Book Tour: Taking Back Forever by Karen Amanda Hooper (Excerpt)

Taking Back Forever
(Kindrily 2)
Author: Karen Amanda Hooper
Publication: Starry Sky Publishing, May 31 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal
Buy: Amazon ♥ B&N ♥

Overview

Forever is worth the fight.

Maryah erased all memory of her past lives, but she couldn’t erase her soul mate Nathan, or his undying love. Now, Maryah and Nathan have a second chance at a future together, but first Maryah must remember the person she used to be and embrace her supernatural gifts—more than one kindrily member’s life depends on it.

Maryah’s power is Harmony’s best hope of finding her kidnapped soul mate, Gregory. But Harmony isn’t big on asking anyone for help, and she’s tired of waiting, so she’s taking matters into her own hands. Heaven help anyone who stands in her way.

Excerpt 

“Every lifetime,” he continued, “each body has been different. It’s always a challenge to relearn you, but I enjoy each and every drawn out moment of it, and in the past, you did too.” He kissed the crook of my arm and my breath caught. I didn’t even know people kissed each other there, but it should be on way more top ten lists.

As enchanting as Nathan’s words were, it was still hard for me to comprehend that I had lived in other bodies. He set my arm down and I forced my eyes to open. “What was your favorite version of me?”

“What do you mean?”

I spun my ring around my thumb, avoiding eye contact with him. For some reason it was easier to talk about it if I wasn’t looking at him. “I’m sure I was prettier and sexier in my other lives. Is there a past version of me that was your favorite?”

Nathan put the book on the nightstand and adjusted so he was sitting directly facing me. “Let me explain this again. It’s your soul I’m in love with. The package it comes in makes no difference to me. Your inner beauty and the energy of your being are what attract me to you.” He touched my cheek then his fingertips drifted down my neck and shoulders. “But to answer your question, this is my favorite version of you.”

Karen was born and bred in Baltimore, frolicked and froze in Colorado for a couple of years and is currently sunning and splashing around Florida with her two beloved dogs. She's addicted to coffee, chocolate and complicated happily-ever-afters.

Karen has been making up stories for as long as she can remember. In high school she discovered her passion for putting her thoughts onto paper, but it wasn't until her late twenties that she wrote her first novel. Due to her strong Disney upbringing, she still believes in fairytales and will forever sprinkle magic throughout all of her novels.

Author Links: 
Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

 

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: The Girl with the Iron Touch by Kady Cross

The Girl with the Iron Touch 

(Steampunk Chronicles 3) 

Author: Kady Cross 

Publisher: Harlequin Teen 

Genre: YA Steampunk 

Buy: Amazon ♥ B&N ♥ TBD  

Overview 

In 1897 London, something not quite human is about to awaken.

When mechanical genius Emily is kidnapped by rogue automatons, Finley Jayne and her fellow misfits fear the worst. What's left of their archenemy, The Machinist, hungers to be resurrected, and Emily must transplant his consciousness into one of his automatons—or forfeit her friends' lives.

With Griffin being mysteriously tormented by the Aether, the young duke's sanity is close to the breaking point. Seeking help, Finley turns to Jack Dandy, but trusting the master criminal is as dangerous as controlling her dark side. When Jack kisses her, Finley must finally confront her true feelings for him...and for Griffin.

Meanwhile, Sam is searching everywhere for Emily, from Whitechapel's desolate alleyways to Mayfair's elegant mansions. He would walk into hell for her, but the choice she must make will test them more than they could imagine.

To save those she cares about, Emily must confront The Machinist's ultimate creation—an automaton more human than machine. And if she's to have any chance at triumphing, she must summon a strength even she doesn't know she has.... 

Waiting on Wednesday (95)

Hosted at Breaking the Spine.

 

Midnight Frost
(Mythos Academy 5)
Jennifer Estep
July 30 2013

Goodreads:

Here we go again …

Just when it seems life at Mythos Academy can’t get any more dangerous, the Reapers of Chaos manage to prove me wrong. It was just a typical night at the Library of Antiquities — until a Reaper tried to poison me. The good news is I’m still alive and kicking. The bad news is the Reaper poisoned someone else instead.

As Nike’s Champion, everyone expects me to lead the charge against the Reapers, even though I’m still hurting over what happened with Spartan warrior Logan Quinn. I’ve got to get my hands on the antidote fast — otherwise, an innocent person will die. But the only known cure is hidden in some creepy ruins — and the Reapers are sure to be waiting for me there …

Why am I waiting for it?

