Sunday 31 May 2015

RELEASE DAY BLITZ - The Reapers by Ali Winters

Title: The Reapers
Author: Ali Winters 
Genre: YA Fantasy
Hosted by: Lady Amber's Tours
Blurb:
The balance of life and death must be kept at all costs.

Having been a reaper as long as she can remember, Nivian knows that what she does is essential in maintaining balance. After being assigned to a rushed mark she finds that there is more to this human than any other she has encountered.

Kain had been living an ordinary life without a second thought until he meets Nivian who turns his world upside down. He is thrust into a world of hunters and reapers. The keepers of life and death have been feuding for centuries over a reason no one can even remember.

With Kain having been marked for reaping, and Nivian being hunted, they forge a friendship and together must find the truth in order to keep balance in check. Wrong choices could destroy everything. As they journey they discover hidden histories, powers, and lies and truths that have been spun since the beginning of time. The consequence of failure, unimaginable.


Buy Link:

Nivian jumped over the edge of the bridge, landing with a soft tap on the surface of the water. She reached down, pulled the soul of the driver up by the collar of his shirt, and stood him up next to her on top of the water. She took the drivers hand palm up in hers, waving her other hand over his. She pinched the air and pulled, lifting up and exposing his life string, his wide eyes were hypnotized by the glowing string. She grabbed the scythe strapped to her back and swung. With a slow deliberate movement she sliced the human’s thread. The light formed a ball and hovered as she pulled out the small pocket watch. The life light floated down to the watch and sunk into it, disappearing. With a snap, she closed the watch and returned it to her pocket.
“You really shouldn’t drink and drive; you could have seriously hurt someone,” she said giving him an apathetic look. He gaped at her, mouth opening and closing like a fish. “Yes, you really are dead.” She confirmed as she started to turn away.
“Are you … the devil?” he managed to sputter.
“No, of course not. I am just the natural order of things,” she said, briefly looking back at him. “Wait here; your spirit counselor will be here soon for you to guide you to your afterlife. I have other jobs tonight,” She turned, walking away as she pulled her hood back up over her head and vanished.

Ali grew up in the Pacific North West. She attended Oregon State University for photography. After many adventures she moved to Colorado and earning second degree, she found and met and married her husband.  Ali currently lives in windy Wyoming with her husband and two dogs, Nika and Tedward. When not writing Ali is either photographing, knitting, reading, dancing or staying inside where it’s warm with a hot cup of coffee. She dreams of traveling the world someday soon.

Author Links:
You can email Ali at 

Or you can also find her on these social platforms.



Friday 29 May 2015

Book Tour: Confessions of a Virgin Sex Columnist! by Kay Marie






Confessions of a Virgin Sex Columnist!
Release Date: 05/18/15

Summary from Goodreads:
From bestselling author Kaitlyn Davis, writing as Kay Marie, comes a new adult romantic comedy about a girl who'll soon discover that some secrets can't be kept forever, especially those of the heart.


My name is Skylar Quinn, I just moved to New York with my best friend Bridget, and I have a confession. Well, more than one. Okay, quite a few really. Fine, here goes!


Confession #1: I'm a sex columnist. Hold on, that's not really the confession. You see, I'm sort of a virgin...sex columnist.

Confession #2: I'm in love with Bridget's older brother, Oliver. No—I was. No—I am. Wait, was? Am? Crap.

Confession #3: I've been avoiding Oliver for four years. Or I was until today, because he just moved in. Yes, you read that correctly. He's my new roommate. So that night we've both been pretending never happened, well, we might not be able to keep it a secret any longer.

And trust me, this is only the beginning. 


