip away. Anyway, it was my home city for three years and, despite some frustrations, I loved it.
7.       Edinburgh
This beautiful city, built on steeply-rising hills with an imposing castle on the highest, is easily the most beautiful city I’ve seen in the UK. If you go there during the Festival and Fringe Festival there is nowhere quite like it. With the castle and the well-preserved old town it is sometimes called the Prague of the North.
8.       Amsterdam
If Edinburgh is the Prague of the North, then Amsterdam, with its network of canals, is the Venice of the North (though that title is also given to Bruges). The city of Rembrandt and Anne Frank is beautifully preserved, with charming Dutch houses flanking the canals. It’s also delightfully informal. And it’s easy to get around on foot or by bike.
9.       Galway
Since I’m Irish I had to include one Irish city and, in that case, it would have to be Galway, which I believe has more charm and atmosphere than Dublin. It has a lively pub culture, great seafood and overlooks the beautiful Galway Bay, with the county Clare coast in the background. Still, Cork came close.
10.   Curitiba
My visit to Brazil by-passed the big cities of Rio, Sao Paulo and Brasilia. I spent two weeks in this charming, garden-like town in the province of Parana. It has a wooden Russian church with onion-top towers and a glass opera house.




Giveaway:





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Full list of tour stops can be found HERE



Sunday, December 1, 2013

Indie Book of the Week: The Boy From the Woods by Jen Minkman

This week's Indie Book of the Week really is something extraordinary. Unique and different and beautifully written. 



Title: The Boy From the Woods
Author: Jen Minkman
Series: Stand Alone
Published: December 1, 2013
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Author (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Book Description:
Julia fell down on her knees next to his lifeless body, her heart filling with dread as she noticed the left side of his face was covered in blood. He had fallen off the motorbike, hitting his temple on a sharp-edged rock. His head injury looked really, really bad.
“Michael?” she whispered softly, putting a trembling hand on his forehead. “Can you hear me?”

Julia has been in love with Michael for years. He’s the hottest guy in school, and she can’t believe her luck when they finally hit it off during Senior Prom. Her dream doesn’t last, though: after a few dates, he callously dumps her out of the blue. Summer vacation starts with Julia feeling heart-broken and miserable.
But then she rescues Michael in the woods when he has a motorcycle accident in a heavy thunderstorm. From that point onward, her life is turned upside down. Michael has changed completely after the blow to the head that nearly killed him... and he wants her back. But why is he so different? And will she be able to trust him this time around?

Can the boy who broke your heart ever win it back again..?




*Amazon*


About the Author:



Jen Minkman (1978) was born in Holland, in the town of Alphen aan den Rijn. When she was 19, she moved between The Hague, Salzburg (Austria), Brussels (Belgium) and Cambridge (UK) to complete her studies in intercultural communication. She is currently a teacher of English and Dutch at a secondary school in The Hague, Holland. She tries to read at least 100 books a year (and write a few, too!). She is a published author in her own country, and translates her own books from Dutch into English for self-publication.
In her spare time, she plays the piano, the guitar and the violin. For every novel she writes, she creates a soundtrack. 

'I have always been drawn to writing. My first book was a sci-fi novel at the age of eight, which I painstakingly typed out on my dad's typewriter and illustrated myself. Nowadays, I stick to poetry, paranormal romance, chicklit and/or fantasy. In my home country, I am the first-ever published writer of paranormal romance, and I will gradually make my books also available in English (seeing I have to re-write and translate the books myself, this will take some time!).






I love that this was so different from most YA fantasy/paranormal romance reads. Not only was it originally published in Dutch and takes place in Austria but the storyline is completely unique.

It is about a young girl Julia on the cusp of adulthood, still trying to figure it all out. Trying to follow her heart as well as her head and not having all the answers but being willing to open her heart up to love and forgiveness. 

This is going to be so hard to get into without revealing way too much. I will say this, the storyline was engaging and endearing. Constantly showing how people can change, situation can change, sometimes all on their own and sometimes with a little help from others. But most importantly it is about the lessons we learn when we love.

That love, especially first love, is never perfect. In fact it is messy and chaotic and sometimes downright hurtful but we learn from it, sometimes valuable lessons that will change us forever. And most importantly Julia learns to not close her heart off to new possibilities because of one mistake, of one love gone wrong. 

The storyline while original isn't completely without mystery or without predictability. Some parts you figure out or at least are pretty sure you know what will happen right away and others not so much, but either way, whether you figure it all out ahead of time or not, it is okay because the messages and the writing still draw you in and hold your attention. 





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