I’ve been following this series for a while now. Do I even have to say how excited I am that another book is coming out? Because I am, you know! 

Teaser Tuesday (89)

Hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. 


 

The Girl with the Iron Touch
by Kady Cross

~Rich, Handsome, Dangerous~  

Impulsively, she traced the bow of his lower lip with her thumb. “There’s only one mouth I think about kissing.” 

Griffin’s gaze warmed beneath his heavy lids. He had a way of looking at a girl that made her want to toss propriety and virtue to the wind. “Whose mouth is that?” His voice was low and rough as his fingers hooked into the front lacing of her corset and pulled her closer. 

“Yours, you great daft article. Not Jack’s, only yours. Will you stop being jealous of him now?” 

“He’s rich, handsome and dangerous. You like that.” 

She smiled at the uncharacteristic lack of self-confidence in his tone. “My dear duke. You are rich, handsome and dangerous.”

It's Monday! What are you reading? (78)

 

Hosted by Book Journey

Just Finished Reading:

The Girl with The Iron Touch by Kady Cross
(I loved returning to another adventure with the gang, but that was it...it was just another adventure. More of the same and I expected more or different)

Currently Reading:

Splintered by A.G. Howard
(My brother's girlfriend is the BEST and lent me this! I am IN LOVE)

Suddenly You (The Jane Austen Academy 4) by Cecilia Gray
(Can't wait to read Fanny's story. She's a tough cookie.)

Planning To Read:

The Pirate's Wish by Cassandra Rose Clarke
(Najiiiiiiiiiii!)

Out This Week!

SEAL of Honor by Tonya Burrows
Amazon ♥ B&N ♥ TBD

The Girl with the Iron Touch (Steampunk Chronicles 3) by Kady Cross
Amazon ♥ B&N ♥ TBD

Dare You To (Pushing the Limits 2) by Katie McGarry
Amazon ♥ B&N ♥ TBD

Of Triton (Of Poseidon 2) by Anna Banks
Amazon ♥ B&N ♥ TBD

Tempest Reborn (Jane True 6) by Nicole Peeler
Amazon ♥ B&N ♥ TBD

Goddess (Starcrossed 3) by Josephine Angelini
Amazon ♥ B&N ♥ TBD

Book Tour: Inspire by Heather Buchine (Interview)

Inspire
Author: Heather Buchine
Publication: March 31st 2013
Genre: NA Contemporary Romance
Buy: Amazon ♥ B&N

Overview

18-year old Paige Rice, an exquisite beauty from East Hampton, NY, has just celebrated her high school graduation and is expecting to spend her summer living it up with all her socialite friends. But her parents have a different idea – she is being hauled away-literally- to the mountains of Vermont for the entire summer- in an RV!

Assuming she will be an outcast amongst the other teens at the campground still does not prepare her for the treatment she receives, which is far worse than she imagined. She also isn’t prepared for Travis, the campground owner’s son and the “Sexiest” guy she has ever laid eyes on. Travis is the only one who shows any interest in getting to know Paige. The only problem is that they have to explore what lies between them in secret. But once all the secrets are stripped away, the truth may be crushing.

***Intended for mature audiences due to language and sexual content***

Book Tour: In Darkness We Must Abide by Rhiannon Frater (Guest Post)

In Darkness We Must Abide
(The Complete First Season)
Author: Rhiannon Frater 
Publication: May 24th 2013
Genre: NA Modern Gothic Horror 
Buy: Autographed ♥ Paperback ♥ Kindle ♥ B&N ♥ Kobo

Overview

In Darkness We Must Abide is the epic saga of one young woman caught in the dangerous world of the creatures of the night.

Already living in the shadows due to her albinism, Vanora is just a little girl when her older brother inadvertently unleashes a terrible evil from the family crypt that changes their lives forever.

As she grows up in a world where beautiful deadly beings hunt by night, one captures her eye and her heart. Yet, can she trust the mysterious Armando? For there is a powerful entity plotting to claim her when she reaches adulthood in order to fulfill an ancient prophecy, and her enemy has enveloped her in a web of deceit, casting doubt on all she believes to be true. Soon, she will have to fight not only to save those she loves, but also for her very soul.

Rhiannon Frater delivers a chilling adventure once again with this multi-part epic serial with a dynamic cast, old school vampires, bloody action, a smoldering forbidden love, and a terrifying villain set against the backdrop of a modern day vampire war.

