Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Tweeting, scheduling and crossposting...

When I signed up for Twitter some years ago, I only used it vaguely, from time to time and for no real purpose. Today, the picture is much different. I log into Twitter and to a scheduling service when I sit down at my computer, so I can 'space out' my tweets and that's just fine. No one really wants to be bombarded by constant messages from the same user over and over in the space of 10 minutes. I get that. It's useful and I actually like it.

It's the cross-posting that irritates me a lot. Why? Because I see the same exact tweets, repeated ten times, from different services bounce around and ask for attention. And they don't really share anything interesting but a link to follow. Where's the engaging little message to go with it? Or the colorful picture to actually make you want to see the stuff behind the link? Where's the actual person? Nowhere really.

Not that I don't cross-post. Gosh, I do, and I want to apologize to all the people who have to look at the repetitive non-personal messages that pop onto their screens now and then. But I'm starting to think that we're allowing machines and services to take too much of our personal space nowadays. What's worse - we're doing it willingly.

I don't really remember when was the last time I engaged in a real conversation on Twitter. And that's just sad.

Do you have an opinion? Share it below! :)

~ by Vanya D.


Monday, April 28, 2014

Book review: Sneaking Candy by Lisa Burstein

Synopsis:

One taste is never enough...

All I ever wanted was to make a name for myself as Candice Salinas, creative writing grad student at the University of Miami. Of course, secretly I already have made a name for myself: as Candy Sloane, self-published erotic romance writer. Though thrilled that my books are selling and I have actual fans, if anyone at UM found out, I could lose my scholarship…and the respect of my faculty advisor, grade-A-asshole Professor Dylan.

Enter James Walker, super-hot local barista and—surprise!—my student. Even though I know a relationship is totally off-limits, I can’t stop myself from sneaking around with James, taking a few cues from my own erotic writing…if you catch my drift. Candy’s showing her stripes for the first time in my real life, and I’ve never had so much fun. But when the sugar high fades, can my secrets stay under wraps?


NOTE: I received the book via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

I don't remember what I was expecting from this book when I requested it. I'd read another book from the author, so I thought I'd check out Sneaking Candy and see what happens. I think that Burstein accomplished what she was going for, even if it wasn't something great. It was fast paced, light and entertaining. It certainly wasn't meant for deep analysis of what is and what isn't a good practice in novel writing.

Writing style:
It flows well and is entertaining in a silly, non-committing kind of way. This is definitely not mean to be a serious novel.
However, I would have enjoyed it much more if it wasn't the stereotypical cliche of all recently published new adult novels. Honestly? I'm a bit tired of reading about girl meets boy in college and their sudden, inextinguishable attraction.

Story line:
I guess I liked the story line even if most parts of it were too cliche to even matter. But the clash of Candace's secret author identity - Candy - and the 'real' author she was attempting to become, was interesting to read about. The romance was a bit trivial and the parental issue didn't gain a resolution.

Themes:
-Believing in yourself can be the key to success.
-The expectations of others concerning your own life shouldn't be your cornerstone
-People in power can try to take advantage. You just have to be prepared to say no and act on it.

Characters:
Candace (Candy) was an insecure girl with lots of unresolved issues from both her past and present. She was hurt and angry at her parents, who kicked her out just because she wanted to pursue a career in creative writing. She was also hurt by her ex-fiance who abandoned her for the same exact reason. All of that she was, but she wasn't ready to face or deal with any of it for real.
I understood her fear to be in a relationship with anyone. Her ex had pretty much told her she wasn't girlfriend material as he broke up with her. Meanwhile, her professor is trying to subtly hit on her, confuse her and take advantage of her in any way he can.
So, you may ask, how's a girl to deal with all that baggage?
By fighting for who she is and what she believes she can do with her life. True, Candace wasn't a great example of a fighter, but the last couple of chapters showed a slightly different side of her. I was a little proud of her, for finally deciding to stick for herself.

Mandy was Candace's bff. She was too slutty for my taste, but on the other hand, she was supportive, always fought for the right cause and had a protective wing over Candace.

James... aside from his Greek god looks (bleh! I'm seriously tired of those perfect looks), he was the ultimate embodiment of patience. Had I been in his place, Candace would've gotten some truths spoken in her face. What I liked about him was his strong presence. He knew what he wanted and worked hard to get it. Why? Because he was able to see in depth and to calculate who and what is worth going after.