Buy Links:


Excerpt: Chapter One

“And that's not even the best part—they want me, the virgin English major, to write a column. A dating column. Okay, a sex column…"
My throat is starting to close, and it's highly possible that hives are breaking out along my neck. I can’t help but reach a few fingers up to rub at my skin as I try to swallow, fighting the chalky feeling on my tongue.
"And, I sort of said yes."
Well, there it is. I said it. Now do you see?
I'm a farce. A fake. In my utter desperation to land a job with a full-time salary (and benefits!), I created the worst situation any hopeful journalist could ever be in. I'm going to be a reporter who can't report the truth. A liar. A sham. They'll run me out of the city before my first column is ever printed. I'll never work in newsprint again. I'll be forced to return home a failure, begging to oversee the editing of my high school gazette, surrounded by stories about football games and science projects for my entire life, praying for a student-teacher affair or drinking scandal to liven things up. I'll—
"Um, Skye?" 
Did I say any of that tirade out loud? 
"Yeah?" I call back, pulled from my paranoia. 
But then my heart stops. 
I stop. 
Time stops. 
Even my brain stops…for a second anyway.
The full sound of that voice carries to my ears and it's not Bridget's. It’s not even a woman's. And I recognize it. 
I'd recognize it anywhere. 
"Ollie?" I squeak. 
"Skye…" he answers. Is it possible for someone's voice to be smiling? 
But I don't believe it—I don't want to believe it. I ask again, hoping for a different answer. "Oliver McDonough?"
"Skylar Quinn?" he asks, and I actually hear a snicker this time. 
I stand up and run to the kitchen, tripping over my own feet and throwing my arms against the wall to keep from falling over as I soar through the opening. 
And there he is. 
Six foot two. Sinfully dark brown hair. Brilliantly turquoise eyes. 
Oliver McDonough.
Bridget's older brother. 
And the last person I ever wanted to see in the world.

Author Bio: 

Bestselling author Kaitlyn Davis writes young adult fantasy novels under the name Kaitlyn Davis and contemporary romance novels under the name Kay Marie.


Always blessed with an overactive imagination, Kaitlyn has been writing ever since she picked up her first crayon and is overjoyed to share her work with the world. When she's not daydreaming, typing stories, or getting lost in fictional worlds, Kaitlyn can be found indulging in some puppy videos, watching a little too much television, or spending time with her family. If you have any questions for her--about her books, about scheduling an event, or just in general--you may contact her at: KaitlynDavisBooks@gmail.com

To stay up-to-date with all of Kaitlyn's new releases, sign up for her new release newsletter here: TinyLetter.com/KaitlynDavisBooks

Author Links:

Giveaway



My Review
4/5

Note to reader: 
This book is the first in a series (duology? I'm not sure). I was not aware of this when starting so I'm warning now. It can be read as a standalone as there are no cliffhangers per se but it is useful to know before starting.

This book was so incredibly cute and witty. 

The writing style allows the reader to engage fully with Skye but Skye's personality is layered with so much humour that there is never too much seriousness in any moment. I loved the banter and awkward-funny moments that filled this book and for me, they made this a fun and light read. There were plenty of heartwarming moments but for the most part cute and funny was the theme of the story.

I was quite happy with all of the characters in this book. Usually leads annoy me in some way or another but Skye was so much fun to read! I loved her character. My main issue with Ollie was his "big brother" moments [insert eye roll]. I really never understand that stereotype.

The plot was a little predictable but in a good way. When you read the blurb this is exactly what you are expecting from the book and the focuses are solely on the characters and the writing.

Overall I really enjoyed this and cannot look forward to the next book.






Book Tour Organized by:

Thursday 28 May 2015

M9B TWO FOR THURSDAY BLITZ: Call Me Grim by Elizabeth Holloway and Into the Fire by Ashelyn Drake #T4T


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Hello and welcome to this week’s Two for Thursday Book Blitz #T4T
presented by Month9books/Tantrum Books!
Today, we will be showcasing two titles that may tickle your fancy,
and we’ll share what readers have to say about these titles!
You just might find your next read!

This week, #T4T presents to you:
Call Me Grim by Elizabeth Holloway and
Into the Fire by Ashelyn Drake

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!