This paperback includes all five episodes of the first season of the serial.

The Origin of a Supernatural Serial

Review: Seal of Honor by Tonya Burrows

SEAL of Honor
(HORNET 1)
Author: Tonya Burrows
Publisher: Entangled Select
Genre: Romance
Buy: Amazon ♥ B&N ♥ TBD

Overview

It’s a good thing Gabe Bristow lives and breathes the Navy SEAL credo, “the only easy day was yesterday,” because today, his life is unrecognizable. When his prestigious career comes to a crashing halt, he’s left with a bum leg and few prospects for employment that don’t include a desk.

That is, until he’s offered the chance to command a private hostage rescue team and free a wealthy American businessman from Colombian paramilitary rebels. It seems like a good deal—until he meets his new team: a drunk Cajun linguist, a boy-genius CIA threat analyst, an FBI negotiator with mob ties, a cowboy medic, and an EOD expert as volatile as the bombs he defuses. Oh, and who could forget the sexy, frustratingly impulsive Audrey Van Amee? She’s determined to help rescue her brother—or drive Gabe crazy. Whichever comes first.

As the death toll rises, Gabe’s team of delinquents must figure out how to work together long enough to save the day. Or, at least, not get themselves killed. Because Gabe’s finally found something worth living for, and God help him if he can’t bring her brother back alive.

Guest Post: Character Advice Column by Sherry Soule

Author Sherry Soule provides today’s post. She’s celebrating the release of her new novel, IMMORTAL ECLIPSE. If you like supernatural suspense mingled with a dash of chick-lit and a healthy dose of paranormal romance, then this is the book for you!

Sherry asked her snarky heroine, Skylar Blackwell to stop by. She has recently started her own advice column: “Dear Skylar.”

Since several people have asked Skylar for help with some very strange topics, she’s generously taken time away from her shopping cardio to answer them. Pasted below are some of the questions sent to her.


Question 1:
Q. Dear Skylar,
     My boyfriend is in college and he likes to wear socks with sandals. When I complained about it, he just says his feet get cold. It’s so embarrassing! I refuse to go on dates with him until he buys a real pair of shoes. Any advice on getting him to stop?
    Thanx,
    Fashion-Clueless-BF

A. Dear Fashion-Clueless-BF,
    Wearing socks with sandals has been a fashion faux pas forever, but that doesn't stop people (generally men) from doing it. Unless you are walking outside to pick up the newspaper, socks with sandals are a big fashion no-no! First off, you don’t have to alert the fashion police—just throw out those sandals yourself! Then buy him some nicer shoes to wear. He’ll have new shoes, and you’ll have a fashionable guy—problem solved.

Waiting on Wednesday (94)

Hosted at Breaking the Spine.

The Night Itself

(The Name of the Blade 1)
Zoe Marriott

July 4 2013

  

Goodreads:

When fifteen year old Mio Yamato furtively sneaks the katana - an ancestral Japanese sword - out of its hiding place in her parent's attic to help liven up her Christmas party costume, she has no idea of the darkness she is about to unleash on modern day London, or the family secrets that she is going to uncover.

The paralyzing paranoia that descends on her before she gets to her friend's party is her first clue. The vivid and terrifying visions that nearly get her killed are a pretty good warning too.

The giant nine-tailed cat demon that comes after the sword and tries to rip her throat out? Overkill.

Seconds away from becoming kitty-food, Mio is saved by Shinobu, a mysterious warrior boy. But it's already too late. Mio has ruptured the veil between the mortal realm and the Underworld, and now the gods and monsters of ancient Japan stalk the streets of London, searching for her and the sword.

With the help of her best friend Jack, a fox spirit named Hikaru - and the devoted protection of the betwitchingly familiar Shinobu - Mio attempts to discover the true nature of the sword and its connection to the Yamato family. Because if she doesn't learn how to control the katana's incredible powers, she's in danger of being overwhelmed by them. And if she can't keep the sword safe from the terrible creatures who want it for their own, she'll lose not only her own life... but the love of a lifetime. 

Why am I waiting for it? 

Marriott’s novels are full of awesome and after reading this one’s blurb, I can’t wait to read it!

Teaser Tuesday (88)

Hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. 