Now about professor Dylan. In the beginning he seemed to be a nice guy (don't they always?). Towards the middle, I started feeling the creeps whenever he entered a scene. And in the end? He was worth strangling. I honestly hate it when people in power (mostly men, if we have to be dead honest) dare think they're invincible and try to take advantage of the 'lowly' individuals in the under-hierarchy. I know he got a partial punishment for his crimes, but it was nowhere near good enough.

In conclusion:
I believe that readers of light romance, who don't feel like reading an in depth novel, will enjoy Sneaking Candy. Just don't expect something superb.

My rating is:

Entangled TEEN release day BLAST!!!

Today is release day for two amazing Entangled Teen titles and we are excited to share them all with you.  There's a little something for everyone this month so read on to find out more about them.


All the digital books are on sale for just $.99 for a limited time so be sure to pick up your copy today before they go back to full price!


About the Book
Title: The Rising King
Author: Shea Berkley
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Pub. Date: April 28, 2014
Find it: GoodreadsAmazon, B&N

Summary:

The summer before Dylan Kennedy’s senior year in high school is turning out to be anything but boring. Ridiculously hot girlfriend? Check. Killing evil Dark Souls who suddenly have aspirations of taking over the magical realm of Teag because its protective spell is gone? Check. Not even Teag’s King, Dylan’s father, Baun, can stop them. People are dying, and a dark magic that his girlfriend, Kera, received from Baun is growing stronger. Dylan wants to believe Kera is suppressing the darkness that’s in her, but every day he sees that control slip just a little more.

Baun sends Dylan to find a powerful magic that stop the Dark Souls, a magic so strong that Baun hid it so no one else could use it. When Dylan doesn’t expect to find along with it, are consequences that could end the lives of those closest to him.


 
 

Follow the blog tour HERE! 
(Starts 4/21)

Find Shea Online:





About the Book
Title: Creators
Author: Tiffany Truitt
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Pub. Date: April 28, 2014
Find it: GoodreadsAmazon, B&N

Summary:
Heartbroken but more determined than ever after a tense showdown in the woods, sixteen-year-old Tess once again returns to the safety of her community of Isolationists. Bolstered by new alliances and desperate to protect those she loves, this time she knows she can return stronger and more powerful than ever to take back what is hers.

As she trains in combat and grows more confident, Tess receives beautiful letters penned by her forbidden love, the chosen one James, from his prison in Templeton. He is now serving as a bodyguard to the creators—the team of scientists who created artificial life in the first place. And what he has discovered about the true origin of the illness that halted natural life could change everything. Enemy will become ally and death will bring new hope in this stunning conclusion to Tiffany Truitt’s epic Lost Souls trilogy.
    
Follow the blog tour HERE!
(Starts 4/21)


Find Tiffany Online:





Friday, April 25, 2014

Book blitz: The Day Human Prince by B.Kristin McMichael




Book & Author Details:

Day Human Prince by B. Kristin McMichael
(The Day Human Trilogy #1)
Published by: Lexia Press
Publication date: April 2014
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

Synopsis:
Devin Alexander grew up as the only day human in a world surrounded by night humans who drank blood, sometimes his blood. He spent his life training towards one goal: the protection of one of those blood drinkers, Arianna. But what is he supposed to do when the blue-eyed girl of the legends doesn’t need him anymore? What does his life mean then? How is a guy supposed to move on when the girl he has pined over for a decade chooses someone else?

Before he can even start to figure out his new life without Arianna, Devin has to deal with another problem. He needs to take care of some unfinished business with a night human he has known for less than a month, but with whom he is magically bound.

Vanessa McKinny has promised that she knows a way to undo the spell she placed on Devin to save his life. Devin would do anything to break the bond to be free of her, even if it means traveling to the sidhe village, a place inhabited by a race of night humans that has not had a day human visitor in more than a hundred years. If he doesn’t plan to get stuck, he must work with Nessa to find a way to break the bond. Only then can Devin have time to get back to finding his new goal in life, unless he discovers that his path lies with the sidhe.