Call Me Grim
The truck should have turned Libbi Piper into a Libbi Pancake—and it would have, too, if Aaron hadn't shown up and saved her life. The problem? Aaron's the local Grim Reaper . . . and he only saved Libbi's life because he needs someone to take over his job. Now, Libbi has two days to choose between dying like she was supposed to, or living a lonely life as Death Incarnate. Talk about a rock and a hard place. And the choice goes from hard to sucktastic when her best friend shows up marked: condemned as a future murderer. Libbi could have an extra week to stop the murder and fix the mark . . . but only if she accepts Aaron's job as Reaper, trapping herself in her crappy town forever, invisible and inaudible to everyone except the newly dead. But, if she refuses? Her best friend is headed straight for Hell.
add to goodreads


WHAT READER’S ARE SAYING:
Call Me Grim is humor, brilliance and a success altogether.” 
Paula, Her Book Thoughts


“Okay, just the story line over all was GENIUS. I have NEVER EVER read a book like this before. It was just so original and plain awesome. MEGA props to the author. I'm still grinning from what I've read.” 
Rachelann, Goodreads Reviewer


“Call Me Grim is one of those books that you do not want to put down. At the same time there is something about it that makes you just want to savor it - you want to know what is going to happen next but at the same time you do not want it to end.” 
– Mike, Goodreads Reviewer

about-the-author

Elizabeth Holloway
Elizabeth Holloway is a maternity nurse living in Southern Pennsylvania with her two teen children and their pets, Bam-bam the dog and Tinkerbell the cat. In addition to nursing and writing, she’s also an avid reader, an artist, a karaoke singer, a music lover, and a kick-ass Pictionary player. Her debut YA novel, CALL ME GRIM, will be released from Month9Books in Fall 2014.

Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

~~~~~~~~

Into the Fire
Seventeen-year-old Cara Tillman’s life is a perfectly normal one until Logan Schmidt moves to Ashlan Falls. Cara is inexplicably drawn to him, but she’s not exactly complaining. Logan’s like no boy she’s ever met, and he brings out a side of Cara that she isn’t used to. As the two get closer, everything is nearly perfect, and Cara looks forward to the future. 
But Cara isn’t a normal girl. She’s a member of a small group of people descended from the mythical phoenix bird, and her time is running out. Rebirth is nearing, which means she’ll forget her life up to this point—she’ll forget Logan and everything they mean to one another.. But that may be the least of Cara’s problems. 
A phoenix hunter is on the loose, and he’s determined to put an end to the lives of people like Cara and her family, once and for all.
add to goodreads


WHAT READER’S ARE SAYING: 
“You witness a major loss to the main character that does not involve a death, and also fully understand just what is about to face the main character. It was such a hook for me and I just had to find out what would happen next.” 
Maria, The Paisley Reade

“I love finding series about unique paranormals, and Ashelyn Drake did a really good job with this one.” 
Michelle, Book Briefs

“Kelly Hashway aka Ashelyn Drake has created an impeccable story surrounded around mythology, romance, family and deceit.” 
Nay Denise, Nays Pink Bookshelf

about-the-author
Kelly Hashway
Ashelyn Drake is a New Adult and Young Adult romance author. While it’s rare for her not to have either a book in hand or her fingers flying across a laptop, she also enjoys spending time with her family. She believes you are never too old to enjoy a good swing set and there’s never a bad time for some dark chocolate. She is represented by Sarah Negovetich of Corvisiero Literary Agency.

Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway
Complete the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!

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Wednesday 27 May 2015

BLOG TOUR - The Artisans by Julie Reece (Review & Giveaway) @chapterxchapter @month9books










Title: The Artisans
Author: Julie Reece
Publication date: May 12, 2015
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.


Blurb: 
They say death can be beautiful. But after the death of her mother, seventeen-year-old Raven Weathersby gives up her dream of becoming a fashion designer, barely surviving life in the South Carolina lowlands.

To make ends meet, Raven works after school as a seamstress creating stunning works of fashion that often rival the great names of the day.

Instead of making things easier on the high school senior, her stepdad's drinking leads to a run in with the highly reclusive heir to the Maddox family fortune, Gideon Maddox.

But Raven's stepdad's drying out and in no condition to attend the meeting with Maddox. So Raven volunteers to take his place and offers to repay the debt in order to keep the only father she's ever known out of jail, or worse.

Gideon Maddox agrees, outlining an outrageous demand: Raven must live in his home for a year while she designs for Maddox Industries' clothing line, signing over her creative rights.

Her handsome young captor is arrogant and infuriating to the nth degree, and Raven can't imagine working for him, let alone sharing the same space for more than five minutes.

But nothing is ever as it seems. Is Gideon Maddox the monster the world believes him to be? And can he stand to let the young seamstress see him as he really is?

ABOUT JULIE REECE:
Born in Ohio, I lived next to my grandfather’s horse farm until the fourth grade. Summers were about riding, fishing and make-believe, while winter brought sledding and ice-skating on frozen ponds. Most of life was magical, but not all.
I struggled with multiple learning disabilities, did not excel in school. I spent much of my time looking out windows and daydreaming. In the fourth grade (with the help of one very nice teacher) I fought dyslexia for my right to read, like a prince fights a dragon in order to free the princess locked in a tower, and I won.
Afterwards, I read like a fiend. I invented stories where I could be the princess… or a gifted heroine from another world who kicked bad guy butt to win the heart of a charismatic hero. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that? Later, I moved to Florida where I continued to fantasize about superpowers and monsters, fabricating stories (my mother called it lying) and sharing them with my friends.
Then I thought I’d write one down…
Hooked, I’ve been writing ever since. I write historical, contemporary, urban fantasy, adventure, and young adult romances. I love strong heroines, sweeping tales of mystery and epic adventure… which must include a really hot guy. My writing is proof you can work hard to overcome any obstacle. Don’t give up. I say, if you write, write on!

Connect with the Author:


3.75/5

I'm gonna start this off by saying I was so worried about reading this book. I've been in an awful reading funk lately and haven't really been in the mood to read anything. I was worried this would affect my reading of The Artisans but thankfully it didn't. The minute I started I got really sucked in and managed to finish the whole book in a day. It was a fascinating take on the Beauty & the Beast tale and I was not expecting it to go in the direction it did.

