Review: Prophecy Girl by Cecily White

Title: Prophecy Girl
Author: Cecily White
Series: Book One in the Angel Academy Series
Published By: Entangled (April 2, 2013)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Fantasy
My Rating: 4 Stars!

Book Description:

Amelie Bennett. . . . Ending the world, one prophecy at a time.

I was born to slay Crossworld demons. 
Big black flappy ones, little green squirmy ones. Unfortunately, the only thing getting slain these days is my social life. With my high school under attack, combat classes intensifying, and Academy instructors dropping right and left, I can barely get my homework done, let alone score a bondmate before prom.
Then he shows up. 
Jackson Smith-Hailey. Unspeakably hot, hopelessly unattainable, and dangerous in all the right ways. Sure, he’s my trainer. And okay, maybe he hates me. Doesn’t mean I’ll ignore the wicked Guardian chemistry between us. It’s crazy! Every time I’m with him, my powers explode. Awesome, right? 
Wrong. 
Now my teachers think I’m the murderous Graymason destined to bring down our whole race of angelbloods. Everyone in New Orleans is hunting me. The people I trusted want me dead. Jack and I have five days to solve the murders, prevent a vampire uprising, and thwart the pesky prophecy foretelling his death by my hand. Shouldn’t be too difficult. 

Getting it done without falling in love. . . that might take a miracle.

*Amazon*Barnes and Noble*

My Thoughts and Review:

Everyone who knows me by now knows that I have a love hate relationship with books about angels and truth be told, I usually hate them. But, for what ever reason I am inexplicably drawn to them like a moth to a flame. I have to read them. I really can't explain it other than maybe I am just a masochist.

At any rate, of course I had to read this one. Thankfully this one isn't your average tale of a fallen angel or even just of an angel. In fact, this was a pretty fun read that took me completely by surprise. Completely. By. Surprise.

I fell right into the story and couldn't devour the pages quickly enough. This had a slight, Harry Potter meets Mortal Instruments/Vampire Academy feel to it. 

The main heroine is quirky and fierce and has no respect for the rules. She is a fighter and thrown into a world with a past and family history she knows little about. Sent to a school with as many secrets as  the ones Harry found in Hogwarts but with a twist. There are no witches and wizards here. Nope. This place is full of descendants of angels ,  Guardians, Watchers and Channelers are a few among them. 

Even though parts of this were a little predictable the premises was still original enough that it kept me completely entertained and flipping the pages as fast as I could read them. There was never a dull moment in the flow of the story. In fact, adventure and action seemed to be lurking around every corner .
With action around every bend, loveable funny characters (not to mention a hot leading man), a very entertaining plot line, and a uniqueness in the genre,  there really isn't a reason not to pick this one up and give it a try. 

Showers of Books G!veaway H0P!

April has always been one of my favorite months. Spring is in the air, the flowers are blooming and the world seems to be coming back to life after a long white winter's nap. Okay, and the fact that my birthday also happens to be in April has never hurt the month either. 

What better way to celebrate April than by having another fabulous Hop hosted by I Am A Reader Not A Writer and Books a la Mode?

I couldn't decide which books to give away so I am picking from my own "wishlist" instead. 

Please note, all books will be e-books gifted through Amazon.

First up:

Furious by Jill Wolfson

2nd Choice:

Chosen At Nightfall by C.C. Hunter

3rd Option:

The Elite by Kiera Cass

4th Choice:

Sweet Peril by Wendy Higgins

And last but certainly not least:

The Program by Suzanne Young

Hopefully you see something you like!

To see a full list of all the blog participating in the hop please click HERE.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: The Boyfriend App by Katie Sise

Title: The Boyfriend App
Author: Katie Sise
Series: Stand Alone
Published By: Balzer and Bray (April 30, 2013)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA
My Rating: 3 Stars!

Book Description:
In The Boyfriend App by Katie Sise, super-smart, somewhat geeky Audrey McCarthy can’t wait to get out of high school. Her father’s death and the transformation of her one-time BFF, Blake Dawkins, into her worst nightmare have her longing for the new start college will bring.

But college takes money. So Audrey decides she has to win the competition for the best app designed by a high schooler—and the $200,000 that comes with it. She develops something she calls the Boyfriend App, and suddenly she’s the talk of the school and getting kissed by the hottest boys around. But can the Boyfriend App bring Audrey true love?