SPECIAL EXTRA: excerpt


“What’s wrong?” she asked. She looked over his shoulder and quickly around the room, but didn’t see anything.
“We need to dance our way out of here,” Devin replied quietly, while still spinning them in circles. “Just follow my lead.”
Nessa wanted to ask more, but Devin dipped her down suddenly with one hand. Pulling her back up, his fist pressed against her back, now holding an arrow he grabbed from an assassination attempt. No one saw the invisible arrow, but Devin still held onto it. After a few more quick spins that didn’t allow Nessa to ask more questions, yet brought them five feet closer to the exit, Devin caught a second arrow from a different assassin. The first assassin was still waiting. Even the assassins didn’t see their own arrows. As they were within ten feet of leaving, Nessa finally protested.
“Devin, what is going on?” she asked, a bit winded from dancing.
Not now. I’m trying to save your life,’ Devin answered silently. Nessa’s eyes went big. She obviously hadn’t considered the danger to her life. ‘Now duck,’ he ordered.
Nessa instantly bent down and pretended to adjust her dresses hem. Devin held out his empty hand to help her stand back up. She smiled and stood, though there was still hesitation in her eyes. She couldn’t see the arrows in his hand. Devin smiled back, and she relaxed a little. Nessa slipped her hands back to his shoulders, and Devin took the lead again, pulling her toward the exit on the opposite side of the room from their table.
Dinner, dance, and then done?’ Devin asked, reiterating that they were done. He didn’t expect any kind of protest, but he had to be sure that they fulfilled the role they were supposed to play.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Originally from Wisconsin, B. Kristin currently resides in Ohio with her husband, two small children, and three cats. When not doing the mom thing of chasing kids, baking cookies, and playing outside, she is using her PhD in Biology working as a scientist. In her free time she is hard at work on multiple novels; as each day passes, she has more ideas for both current and future novels.

Connect with B. Kristin McMichael and join the mailing list for exclusive fan updates.
e-Mail: http://www.bkristinmcmichael.com/list
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bkristinmcmichael
Twitter: https://twitter.com/bkmcmichael/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/bkristinmcmichael






GIVEAWAY DETAILS: Blitz-wide giveaway 
Prizes - open to US only: -"Day Human Prince" and the three books of "The Blue Eyes Trilogy" in signed paperback editions (Day Human Prince is the first of a new trilogy that spins-off of the Blue Eyes Trilogy)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz: Five Out of the Pit by Holli Anderson



Book Details:

Five Out of the Pit by Holli Anderson
(Five #2)
Published by: Curiosity Quills Press
Publication date: March 31st 2014
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

Synopsis:
The Five find their way to Moab, Utah where, before they’re even settled in, evil finds them.

As Paige fights to keep from succumbing to the pull of an Incubus that has her marked as his next conquest, Johnathan seeks to find a way to rid her of a curse she willingly accepted in order to save him.

A surprising revelation initiates a long-awaited, yet unexpected, reunion for Alec who discovers a new magical talent he possesses.

The FIVE, along with their mentor, Joe, must figure out what was meant by the last words of a Demon as it was sent back to the Netherworld—a promise of Gathering darkness—and stop the evil before it’s unleashed on the small town of Moab. And, the world.

SPECIAL EXTRA: an excerpt


At first, the spell didn’t seem to affect the Ghoul much. But then, it stopped and stood, head shaking, a confused look in its flame-red eyes. A look of alarm passed over the hideous face next and the syringe dropped to the floor as the Ghoul’s astonished gaze turned to me. Eyes narrowed, it took a shuffling step toward me, gray skin beaded with sweat and red circles appearing on sallow cheeks.

I smiled wider as my magic surged. The powerful spell was too much for the monster to take. The Ghoul collapsed into convulsions as the heat rose and fried its pathetic brain. I turned the heat up another notch just to make sure.

The staff member that had been surely heading to her death and likely gruesome take-over of her body ran to the writhing Ghoul she thought of as George. She knelt beside him. “Jason, come here! George is having a seizure!”
I made sure my smile was gone before I turned to face the crowd gathered around Natalie.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR
 
Holli Anderson has a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing—which has nothing to do with writing, except maybe by adding some pretty descriptive injury and vomit scenes to her books. She discovered her joy of writing during a very trying period in her life when escaping into make-believe saved her. She enjoys reading any book she gets her hands on, but has a particular love for anything fantasy.