SEAL of Honor 

by Tonya Burrows

~A SEAL's training~

Gabe wasn’t entirely sure what just happened. One minute he’d been reconnoitering the alleyway, wondering if Bryson had been taken from here because it has easy access to two different streets at both ends, and the next, a wisp of a woman shot out of the apartment building’s emergency exit like her ass was on fire. Then she took one look at his face and gave a bloodcurdling horror movie scream. As a SEAL, he was trained to handle most anything an enemy could throw at him, but a hysterical woman? What the fuck was he supposed to do with her?

~A SEAL’s cargo pants~

Those cargo pants had been his favorite pair, well-traveled and comfortably worn, and some doctor…Cut. Them. Off.
The fucker.

It's Monday! What are you reading? (77)

 

Hosted by Book Journey

Just Finished Reading:

Outcast by Adrienne Kress
(Couldn't get into the story due to the annoying voice of the main character)

Currently Reading:

The Girl with The Iron Touch by Kady Cross

I was supposed to have started this already and I haven't, not because I think it's bad. On the contrary I can't wait to read it! But my reading time has been getting diverted into this...

Oh yes. Doctor Who time! I just started the series last week and I. Am. Hooked.

Planning To Read:

Suddenly You (The Jane Austen Academy 4) by Cecilia Gray
(Can't wait to read Fanny's story. She's a tough cookie.)
The Pirate's Wish by Cassandra Rose Clarke
(Can't wait to read more about Naji!)

Review: The Witch's Betrayal by Cassandra Rose Clarke

The Witch’s Betrayal
Author: Cassandra Rose Clarke
Publisher: Strange Chemistry, 2013
Genre: YA Fantasy
Buy: Amazon ♥ B&N

Overview

You’ve read The Assassin’s Curse. You’ve met Naji. Now go back in time and see Naji in his earlier years, as he seeks a target and ends up clashing with Leila, the river witch.

Book Tour: Plastic Hearts by Lisa De Jong (Excerpt + Giveaway)

Plastic Hearts
(Hearts, #1)
Author: Lisa De Jong
Publication: February 27th 2013
Genre: New Adult Contemporary
Buy: Amazon

Overview

My life has always been safe. I like it that way. I grew up in a fake society where plastic hearts rule. If our hearts are made of plastic, they can never be broken. My parents have expectations and I do everything I can to meet them, even if it means giving up on my own dreams.

Now, all I want is to be free to make my own choices.

Dane Wright is everything I have been warned to stay away from. We met one night while I was with my perfect, parent-approved boyfriend and I haven’t stopped thinking about him. I don’t want to like him. I am doing everything I can to ignore his pull, but my heart seems to want what it cannot have, what it has never had.

Can he measure up? He may think I am too good for him, but maybe he is too good for me.

Life is a series of choices and I have never been able to make my own. Until one day, when my heart decides to make a choice for me.

Recommended for mature readers due to sexual content and language 

Early Review: Dare You To by Katie McGarry

Dare You To
(Pushing the Limits 2)
Author: Katie McGarry
Publisher: Harlequin Teen, 2013
Genre: YA Contemporary
Buy: Amazon ♥ B&N ♥ TBD

Overview

If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does....

Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.

But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all....

Waiting on Wednesday (93)

Hosted at Breaking the Spine.

 

Star Cursed

(The Cahill Witch Chronicles 2)

Jessica Spotswood

June 18 2013

  

Goodreads: 

With the Brotherhood persecuting witches like never before, a divided Sisterhood desperately needs Cate to come into her Prophesied powers. And after Cate's friend Sachi is arrested for using magic, a war-thirsty Sister offers to help her find answers—if Cate is willing to endanger everyone she loves.

Cate doesn't want to be a weapon, and she doesn't want to involve her friends and Finn in the Sisterhood's schemes. But when Maura and Tess join the Sisterhood, Maura makes it clear that she'll do whatever it takes to lead the witches to victory. Even if it means sacrifices. Even if it means overthrowing Cate. Even if it means all-out war.

Why am I waiting for it? 

Still miffed that they changed the covers, but that won’t stop me from reading this!... Finn! I miss you!

Teaser Tuesday (87)

Hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. 

Dare You To
by Katie McGarry

~He’s so patient with her~

“Get your arm off of me before I rip it off and beat the shit out of you with it.”
We’re heading for the bonfire. I feel small underneath his massive arm, like a girl, and such vulnerability makes me uncomfortable. Instead of letting go, Ryan effortlessly tucks me under his shoulder.
“When you kiss guys, do they drop dead from the venom that spews out of your mouth?”
“I wish, because I would have kissed you days ago. I’m not kidding, get the hell off.”
“No.”
“No? Do you have a death wish?”