*Goodreads*Amazon*B&N*

My Thoughts and Review:

This was a really cute coming of age story with the added twist of learning a whole lot about computer programing! Okay, maybe the computer programing wasn't such a great twist for someone like me, who, knows very little about computers and programming in general but, looking past all of that HTML coding stuff I know absolutely nothing about, I really did enjoy this read.

Maybe I could have done without so much computer talk but it was understandable given the nature of the storyline. I mean, we had to have some talk considering Audrey's whole story really begins with the creation of the app.

I will be brutally honest here, I didn't connect with this story at first, in fact I kept picking it up and putting it down because I just couldn't get into it. I don't know if it was the excessive computer theme or what but there you have it. It wasn't until about half way through the book that I finally, finally, started to get into the story and enjoy it. 

This isn't your typical coming of age story, yes there are mean girls, yes there is a “popular boy/jock” and yes Audrey is sort of the outcast but there the similarities end. Audrey was once popular, she was one of the “mean girls” (although, not really all that mean) and she fell from grace because her freshman year her dad died and that changed everything for her. It also helped spark her love of computer programing (something they did together) even more until it became her whole life.

A chance at a college scholarship starts the beginning of the boyfriend app (1.0 and 2.0) and unfortunately a whole lot of chaos for her and her friends. 

I really did end up liking this story, maybe not as much as I had hoped but it was a cute read and really picked up there at the end. 

Overall I would give this one 3 Stars!

Review: Dead Man's Deal by Jocelynn Drake

Title: Dead Man's Deal
Author: Jocelynn Drake
Series: Book Two in the Asylum Tales Series
Published By: Harper Voyager (May 7, 2013)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: Urban Fantasy
My Rating: 4 Stars!

Book Description:

The dark and dangerous follow-up that continues the adventures of a magical tattoo artist begun in Angel's Ink

In a world where elves, faeries, trolls, werewolves, and vampires swim free in a sea of humanity, sometimes you need an edge. Looking for a little love? Need some luck? Desperate for revenge? Gage can give you what you need. The most talented tattoo artist in town, he knows the right symbol and the right mix of ingredients and ink to achieve your heart's desire. One tattoo is all it takes. But remember, everything has its price. . . . 

Gage learned that lesson long ago, in ways he'd rather not remember. But the cruel and powerful wizards in the dreaded Ivory Towers he escaped aren't about to let him forget. Though Gage has managed to stay out of sight, he can't outrun the past forever.

The wizards know Gage is using forbidden magic, and they intend to punish him for his transgressions. Too bad if innocent humans and monsters-entire cities-get in the way. They will quell a nascent magical uprising and Gage will be the sacrifice they need. First, though, they have to find him . . .

*Amazon*Barnes and Noble*

My Thoughts and Review:

I liked the first book in this series but I didn't love it. For some reason I never connected with Gage and that made it a little hard to really fall in love with it. But, I did like the plot and the writing and the fact that it was in Gage's POV. Especially since that is pretty rare in the Urban Fantasy genre right now.

So I was a little hesitant going into this one because I really did want to fall in love with it. I really did want to like Gage more.

Thankfully, this second installment blew me away. I loved everything about it. I connected with Gage better, I fell more in love with Trixie and Bronx, heck I even liked Gideon and Chang more.

I loved the way this flowed. We learn so much more about not only Gage's past but about the world he lives in (something I thought was slightly lacking in the first book), we get more info on the elusive Towers, the fey, elves, more about Sofie's past and even some new people and creatures I wasn't expecting. I have to say, I loved Gaia and the spin the story took with her appearance. The scene Gage had with her, or rather Squall, was super sweet and showed a side of Gage I fell in love with. His character and personality come out so much more in this one. His loving and protective side, two sides we didn't get as much of in the first book, was a huge improvement on how I viewed Gage and therefore I found myself connecting with him more.

There is a lot going on in this, really a war is starting to brew once again between the Towers and the rest of the world and once again Gage and his loved ones are caught right in the middle of it. The sacrifices Gage was willing to make to protect those he loved and the ones he did have to make, added so much depth to his character and the story as well. Gage was a strong character, he didn't always have the knowledge or the answers but he did what needed to be done without blinking twice about the consequences of those actions on him. Only one thing mattered to him throughout this book, to keep others safe and correct past wrongs.