Along with her husband, Steve, and their four sons, she lives in Grantsville, Utah—the same small town in which she grew up.

Author Links:

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Book review: The Unseemly Education of Anne Merchant by Joanna Wiebe

Summary:

So many secrets for such a small island. From the moment Anne Merchant arrives at Cania Christy, a boarding school for the world’s wealthiest teens, the hushed truths of this strange, unfamiliar land begin calling to her—sometimes as lulling drumbeats in the night, sometimes as piercing shrieks.

One by one, unanswered questions rise. No one will tell her why a line is painted across the island or why she is forbidden to cross it. Her every move—even her performance at the school dance—is graded as part of a competition to become valedictorian, a title that brings rewards no one will talk about. And Anne discovers that the parents of her peers surrender million-dollar possessions to enroll their kids in Cania Christy, leaving her to wonder what her lowly funeral director father could have paid to get her in… and why.

As a beautiful senior struggles to help Anne make sense of this cloak-and-dagger world without breaking the rules that bind him, she must summon the courage to face the impossible truth—and change it—before she and everyone she loves is destroyed by it.


NOTE: I received the eARC via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

When I requested this book, I was really intrigued by the sound of the summary. Not the private school stuff - that's just too common - but the questions behind Anne being there. I got hooked from the first page on and was immersed in a world quite different from what I'd expected.

Writing style:
Fairly good and catchy. What I enjoyed the most though was that it was written so no secret was given away prematurely. No mystery was revealed until it's allotted time. That's what held me intrigued until the end.

Story line:
It was different from anything I'd ever read, taking aside the special private school. The world that Joanna Wiebe created isn't something I - or many YA readers - am used to (which is why Anne's story may not be much appreciated). It's a complete opposite to the norm I know (sweet or snarky girl falls for a sweet or snarky guy and nothing ever deviates from this general plot), which I presume is a reason why many readers won't necessarily like it. It's a different world that Anne Merchant goes to. A world where seduction, selfishness, outward beauty, sleaziness, abuse and such are highly esteemed. It's a world where you can't trust your own eyes or ears. Nothing is what it appears and you don't have the slightest idea what is really going on.

Themes:
- The everlasting one - being different and trying to somehow fit in (or not);
- Distrust towards everyone about everything could sometimes prove to be the best action plan;
- Not trusting the right people though... it can cost much;
- The ultimate price of life - or what would you give up to be alive?
- The evil that lurks around - where exactly is it?

Characters:
*Anne was a girl with a character and lots of questions. Not always the right ones, that's for sure, but at least she did her best to ask, to pry, to figure things out. For the most part, she did well. I understood her denial (although I think it was rather artificially prolonged) of all things supernatural. She was a realist after all. But the clues, the things she found out... there were no natural explanations of them. I just wish she hadn't clung to her idea of a reform school/asylum all that long. I was a bit disappointed by her because she didn't try expanding her imagination to include the impossible explanations that lurked on the sides of her mind. And she was an artist, for crying out loud. Wasn't she supposed to be more open minded?
What I did like about her was that she decided to remain mostly unblemished by the darkness that lurked around her. Everybody seemed to be going for a life theme (PT) that loosed them on their morals, but not Anne. She could've picked the easy way out and become a seductress (as her trainer had said in numerous occasions), but no. She decided that having information was more honest, and more to her liking.

*Pilot - he was the snarky boy that you'd think would win Anne's heart. I mean, that's what usually happens right? So you'd expect it. Only this book is about the unexpected, so you'd better not try to solve anything or think ahead much. So, Pilot. He was likeable from the very beginning. He seemed to be defending his own view of the world. He had a purpose and was prepared to fight for it. In all honesty, among all the wickedness around Cania Christy, Pilot seemed to be actually good. Which should've made me suspicious way early, but no such luck.

*Ben was the guy who secretly admired Anne from the sidelines. He obviously wanted to take some action and get close to her, but just when I'd think he would, he'd start acting all cool and nonchalant - as if he didn't even see her there. Bipolar much? Umm, no. All of that secrecy, all of his little hints, all his love/hate/indifference had their purpose in the creepy mystery that is this book. I can't say that I liked Ben all that much. Not until the end anyway. But dude, that's because I had no idea what was going on. After finishing the book, I sort of understood why things happened the way they did.

