Friday, January 10, 2014
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Blog Tour: Branded by Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki - Review & Giveaway
Welcome to my stop on the Branded blog tour, hosted by YA Bound Book Tours. Below you'll find my review and a great giveaway!
A Sinners Series #1
Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki
YA Urban Sci-Fi/Dystopian/Romance
Available at Amazon * B&N
Blurb
Fifty years ago the Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. He created the Hole where sinners are branded according to their sins and might survive a few years. At best.
Now LUST wraps around my neck like blue fingers strangling me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit and now the Hole is my new home.
Darkness. Death. Violence. Pain.
Now every day is a fight for survival. But I won’t die. I won’t let them win.
The Hole can’t keep me. The Hole can’t break me.
I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter.
My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.
My Review: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Branded is an action-packed read that's virtually impossible to put down once started. The characters are amazing, so well-written that I fell in love with them (even the ones I hated). This novel concentrates on the people and how they cope with their hopeless lives. It's the characters that make this novel good,
The plot itself is a tad confusing and never explained in a way that satisfied me. I couldn't determine if this Commander ruled a state, a territory, or a country. The way the story is presented, it seems the Commander is obsessed with The Hole, lives overlooking it, his own personal perversion. But then I didn't understand if he also ruled more. He changed the entire judicial system, so he must have complete control in some way. Perhaps it was just me, but at times I was lost. I loved the premise, the branding of those accused of sins; it's so creepy and downright scary. But I really wanted more info on the world itself and how it ended up this way, as well as how large the Commander's territory is. Is he the only government? Anyway, my questions are endless.
Lexi and Cole are fantastic characters. I fell in love with both of them immediately. Since the novel is told from Lexi's point of view, we know what's in her mind, her thoughts and feelings. I enjoyed the way her story was drawn out. We know from the beginning that she's innocent of her crime, but not her entire backstory. When it's all revealed, it's a doozie. What we don't learn much about is Cole's backstory. He's a guard at The Hole. While most guards are horrible, uncaring people, Cole is a great guy. Why? How did he end up a guard when he so obviously doesn't fit in with them. I have my ideas based on the story, but I'd have loved to hear it from his mouth.
Branded is full of angst, tragedy, horrible acts, and displays some of the worst of humankind. I cried through quite a bit of this novel, and at times it was exhausting. This is not a book to take out in public but to read in the privacy of your room, unless you like answering endless questions about your constant sobbing. As I stated earlier, the characters make this novel worth reading. Whenever I put the book down for a break, they filled my mind. Truth be told, I think Zeus was my favorite character. After the endless human atrocities, this dog was fiercely loyal and loving.
I recommend Branded to ages 18+ due to the violence, gore, physical and psychological torture, and overall angst. The romance between Lexi and Cole was amazing and moving, all the more so since it was forbidden. While the plot seemed to lack enough information at times, I still really enjoyed it.
About the Authors
Abi and Missy met in the summer of
1999 at college orientation and have been best friends ever since. After
college, they added jobs, husbands and kids to their lives, but they still
found time for their friendship. Instead of hanging out on weekends, they went
to dinner once a month and reviewed books. What started out as an enjoyable
hobby has now become an incredible adventure.
Author Links:
Giveaway!
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Blog Tour: The Whispers of the Fallen by J.D. Netto - Excerpt & Giveaway
J.D. Netto
Fantasy/Paranormal
Tristar Publishing Group
Available at Amazon * B&N * Apple * Kobo
Blurb
Ever since the dawn of days, rumors about the Diary of Lucifer echoed throughout Elysium. Hidden from all human knowledge, the Diary was kept a secret, locked away in the small village of Agalmath.
Isaac and Demetre find themselves in a dangerous journey as they uncover the truth about the Diary and those who guarded it for all these years. However, for Isaac and Demetre, danger lies at every step, hidden in the most unexpected places.
Hunted by the Nephilins and the Fallen Stars, they must find others who will join them in the battle against the coming darkness.
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Excerpt
“They performed the Soul Exchange. Demetre was offered to the Darkness when he was an infant. This offer gives liberty for any chosen Fallen Star to take over his body upon his blood maturation. Therefore, Demetre’s fate was chosen for him.” Devin sighed. “This is a dangerous thing, given that a Fallen Star is now hosted in a human body. Their tissue, skin and blood have intertwined. They are one.”
I placed both of my hands on my face, closed my eyes and once again cried bitterly. Demetre, the person I had known throughout my entire life, the person that knew me best, died without having a choice. A part of me wanted to refuse to believe that this was true, but deep inside I knew the truth had to be embraced now.
The Whispers of the Fallen - Chapter VI
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About the Author
J.D.Netto (Jorge de Oliveira Netto) is brazilian-born. Raised in Framingham, MA, J.D.Netto always had an eye for epic fantasy and story-telling. At an early age, he had the habit of locking himself in his room, turning on any soundtrack he could find, and there he would write for hours.
During his senior year in High School, J.D.Netto had an idea that changed his life, 'What if Lucifer had a Diary? What if the Diary was a secret? What if the secret was a reality?' These simple questions led him to write for six consecutive years, researching, perfecting his craft, and creating the world of Elysium. All the promotional visuals of the novel, including the cover, were designed by J.D.Netto, proving that he is not only a writer, but an innovative visual designer.
Links-
Website- www.thewhispersofthefallen.com
Facebook- facebook.com/thewhispersofthefallen
Twitter- https://twitter.com/jd_netto
Instagram: jdnetto
Giveaway!
J.D. Netto will be giving away four paperback books during the tour. All you have to do is "like" the official facebook page ( facebook.com/thewhispersofthefallen ) and leave a comment.
Tuesday, January 7, 2014
Blog Tour: The Twelve Days of Christmas Past - An Entangled Flirt Anthology
An anthology of four historical novellas
Historical Romance
Entangled Flirt
Available at Amazon
The Countess's Groom
by
Emily Larkin
Rose, the Countess Malmstoke, is
trapped in a marriage from hell. Escape seems impossible—until her horse groom
Will Fenmore offers to help her find a way out.
Will has loved Rose since she was
brought to Creed Hall as a new bride, but their relationship has only ever been
that of mistress and servant. Born
worlds apart, Will knows he could never be her husband, but maybe he can be her
salvation.
As they plan her escape to the
American colonies, Rose learns to trust Will with her life and her heart, but
trusting him with her body is another matter. Can she conquer her fear of the
marriage bed? Is the future she dreams of—being Will’s wife—possible?
Christmas
Past
by
Susanna Fraser
Time-traveling PhD student Sydney
Dahlquist’s first mission sounded simple enough—spend two weeks in December
1810 collecting blood samples from the sick and wounded of Wellington’s army,
then go home to modern-day Seattle and Christmas with her family. But when her
time machine breaks, stranding her in the past, she must decide whether to
sacrifice herself to protect the timeline or to build a new life—and embrace a
new love—two centuries before her time.
Rifle captain Miles Griffin has
been fascinated by the tall, beautiful “Mrs. Sydney” from the day he met her
caring for wounded soldiers. When he stumbles upon her time travel secret on
Christmas Eve, he vows to do whatever it takes to seduce her into making her
home in his present—by his side.
Website: http://www.susannafraser.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/susannafraser
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susanna.fraser
The
Blacksmith’s Son
By
Rebecca Thomas
Captain Quentin Drake returns
home after his Naval commission ends to find a young groom being beaten in the
village stables. Weary from his travels, he only wants a good night's sleep,
but refuses to turn a blind eye to the lad's mistreatment. He intervenes,
taking the lad to his room, only to discover the boy...is a woman.
After Ally Lockwood witnesses an
earl murdering another man, she’s in fear for her life. She flees his estate
and masquerades as a boy while assisting the local blacksmith. Her ruse is up
when a handsome stranger tending to her wounds disrobes her. Involvement with
the Captain lures Ally into believing she can return to life as a woman, but it
may also draw the killer back on her trail.
The
Earl’s Christmas Colt
By
Rebecca Thomas
Lady Arabella Sutton is stunned
to learn her brother has betrothed her to a stranger despite his promises for a
season in London. Although she is the first to admit no man would suit, since
she’s more interested in horses than marriage, the last thing she wants is to
become a brood mare to a stuffy old earl. Facing a future she cannot abide, she
takes an impetuous ride to clear her head and ends up tending her injured mare
instead.
Oliver Westwyck, the Earl of
Marsdale, can’t believe his luck when he stops at an inn the night before he’s
to meet his fiancée. In the stable, while tending the colt he intends to give
to his future wife, he happens upon her—rain-drenched but beautiful. She
assumes he’s a stable hand, a fine joke he means to end...until Lady Arabella
declares all noblemen are egotistical, conceited, and arrogant. How can he
reveal his true identity before he’s managed to change her mind and win her
heart?
Website: www.rebeccathomas.org
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rebecca_Thomas3
Facebook: www.facebook.com/beccawriter
My Review: I received this anthology from the authors in exchange for an honest review.
I read this anthology while I was away on my cruise. It was really the perfect read to enjoy on vacation. Every story was sweet, heartwarming, and just left me smiling. I'm glad the stories were short because once I started one, I really didn't want to stop reading!
The Earl's Christmas Colt was far and away my favorite in the anthology. I felt an instant connection with main character Arabella. Oliver was just adorable in his rather inept subterfuge. There was just something about this story that really moved me.
Christmas Past was a rather intriguing story involving time travel. I think this story would have made a great novel rather than a novella. Be prepared to suspend belief, as we always must do with time travel. While I had no trouble following the story, I really would have liked to know more about Sydney's past and training.
The Countess's Groom was a tad darker than the other novellas. There was a constant dark cloud hanging over the story as we wondered whether things would work out for Rose and Will. Ally in The Blacksmith's Son has the worst luck ever! I was avidly cheering her on throughout her escapades.
I highly recommend The Twelve Days of Christmas Past to everyone high school and up that enjoys sweet historical romance novellas. I added this one to my favorites list on Goodreads!
Promo Blitz: The Upside of Being Let Down by London Casey
The Upside of Being Let DownLondon Casey
New Adult Romance
The fact that AJ's sister is a stripper has been the bane of AJ's existence for as long as she can remember. Every guy that has showed interest only wanted to get closer to her sister. After being kicked out of college, and subsequently out of her apartment, AJ heads to the strip club for some sisterly advice. Instead, she lands in the apartment of a cute stranger who seems way too eager to help.
Bryan is a regular guy looking for the simplicity in life. A strip club is definitely not his idea of simplicity, but he is pleasantly surprised at who he finds not prancing around on stage. In the middle of a strip club his eyes are glued to a woman that is fully dressed and thus begins a rollercoaster romance that he never saw coming.
When a risky dare is set in motion, an earth shattering truth is unraveled and AJ no longer knows who she can trust. Can Bryan prove that he loves AJ and help save her bond with her sister before it's too late?
London Casey
Author Links
This Promo Blitz is brought to you by Reading Addiction Book Tours
Monday, January 6, 2014
Release Blitz: A Voice to Love by Karolyn James - Giveaway
Fallen Tuesday #1
Karolyn James
New Adult Contemporary Romance
Available at Amazon
Blurb (from Goodreads)
The Brothers of Rock series continues with Fallen Tuesday!
Leadsinger Luke Nolan's sudden success is everything dreams are made of. Going from playing at a local dive bar to touring with megaband Chasing Cross, seemingly overnight, and ultimately saving the headliner's tour, has the men of Fallen Tuesday absolutely loving the life on the road. In fact, Luke is loving it so much that he has used every excuse to not tell his bandmates about his medical condition that is worsening with each performance.
In a small town just outside Syracuse, New York, Amy Deleranne seeks solitude in the kitchen of Tommy Two's, her uncle Tom's restaurant that should have been hers by now. She understands his emotional attachment, but she has poured her life into its survival and has more at stake than anyone knows...
With Luke battling a skyrocketing career and the medically unknown and Amy terrified to look over her shoulder at all times, it is no wonder that sparks fly when they meet. However, can their hearts, and their careers, survive the secrets they've been keeping?
About the Author
Karolyn James is an award winning/bestselling romance author. Whether it’s contemporary romance, rockstar romance, western romance, or even steamy erotic romance…Karolyn writes it all!
Blitz Wide Giveaway!
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