There was a lot more action in this one and because of it a few bloody scenes that had me cringing a little at times but nothing overly dramatic or done up. All appropriate to the way the witches and warlocks are perceived in Gage's world.

Really this was a fabulous second book in the series and I am so glad I took a chance on it and read it, especially considering I was so up in the air about the first book and almost didn't want to bother with this one. I can definitely see myself continuing with this series now and really falling in love with it.  

Cover Reveal and Giveaway: The Trickster's Totem (Relics of Mysticus Book Two) by H.B. Bolton

Title: The Trickster's Totem
Author: H.B. Bolton
Series: Book Two in the Relics of Mysticus Series
Genre: Middle School Fantasy
Expected Release Date: April 2013

Book Description:

Life has returned to normal for fourteen-year-old Evan and his older sister, Claire. That is until Dunkle, a clever but stinky little imp, pays an unexpected visit to their school. He has come to take the siblings back to Sagaas, the mythical realm of the gods. Once again, a Relic from the ancient Mysticus Orb has fallen into the wrong hands. Only Evan and Claire, with their unique mystical abilities, can help find it.

Through the power of the Trickster’s Totem, a coyote trickster has escaped. His laughter echoes throughout the realm, as he spreads mischief and mayhem. He burns an entire crop of popcorn, carves his grinning image into sacred artifacts, and things really get interesting when he shape-shifts into Evan’s friends.
Claire and Evan must capture the Trickster, retrieve the Totem, and be careful not to become sidetracked by robotic Steampunk animals, “sweet” pixie-like Pains, and a problematic mermaid … all while dodging Mothman-like aces. Most surprising, Evan discovers the true reason dragons exist in the Native American Spirit World.

About the Author:

A magical part of H.B. Bolton’s childhood was being swept into worlds of enchanting characters, fantastical creatures and extraordinary powers—simply by picking up a book. As a mother and a teacher, she was compelled to create imaginary worlds of her own in order to share them, not just with her children, but with all children. H.B. Bolton lives in Florida with her supportive husband and two highly spirited children. Shh, can you keep a secret? Not only does she write books for the young-at-heart, adventurous sort who yearn to dive into a good young-adult fantasy story, she also writes spellbinding, heart pounding women's fiction. These particular books are written under the name Barbara Brooke, but that's another story, altogether.

Website www.hbbolton.com

Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/HBBoltonAuthor

Twitter  https://twitter.com/H_B_Bolton

Goodreads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6150459.H_B_Bolton

Pinterest http://pinterest.com/barbarabrooke/h-b-bolton-middle-grade-fantasy-author/ 

Amazon Author's Link http://www.amazon.com/H.B.-Bolton/e/B007RXO22A/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

To see a complete list of all the tour stops please click HERE:

Tour Wide Giveaway:

Open to US addresses and ebooks of both books, open internationally.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Sketchy by Olivia Samms

Title: Sketchy
Author: Olivia Samms
Series: Book One in the Bea Catcher Chronicles
Published By: Amazon Children's (April 30, 2013)
Source: ARC Copy Provided by the Publisher (in exchange for an honest review)
Genre: YA Paranormal Thriller
My Rating: 3.5 to 4 Stars!


Book Description:
A popular cheerleader—raped, beaten, and left for dead. An edgy outsider with a gift. Can they team up to catch a killer? Bea’s life has been a mess ever since she got kicked out of private school and sent to rehab. Now clean, Bea is starting over at Packard High School, in a city shaken from two assaults on young women. The latest victim, Willa Pressman—the one who survived— doesn't remember a thing. But Bea has a disturbing new “skill”: she can see—and then draw—images from other people’s minds. And when she looks at Willa, Bea is shocked by what she sketches. Bea might be the only one who knows Willa’s secrets—and who can take down the killer before he strikes again.

*Goodreads*Amazon* 

My Thoughts and Review:

I never know what to expect from a new author. It is always kind of like the luck of the draw with what you end with, a winner or a loser. Thankfully this was a winner.

I really am surprised by how much I enjoyed this. I loved Bea. She was beautifully flawed, rough, feisty, sarcastic and a fighter. She had some problems but she also had a special gift and a heart of gold and those two things combined, along with a family that loved her and some great people to help her along the way, and you have a winning combination.

I wasn't sure if I was going to like her crassness at first but she completely grew on me. I liked that she was slightly bitter and cynical and yeah, rough around the edges. It added to her personality and made her feel real to me.