Initially I thought this was gonna be just an ordinary contemporary read with maybe some mystery and intrigue but it ended up being so much more. I'm not sure if I should say what because it might be spoilery. Maybe this was left out of the blurb intentionally? I'm not sure. Just know that there is more to this book than what you might think.
The characters of Raven and Gideon were really interesting. Raven was a really cool character to read about, she had such a gothic and steampuck like style. I loved the descriptions of the clothes she designed. She did annoy me a couple times because of her indecisiveness and constantly switching her mind though. Gideon of course was the expected brooding, mysterious and damaged type, but I did like him. He has a dark secret that I really was not expecting. It was an interesting element to the story and I think this was the main think I liked about the book. 
The romance element felt maybe a bit rushed. Even though they had been sharing the same house for months, I think they may have fallen too hard too fast for each other. I feel like there wasn't enough time spent on them getting to know each other really. Actually I kind of feel this way about a few aspects of the story. I think they could have done with being explored more in-depthly.

Overall though I did  enjoyed this book. It was a mysterious, creepy and intriguing read.






Tuesday 26 May 2015

RELEASE DAY BLITZ - Nowhere But Here by Katie McGarry (Excerpt & Giveaway) @InkSlingerPR @HarlequinTeen

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We are absolutely thrilled to bring you the Release Day Launch for Katie McGarry's NOWHERE BUT HERE! NOWHERE BUT HERE is a Young Adult Contemporary Romance and is a part of Katie McGarry’s Thunder Road Series, published by Harlequin Teen. Grab your copy today!!

Nowhere But Here - cover


  About NOWHERE BUT HERE: 
An unforgettable new series from acclaimed author Katie McGarry about taking risks, opening your heart and ending up in a place you never imagined possible

Seventeen-year-old Emily likes her life the way it is: doting parents, good friends, good school in a safe neighborhood. Sure, she's curious about her biological father—the one who chose life in a motorcycle club, the Reign of Terror, over being a parent—but that doesn't mean she wants to be a part of his world. But when a reluctant visit turns to an extended summer vacation among relatives she never knew she had, one thing becomes clear: nothing is what it seems. Not the club, not her secret-keeping father and not Oz, a guy with suck-me-in blue eyes who can help her understand them both.

Oz wants one thing: to join the Reign of Terror. They're the good guys. They protect people. They're…family. And while Emily—the gorgeous and sheltered daughter of the club's most respected member—is in town, he's gonna prove it to her. So when her father asks him to keep her safe from a rival club with a score to settle, Oz knows it's his shot at his dream. What he doesn't count on is that Emily just might turn that dream upside down.

No one wants them to be together. But sometimes the right person is the one you least expect, and the road you fear the most is the one that leads you home.

   Hand rider on handlebars, close-up 
  NOWHERE BUT HERE Trailer:

From Oz's Point of View. Set up: Emily has been separated from her parents and after a long night of worrying, her emotions and exhaustion catch up to her and it causes Oz to have his first fluttering of emotion for Emily. 

WIND BLOWS IN FROM THE NORTH AND A FEW pieces of Emily’s dark hair sweep across her face. One min­ute Emily’s a bright flame, then a gust snuffs out her light. Her body sways like a top at the tail end of a spin and I lunge forward.
Emily’s knees give out and her eyes roll back into her head. I catch her inches before she crashes onto the porch. She’s light as I swing her into my arms and her head circles onto my shoulder, reminding me of one of those rag dolls Violet used to play with when we were kids.
“Emily!” Eli’s on top of me, attempting to yank her out of my arms. “Open your eyes.”
Her eyelids flutter, but remain closed as her hand limply clutches my shirt. Eli rams his arms underneath mine and he makes Emily a rope in a tug-of-war. I should let her go. I should want to let her go, but then Emily goes and screws it up for me. “Oz.” 
It was a damn whisper, but I heard my name on her lips and so did Eli. His eyes flash to mine and Cyrus’s words repeat in my mind. That girl trusts you. And screw us both for that.
“She’s exhausted,” I say. “Hasn’t slept at all tonight.”
Eli’s expression hardens as he glares at me. I’ve seen Eli throw a coma-inducing punch for less defiance and I readjust the sleeping girl in my arms. A reminder if he decks me now, he’ll be putting his daughter at risk.
Temporarily surrendering, Eli cups Emily’s face in his hands and angles her toward him. “Emily, please open your eyes.”
She does. It’s barely a crack and they’re completely glazed.
“Everything’s going to be okay,” Eli affirms.
“I want my mom and dad,” she mumbles.
“You’ll see them tomorrow.” Eli pushes a strand of hair from her cheek. “You’re safe here. I promise.”
She rejects Eli by curling into me. Her head fits perfectly in the crook of my neck and I loathe the wave of protective­ness that rumbles through my body. Emily’s fingers tighten their grip near my shoulders and the impulse is to shield her from the guys gawking at this intimate scene. Yeah, this is club business, but Emily never asked for any of this.

~~~~~~

Katie McGarry Author PhotoAbout Katie McGarry: 
Katie McGarry was a teenager during the age of grunge and boy bands and remembers those years as the best and worst of her life. She is a lover of music, happy endings, reality television, and is a secret University of Kentucky basketball fan. Katie is the author of full length YA novels, PUSHING THE LIMITS, DARE YOU TO, CRASH INTO YOU, TAKE ME ON, BREAKING THE RULES, and NOWHERE BUT HERE and the e-novellas, CROSSING THE LINE and RED AT NIGHT. Her debut YA novel, PUSHING THE LIMITS was a 2012 Goodreads Choice Finalist for YA Fiction, a RT Magazine's 2012 Reviewer's Choice Awards Nominee for Young Adult Contemporary Novel, a double Rita Finalist, and a 2013 YALSA Top Ten Teen Pick. DARE YOU TO was also a Goodreads Choice Finalist for YA Fiction and won RT Magazine’s Reviewer’s Choice Best Book Award for Young Adult Contemporary fiction in 2013.  



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Monday 25 May 2015

RELEASE DAY BLITZ - Always Yours, Baby by Airicka Phoenix (Excerpt & Giveaway)

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Today is the release day blitz for ALWAYS YOURS, BABY by Airicka Phoenix. This is a new adult, standalone novel that is the 4th book in The Baby Saga. Check out the materials below for buy links, an excerpt, and a giveaway!

Title: Always Yours, Baby 
Author: Airicka Phoenix 
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance 
Series: The Baby Saga Series Number: #4

BOOK BLURB:
How could someone so pure want filth like him?

Damon Comb was no stranger to pain, hunger, loneliness, and abandonment. Being given a family that would die for one another didn’t erase six years of torture. It didn’t take away the nightmares. She did. She was everything someone like him should never be allowed. She was goodness and strength and she made him human.

How could someone so broken complete her?

Willa McClain had it all, a family that adored each other, the love of an entire town and a future she worked her butt off to get. But all she wanted was the boy with the sad blue eyes and the crooked smile. He was her best friend, her protector and the only one who really understood her.

How could a love like theirs be extinguished?

But nothing ever lasted forever. Damon knew better than anyone how quickly the tides could change. Can he keep his past at bay before it consumes the only light in his dark world? Can he finally tell Willa the truth, or will his fears tear them apart forever?

How could love so strong ever fail?

couple in love on the beach in autumn

She beamed, but it didn’t go all the way to her eyes like it normally would. There were lingering fingers of shadow along the edges that prickled his attention.
“What?”
“Does it feel different?” she asked.
He hooked her hair with a finger and dragged them back behind her ear.
“Does what feel different?”
“Us,” she whispered. “I feel like it should feel different, but I feel the same.”
He hummed quietly, knowing full well what she meant.
“How do you want to feel?”
“Like this,” she said immediately, eyes growing urgent. “I love the way I feel when I’m with you. I don’t ever want that to change. But I have been so scared for so long that I just … I wasn’t expecting to feel exactly how I always felt.”
He let his fingers ghost along the elegant curve of her brow, down the lines of her face to the hollow of her cheek. He watched as her eyes closed and her head tilted into the touch.
“How have you always felt?” he wondered, his voice constricting with the band that had tightened around his chest at the simple gesture.
“Loved.” Her eyes opened and met his. “Wanted, happy, excited. A little sad.”
He felt his muscles stiffen at the confession. “Why sad?”
“Because I know one lifetime with you won’t be enough and it kills me.” Her eyes bore into his, reflecting the fear she spoke of. “I can’t lose you, Damon. I’d never survive.”
He kissed her gently on the mouth with one hand lifting up to cup the back of her head. He pulled back a second later before caution could be thrown to the winds and he started something he would be powerless to stop.
“You will never lose me,” he promised. “I won’t ever let that happen.”

Teaser 3

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BUY LINKS:
For a limited time you can get ALWAYS YOURS, BABY, and the rest of The Baby Saga for just .99¢ each!
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1cUMjgb



PURCHASE THE PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES
Forever His Baby *Sloan & Lily* (Book 1):
Barnes & Noble: http://goo.gl/Q6GRZB

Bye-Bye Baby *Cole & Beth* (Book 2):
Barnes & Noble: http://goo.gl/CZIFA3

Be My Baby *Calla & Jared* (Book 3):
Barnes & Noble: http://goo.gl/EWpDvs

Teaser 6

AUTHOR INFORMATION:  
Airicka PhoenixBIO:
Airicka Phoenix is a romance junkie with an incurable addiction to chocolate. She is also a prolific author of several novels written for young adult and new adult romance addicts who love bad boys, hot kisses and a gritty plot. Airicka prides herself in producing quality material her readers can fall in love with again and again.
When she's not hard at work bleeding words onto paper, Airicka can be found cuddling with her family, reading, watching TV shows, or just finding excuses not to do chores.
Be the first for giveaways, teasers and upcoming releases by joining Airicka's newsletter on her website www.AirickaPhoenix.com

AUTHOR LINKS:
Twitter: http://goo.gl/yoVWYF (@AirickaPhoenix)
Pinterest: http://goo.gl/Y5AOQq 
Amazon: http://goo.gl/Nq57nJ