*Teddy - Anne's very creepy personal guardian. That dude... he gave me the chills. Especially when he suggested getting all close and personal with Anne just to boost her grade. While I was still reading, I thought "what a total perv!", but again, after finishing, well... let's just say he isn't who he pretended to be. Still very creepy though.

*Headmaster Villicus was evil incarnate. No, I'm serious. He hid it under a mask of superiority, but really, that kind of evil can never be hidden too well. It leaks all over the place.

*Molly was probably the only real friend Anne made. She was risky, good-natured, adventurous. She never seemed to care much about herself. For some reason she seemed resigned to her fate. But she cared about Anne. The life that Molly was living - all alone, stranded on the stupid enchanted island with no one of her own age to even talk to - well it wasn't all that good. I'm glad that she befriended Anne, even though that ended the way it did.

In conclusion:
I want to say that if you're expecting a sweet romance with some paranormal elements out of this book, you'd better go find yourself a different read. This isn't a teen romance with some background story thrown in there. The Unseemly Education of Anne Merchant is a mystery/thriller/dark-paranormal fantasy with some elements of romance in the background. It's creepy, it's got unexpected twists and turns and it deals with truths that aren't easy to stomach.

My rating is:

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

Waiting on Wednesday #16


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly blog post by Jill over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights releases we're eagerly awaiting.

My pick this week is:






Title: Fool's Assassin
Series:The Fitz and the Fool, Book 1
Genre: epic fantasy
Audience: Adult
Author: Robin Hobb
Release date: August 12, 2014
Publisher: Harper Voyager

Summary:

Nearly twenty years ago, Robin Hobb burst upon the fantasy scene with the first of her acclaimed Farseer novels, Assassin’s Apprentice, which introduced the characters of FitzChivalry Farseer and his uncanny friend the Fool. A watershed moment in modern fantasy, this novel—and those that followed—broke exciting new ground in a beloved genre. Together with George R. R. Martin, Robin Hobb helped pave the way for such talented new voices as Scott Lynch, Brandon Sanderson, and Naomi Novik.

Over the years, Hobb’s imagination has soared throughout the mythic lands of the Six Duchies in such bestselling series as the Liveship Traders Trilogy and the Rain Wilds Chronicles. But no matter how far she roamed, her heart always remained with Fitz. And now, at last, she has come home, with an astonishing new novel that opens a dark and gripping chapter in the Farseer saga.

FitzChivalry—royal bastard and former king’s assassin—has left his life of intrigue behind. As far as the rest of the world knows, FitzChivalry Farseer is dead and buried. Masquerading as Tom Badgerlock, Fitz is now married to his childhood sweetheart, Molly, and leading the quiet life of a country squire.

Though Fitz is haunted by the disappearance of the Fool, who did so much to shape Fitz into the man he has become, such private hurts are put aside in the business of daily life, at least until the appearance of menacing, pale-skinned strangers casts a sinister shadow over Fitz’s past . . . and his future.

Now, to protect his new life, the former assassin must once again take up his old one. . . .

 Why I want to read it:
Do I even need to give my reasons for waiting on this one? If you have read Robin Hobb before, you know why. If you haven't - you've missed out on an incredible world. Go get her books. Like right now! She's a real master of epic fantasy, same as George R.R. Martin and Tolkien and Steven Erickson and all the other big names. Robin Hobb IS A BIG NAME!


Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Cover Reveal: Transcending by Venessa Kimball

MY COMMENTS:
I don't think I have much to say about this cover. A pretty natural scene with a translucent girl in the foreground doesn't usually scream 'great cover', but I suppose it's original and has it's own kind of charm.