I enjoyed that this wasn't just a coming of age story (although it sort of was as Bea struggled to figure out who she was sober and clean) but also had a great mystery that was slightly creepy at times as well as kept me turning the pages up until the very last one.

I loved that this isn't the end. I actually am happy that this will be a series and that we will get more Bea because like I mentioned above, her character really did grow on me and I can't wait to read more of her adventures and if a certain love interest develops along the way, all the better.  

Blog Tour, Book Review and Tour Wide Giveaway: Earth Day Celebration with I'll Follow the Moon by Stephanie Lisa Tara

I am so excited to be participating in this tour and want to thank Candace over at CBB Book Promotions for inviting me! 

I have thought a lot about what I do as a person for Earth Day each year and sadly, I really didn't come up with a whole lot. I don't go out and plant trees (although I have in the past), I don't have a huge party or participate in anything specific for that day, which kind of made me sad. But then I thought about all the things I do on a daily level that is good for the environment. 

I recycle. I am a huge believer in it  and because of that my children are as well. 

We use rechargeable batteries for everything they make them for instead of buying new batteries each time. We use energy efficient bulbs in pretty much every part of our home inside and out (outside we actually have solar powered walkway lights instead of bulbs) that we can. 

We have a water filter instead of buying bottled water each week. Lots of little things that (hopefully) add up over time.

So yeah, maybe I am not doing a ton for the environment but every little bit helps right?

Title: I'll Follow the Moon

Author: Stephanie Lisa Tara

Series: Stand Alone

Genre: Children's Book

Published: September 7, 2009 by Brown Books




Book Description:
On a quiet, moonlit beach, a baby green sea turtle stirs from a dream of home. Slowly, slowly, with a tap, crick, crack, the baby turtle embarks upon a mysterious nighttime journey. Gentle, tender verse and enchanting illustrations carry this tranquil tale from sand to sea.

*Amazon*

About the Author:

About Stephanie Lisa Tara:
I've always believed that magic hides in special places. As a child, people would often stare at my bright red hair, which was very, very bright indeed.
Unfortunately, I developed a bad habit of making up rhymes about all of them, and they soon became funny characters. I didn't have much time to think about being different; fanciful lyricisms danced in my head, and no one was safe!
Since then, I've come to believe that storytelling has the power to inspire a deep love of language and learning. Words tripping off the tongue in somersaults that stick to your thoughts like taffy-- those are the things that stay forever in the mind.
I've lived in many special places: on a farm, in a city skyscraper, on a tropical beach, and in the beautiful country of France. Now I live in northern California, between the redwood forests and the sea. Even though I'm an adult, I'm still as silly as ever.
Many nice words have been used to describe my books, such as fun, engaging, delightful, and whimsical. Some folks say that I deliver timeless messages of love for kids and parents to share again and again; this makes me very happy. I hope that you'll enjoy my stories, too. Captivating children with language is something that I believe in, and I strive to live my life with this always.
--Stephanie Lisa Tara
www.StephanieLisaTara.com

Cause pages (each supports a book's vision):
Facebook page for Save the Polar Bears | Facebook Page for Save the Green Turtles | Facebook Page for Save the Redwood Forests

Stephanie Lisa Tara's Personal Sites:

Facebook | Amazon | Website

For the rest of the tour info and stops please go HERE.

My Thoughts and Review:
I actually read this story with my youngest, since obviously it isn't really geared towards adults, and I have to say she loved this! The illustrations are gorgeous and sea turtles happen to be one of her favorite animals. In fact, we have an aquarium here that finally got a sea turtle and she was ecstatic! 
so to see this story after just visiting the aquarium (I  couldn't have planned it better!) was a big deal to her.

This really is a sweet story about little ones finding their way back to their mommy. 

I thought maybe this would be a little too young for my daughter but it turns out it wasn't at all. In fact she demanded after it was over that I read it to her again and even then she still looked at the pages long after I was finished with the story.

I really think this is a story that any little one (and moms and dads alike) will love. 

Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Due to overwhelming response, Stephanie Tara has decided to double your sweepstakes prize IF you are willing to WRITE A REVIEW (1 word to 100 - your choice!) on any of her book's amazon pages. moms-helping-moms! Add your voice to other mom's voices! And all together - we add our voices to Mother Earth's voice—this Earth Day, April 22, 2013!"