Spring Blog Carnival Winners!

I've never had such fun as when I read all these entries. You guys were outstanding and thank you all for participating! I know maybe the instruction were a bit too long and some of you didn't get them, but I still appreciate the effort. I really loved most of the entries, but there could only be three winners ;)

1. christinamarch: based on Robin LaFevers St. Mortain series. I made up a poison the Sisters could be making in the poison lab.

Christina wrapped her fingers around the vial - softly, very very softly, it had to be like a caress she reminded herself - and with the warmth of the still-hot glass scorching her, she placed it in her pocket, the thick wool both a protective nest for the poison and a barrier between the ink-black liquid and her skin. She made her way across the tavern, smiling, spinning, laughing, like all the other maidens there. She came to a flourished stop before him, still sitting in the corner, and bowed low as she smiled up at him, all shyness. With a grunt he grabbed her, hard and rough by the waist and pulled her close. Success! she thought, with a smile that dripped sweetness for him, but felt wider than the earth with the strength of her slyness. In his lap, laughing at his sordid, uncouth stories, she slid her fingers into her pocket - her pocket of death, the Sister had called it - and uncorked the vial without losing a single drop of poison. With her other hand she pulled his face close, making him stare only at her and well away from the cup of ale he still clutched in his thick hand, and quick as a flash she emptied the vial. With a kiss she got up and danced her way back across the pub. And then watched. Watched as he emptied his cup of ale, watched as he laughed after his last gulp and wiped the back of his hand across his mouth. Watched as he froze, his whole body too still for its flabby girth, before he finally grabbed the table before him and blinked fast as his eyes protruded from their sockets and froth bubbled up through his lips. Before the blood trickled down his cheeks in place of tears, he turned he head and looked straight at her. She met his eyes head on and smiled before turning on her heels and walking out the door. 

Though you didn't attack the dummies, you created a scene full of intrigue and danger. Plus, you made up a poison!

2. Beth: based on Lord of the Rings, of course!

Beth drunkenly staggered to the weapons display, swaying on her feet as she eyed them all. Her hand closed on an elaborately-carved wood-and-mithrill composite shortbow. She fumbled for a moment with the black leather quiver, finally slinging it over her torso and tugging until it centered across her back. With a grumble, she turned to face the mannequins beside the booth. She blinked five or six times, as if clearing her vision. She slowly knocked an arrow on the bow, and raised it, her arms shaking.
With a deft spin, she pivoted 180 degrees and fired into the crowd of spammers shambling toward the Carnival, dropping their leader dead with an arrow through his heart.
"Well, you did say shoot the dummies...." 

Ohmygoodness this was so unexpected and it had me snorting soda out of my nose. It was awesome.

3. ensconcedya: based on Rot and Ruin by Jonathan Maberry

I bow to my sensei, the famous Tom Imura, and then turn to the left and whip out my katana. The sword gleams in the sun and the mirror of reflections scatter in my eyes as make quick steps and lunges with the weapon. Dummy heads fly in the air. I bow once more to Tom.
He looks at me sternly. "Again." 

Very serious scene, flawless action, and the sensei! I approve.

It's Monday! What are you reading? (76)

 

Hosted by Book Journey

Just Finished Reading:

The Killing Moon by N.K. Jemisin

(I only have to sit down, open this book, and be completely absorbed by this world)
Dark Triumph (His Fair Assassin 2) by Robin LaFevers
(Read the first chapter and I'm hooked!)

Play With Me (With Me in Seattle 3)

Rock With Me (With Me in Seattle 4)
by Kristen Proby
(I'm very happy I kept reading this adult romance. It's definitely improved and I've grown attached to all the characters. Can't wait to read the other stories)

Currently Reading:

Outcast by Adrienne Kress
(Still don't know what to think about it. It definitely has its lol moments but the prose gets annoying sometimes and takes me out of the story)
Suddenly You (The Jane Austen Academy 4) by Cecilia Gray
(Hurray! I didn't know this was coming out this month)

Planning To Read:

The Girl with The Iron Touch by Kady Cross

(I haven't read this fearing it was the end of the trilogy and I SO DID NOT WANT IT TO END, but since then I've read this one's ending leaves space for another story. So now I'm more than happy to tackle it!)