Book Details:
Title: Transcending the Legacy
Series: Piercing the Fold, book 4

Genre: paranormal / Sci-Fi
Audience: New Adult
Publication date: May 13, 2014

Summary:
With Jescas return from beyond the veil comes the realization that she is part of an ancient and celestial legacy that is much greater than the Sondian and Dobrian rivalry could ever be and the understanding of what has become of our world in the year that she has been gone beyond the veil.
It becomes known that ancient bloodlines and a supernal legacy has linked Jesca, her family, the two men she is torn between, and the team of guardians. With no other guidance but Jescas visions of what this legacy holds for them, the guardians are depending on the divining glimpses she is receiving to put them on the path leading to salvation.
As for our world, the population that has survived the galactic intersection, the climatic shift, and the necessary implantations are being invaded, occupied, and destroyed by the very beings Jesca encountered beyond the veil. The beings intent? To possess our world and stop Jesca and the other guardians from fulfilling the legacy that could save the human race and eradicate them.
Once again, Author Venessa Kimball will take you on a spine-tingling and breath-taking roller coaster ride through a reality that has been set askew, a reality that has surfaced the rim of our known existence, a reality that has ascended unworldly obstacles, and now a reality that must be transcended by one for the survival of all. The question is, will the stakes be too high and the loss be too great for Jesca and the guardians?
Get ready for the final book in Jescas journey, Transcending the Legacy.

******
In Book 1, Jesca's reality was set askew. In Book 2, Jesca and the guardians fought to surface the rim of reality. In Book 3, Jesca ascended the veil of our world to bring back those she loves. In Book 4, Jesca must transcend her legacy to salvage humankind's existence. The question is, will the stakes be too high and the sacrifice too great?
Amazon Best Selling Paranormal Sci-Fi series
Piercing the Fold: Book 1 http://smarturl.it/kbrqd8
Surfacing the Rim: Book2 http://smarturl.it/mrqxg7
Ascending the Veil: Book3 http://smarturl.it/rcztvn
Facebook Release Party:

Series Goodreads Link :


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
In 2010, Venessa Kimball was struck by an idea, A story that needed telling. Having always been passionate about the written word, Venessa embarked on writing what would become her Young Adult/Adult cross-over debut novel; Piercing the Fold: Book 1, a mature young adult/ adult crossover, paranormal, science fiction series. July 2, 2012, Venessa Kimball independently published the first book in the Piercing the Fold series. Book 2, Surfacing the Rim, released as a self-published novel on March 14, 2013.
In August of 2013, Venessa joined the independent publishing house, Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly. The Piercing the Fold series has been re-published with them. Piercing the Fold: Book 1 was published on September 3, 2013 Surfacing the Rim: Book 2 re-published on September 24, 2013 and Ascending the Veil: Book 3 published for the first time November 2013. The fourth book in the series, Transcending the Legacy: Book 4, will release May 2014 with Crushing Hearts and Black Butterfly Publishing House.
As for the future, Venessa is already filling her Work-In-Progress folder with numerous projects. Two of her future projects are Adult contemporary fiction and Adult Paranormal/ Sci-Fi. They both will reflect her diversity as a writer in other genres. When Venessa is not writing, she is keeping active with her husband and three children, chauffeuring said children to extracurricular activities, catching a movie with her hubby or kids, and staying up way too late reading.
 
Author Links:

Monday, April 21, 2014

Entangled Teen Release Day Blast

Today is release day for two amazing Entangled Teen titles and we are excited to share them all with you. There's a little something for everyone this month so read on to find out more about them.
All the digital books are on sale for just $.99 for a limited time so be sure to pick up your copy today before they go back to full price!


About the Book
Title: My Not So Super Sweet Life
Author: Rachel Harris
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Pub. Date: April 21, 2014
Find it: GoodreadsAmazon, B&N

Summary:

Cat Crawford just wants to be normal—or at least as normal as a daughter of Hollywood royalty can be. And it looks like fate is granting her wish: she’s got an amazing boyfriend, Lucas; her fabulous cousin, Alessandra, living with her; and her dad planning his second marriage to a great future stepmom. That is, until her prodigal mother reveals on national television that she has something important to tell her daughter…causing a media frenzy.
Lucas Capelli knows his fate is to be with Cat, and he’s worked hard to win her over once and for all. Unfortunately, Lucas has his own issues to deal with, including a scandal that could take him away from the first place he’s truly belonged.

As secrets are revealed, rumors explode, and the world watches, Cat and Lucas discover it’s not fate they have to fight if they want to stay together…this time, it’s their own insecurities.

Well, and the stalkerazzi.

Follow the blog tour HERE!
(Starts 4/21)

Find Rachel Online:


About the Book
Title: Fragile Line
Author: Brooklyn Skye
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Pub. Date: April 21, 2014
Find it: GoodreadsAmazon, B&N

Summary:

It can happen in a flash. One minute she’s kissing her boyfriend, the next she’s lost in the woods. Sixteen-year-old Ellie Cox is losing time. It started out small…forgetting a drive home or a conversation with a friend. But her blackouts are getting worse, more difficult to disguise as forgetfulness. When Ellie goes missing for three days, waking up in the apartment of a mysterious guy—a guy who is definitely not her boyfriend, her life starts to spiral out of control.

Perched on the edge of insanity, with horrific memories of her childhood leaking in, Ellie struggles to put together the pieces of what she’s lost—starting with the name haunting her, Gwen. Heartbreakingly beautiful, this poignant story follows one girl’s harrowing journey to finding out who she really is.

Follow the blog tour HERE!
(Starts 4/21)

Find Brooklyn Online:

Friday, April 18, 2014

Book Review: RUINED by Jus Accardo

Summary from Goodreads:

 
A new adult novel from Entangled's Embrace imprint...

Hell is looking for a way to break loose…

Jax lost the genetic lottery. Descended from Cain, the world's first murderer, he's plagued by a curse that demands violence in exchange for his happiness. He left everything behind, including the girl he loved, but thriving on the pain of others is lonely… And it's killing him.

After a series of heartbreaking losses, Samantha put rubber to pavement and headed for college as fast as her clunker could carry her. But she can't outrun her problems. When an attack at school drives her back home, she's thrown into the path of a past—and a guy—she's been trying to forget.

Sam strains Jax's control over his darkness, but running isn't an option this time. Someone—or, something—followed her home from school: a ruthless monster with a twisted plan centuries in the making. Forced together to survive, and fighting an attraction that could destroy them both, Jax and Sam must stop a killer bent on revenge.


NOTE: I received this ARC from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

I can't say that Jus Accardo is my most favorite author, but she is among the Top 50 that I'd read if given the chance. With that said, I was a little disappointed by Ruined. Don't get me wrong, it was enjoyable, but sometimes the 'tell' got a little too much for my taste.

Writing style:
It was good. Not amazingly great (unfortunately), but good enough to entertain. I liked the unique voice of each character and that Accardo didn't bore me to death with super detailed descriptions. I didn't like the overuse of foul language though.

Story line:
A bunch of girls are found dead. Only they appear to all look like Sam (our female lead) and they turn out in places where Jax (the male lead) has happened to stay for a night or two. The questions keep on coming but the two most important are: 1) who is the murderer? and 2) is he/she onto Jax, or onto Sam?

Themes:
- Trying to run away from your problems is never the right decision.
- Being the bad boy isn't always good. Or funny. Usually it's messed up.
- The bad boy isn't always the most dangerous one.
- Sometimes life requires sacrifices. The question is, can we handle them?
- The impossible love relationship is on.

Characters:
I was quite a bit disappointed in Jax's character. Other than having killer looks, horrible temper and sometimes lack of self-control we don't really learn much about him (other that he's a descendent of Cain and carries his curse). I got bothered a lot by his always 'saying' that he's in pain when the demon inside him is hungry. For all readers' sake, don't 'tell' me he was in pain, 'show' me, so I can feel it too at some level. This goes on and on chapter after chapter. It was annoying and frankly, it killed a lot of the story for me.
Other than that, Jax was impulsive and violent. Sure, he did resemble some kind of self-control which was commendable, but it wasn't enough. Although, if you really think about it, he must've been pretty strong to exercise such control over the demon who resided in him (Azirak I believe was the name).

Now I've got a few things to say about Sam. that girl was either super stupid and unobservant or she took belief in coincidence to a whole new level. I mean, all sorts of suspicious things happen in her life - to her! - threats and such, and she doesn't do anything about them but complain and try to reason them to coincidence.
What I liked about her was how she called Jax's crap when he was trying to get her angry and push him away. In that perspective it seemed that her brains and observation worked perfectly.

Jax had a twin brother who played the 'good' guy. Despite being a world class player, the whole town was wrapped around his finger. I don't remember his name, nor will I say much about him, because it may spoil your read, but just... don't take him lightly.

In conclusion:
My words above may have sounded harsh, but they're honest and I'm not changing them. Still, I would recommend the book to readers of paranormal romance/urban fantasy, because it's a fast pace, enjoyable read that will have you turning the page even if it's not all that spectacular.

My rating is: