1/22/14

Cover Make-Over: Kiss of Fire - Rebecca Ethington

Author Rebecca Ethington has given KISS OF FIRE a cover make-over! Check out the BRAND NEW COVER! It's beautiful!!!

Rebecca Ethington is also giving away a $15 gift card and a signed copy copy of KISS OF FIRE. 




Kiss of Fire
by Rebecca Ethington

Joclyn Despain has been marred by a brand on her skin. She doesn't know why the mark appeared on her neck, but she doesn't want anyone to see it, including her best friend Ryland, who knows everything else about her. The scar is the reason she hides herself behind baggy clothes, and won't let the idea of kissing Ryland enter her mind, no matter how much she wants to. The scar is the reason she is being hunted.

If only she knew that she was.

If only she had known that the cursed stone her estranged father sent for her 16th birthday would trigger a change in her. Now, she is being stalked by a tall blonde man, and is miraculously throwing her high school bully ten feet in the air.

Joclyn attempts to find some answers and the courage to follow her heart. When Ryland finds her scar; only he knows what it means, and who will kill her because of it.





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1/21/14

Book Review: Shackled Lily - T. L. Gray

Author: T. L. Gray
Genre: Young Adult - Romance, Christian
Series: Winsor Series - Book 2
Self Published Author

Synopsis (From Goodreads.com):  Beautiful, selfish and spoiled Kaitlyn “Issy” Summers had it all, or so everyone thought. Then, one night changed everything. Now trapped in the world that destroyed her to begin with, Issy finds herself in the arms of the one man she vowed to forget. Issy Summers spent her life hardening and numbing her heart to the world. Raised by a weak mother and controlling father, Issy learns quickly that self-preservation is essential, and manipulation is often the key. When a night of over indulgence lands her in a coma, Issy wakes to find her life completely shifted as her father forces her back into his world--a world far darker than even Issy was prepared for. The only light now is a man who has loved her for years, a man who recently found the loving grace of Christ. Letting him in will destroy the walls and armor she has worked so hard to build, but will shutting him out trap her forever in the chains that cover her? Shackled Lily is the second book in the Winsor Series, but can be read as a stand alone novel.

Review: Shackled Lily is a beautiful story of redemption.  Kaitlyn (Issy) is an out of control young adult who has grown up splitting her time with a mother haunted by heartache and depression, and a controlling father, his new wife and their son.  The other family that she loaths and resents.  Issy is on a true road of self destruction filling her life up with alcohol, dancing and guys.  She's a master of manipulation, and wearing masks so well that hardly anyone knows who is really underneath.

This is the first book that I've read by T. L. Grey, although not the first book in The Winsor Series.  I admire T. L.'s boldness and finess in writing a book that so obviously fulfills the recently developed "New Adult" genre, a genre that I find a bit risky to begin with, but to tackle it and throw in God's principles of love and forgiveness; such a tall order, and so well done!  She has written realistic characters (although a bit more extreme than anyone I've ever crossed) and real life issues; partying, alcoholism, and even some drug abuse, and makes the love of Christ available even to these who some would look down upon, what could be more real than that?

The book itself was captivating.  At first, I thought Issy was going to turn out to be more devastated by her mother's attempted suicide, and was a broken, selfish rich kid learning to trust and love those around her.  I was pretty wrong.  It took a while to get past her drinking and partying to see that she truly was trying to numb and fight against the ruling hand of her father.  The matters of her heart, and her inability to love stemming from her inability to trust or believe that people weren't there just to use her.  A fact that she proved with every conquest, and in her own using of people anyway.  Her story was a very rocky road, and she went down it kicking and screaming the entire way.

What I Loved:  The redemption of Issy's life, as well as Grant's unwaivering love.  He stood by her and was a rock that she could stand on (or run away from) until she found her way. When they were able to come together and love each other freely - it was that satisfying "ah" moment at the end of a good novel.  I also loved that in this book - even those who knew Christ made mistakes.  It was a great picture of God's grace, and how we are always a work in progress.

Not So Much:  Everybody was in love with this girl, and quite honestly - outside of being extremely charasmatic and intelligent; she herself was a bit "trashy" (to use her own words).  She was obvious at throwing herself at guys, and pretty honest and up front about using them.  Regardless, everytime she turned around it seemed like one of them was in love with her.  

1/16/14

Book Review: Lady Thief - A. C. Gaughen

Author: 
Genre: Young Adult - Fairy Tale re-tell
Publication Date:  February 11, 2014

**I received an ARC from Netgalley.com.  Other than the joy of reading, I received no compensation for this review.**

Synopsis:  Scarlet’s true identity has been revealed, but her future is uncertain. Her forced marriage to Lord Gisbourne threatens Robin and Scarlet’s love, and as the royal court descends upon Nottingham for the appointment of a new Sheriff, the people of Nottingham hope that Prince John will appoint their beloved Robin Hood. But Prince John has different plans for Nottingham that revolve around a fateful secret from Scarlet’s past even she isn’t yet aware of. Forced to participate at court alongside her ruthless husband, Scarlet must bide her time and act the part of a noblewoman—a worthy sacrifice if it means helping Robin’s cause and a chance at a future with the man she loves. With a fresh line of intrigue and as much passion as ever, the next chapter in Scarlet’s tale will have readers talking once again.

Review:  I was so, so, so very excited to be granted access to read the ARC of Lady Thief.  I read Scarlet in 2012, and have been awaiting the rest of the series since then.  I love the story of Robin Hood, and am not surprised to love the re-telling of the story as well.

Scarlet left off after Scarlet saves Robin by marrying Lord Gisbourne, despite having come to realize that Robin loves her, and she him.  The drama that unfolds gave me flash back between Robin Hood movies I've watched and other books (mostly of a dystopian nature) I've read recently. Scarlet (Lady Marian) is a wonderful heroine, and maintains difficult yet loving disposition that was established in Scarlet.  This book is full of adventure, and revelation, and romance.  Oh the romance between Scarlet and Robin is wonderful, and exactly what you want to see from a classic Robin and Maid Marian.

The ending of this book is shocking, and in no way will give you flashbacks of of Disney foxes we grew up on.  And what would a good middle book be without one big whopper of a cliffhanger, eh?  It is totally worth it though.  The story of Robin and Scarlet has started to take on a shape of its own and I absolutely cannot wait for the next book already.

This book is suitable for young adults; high school age and above.  I would have no hesitancy in letting my 9th grader (if I had a 9th grader) read this book.  Well, there is violence, but only of the nature you would expect from a Robin Hood story.

1/15/14

Book Review: Roomies - Sara Zarr & Tara Altebrand


Genre:  Young Adult - Fiction, Romance

Synopsis (From Goodreads.com):  It's time to meet your new roomie.

When East Coast native Elizabeth receives her freshman-year roommate assignment, she shoots off an e-mail to coordinate the basics: television, microwave, mini-fridge. That first note to San Franciscan Lauren sparks a series of e-mails that alters the landscape of each girl's summer -- and raises questions about how two girls who are so different will ever share a dorm room.

As the countdown to college begins, life at home becomes increasingly complex. With family relationships and childhood friendships strained by change, it suddenly seems that the only people Elizabeth and Lauren can rely on are the complicated new boys in their lives . . . and each other. Even though they've never met.

National Book Award finalist Sara Zarr and acclaimed author Tara Altebrando join forces for a novel about growing up, leaving home, and getting that one fateful e-mail that assigns your college roommate.


Review:  Roomies was a very fun, quick read about two girls who are anticipating starting college at Berkley.  Each girl recieves a letter informing them about their roommate assignment, as well as the contact information for the other person.  While Elizabeth (EB) is excited about the whole college experience, getting to know new people and make new friends; Laurne was hopeful for some quiet time alone, and a single room assignment.  Lauren has a big family, and currently shares a bedroom with sisters who are quite a bit younger than she is. 

I loved the dynamic of this book, each girl experiencing similar issues; what is going to happen with their current best friends, dealing with a summer love, and just getting ready for college in general.  However, both girls are unique, and are dealing with their situations differently.  Lauren, while she seems to be ready for some time alone, she is afraid of loosing her spot in the family, and she really does love hanging out and helping out around the house.  Elizabeth's home life is a bit more dramatic in nature.  

At first I was a little concerned that having a book written by two completely authors with alternating chapters might seem a bit disconjointed, however I think the entire project worked out very well.  I felt bad for Elizebeth, however.  I kind of felt like, while Lauren was having some dramas of her own throughout the book, her load seemed pretty light compared to some of the things Elizabeth was getting handed.  Not only that, if my friends said some of the things that Elizabeth's friends said to her, they really would not be my friends anymore.  Anyhow, in the end, I think what Lauren's father told her is a very good summerization of the point of this book:

"Live in the present, take care of the relationships in front of you now.  Most friendships have a natural life, and when you've lived that out, you'll know."

This book is very age appropriate for young adults (High School age), while the topic of sex is dealt with, it is not a graphic scene, and all mentions of the subject seem to point to the choices that need to be made in life rather than glamorizing it in a way that is too mature for the age group.  

Cover Reveal: Orenda - Ruth Silver - Release: Spring 2014

 Title: Orenda
Author: Ruth Silver
Expected Publication: Spring 2014
Publisher: Patchwork Press
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Cover Design: Erica Crouch
 
Synopsis:
A sword wielding girl, an eternal suit and an alternate universe.
 
 

Lil has a gift, one she never thought possible as she finds herself awake after a strange dream with the tell-tale sign that what she dreamt was in fact real.  The dreamscape, was more than just a premonition it happened.  She’d been momentarily tossed into another dimension.  Where most would consider her crazy, not her best friend Bray.

In another reality, one similar and yet slightly different Willow has been kidnapped by the sorceress turned demon, Eilith.  Rawlie, Willow’s friend and companion crosses to our universe for help and brings Lil into his world.  Filled with frightening creatures and magical elements, Lil demands to go home, until she discovers Bray has been taken by Eilith as well.  Unable to watch her best friend die, she joins forces with Rawlie, Jamie and the others to hunt down Eilith and rescue those they care about.

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18757051-orenda

 

About the Author:

Ruth Silver attended Northern Illinois University and graduated with a Bachelor's in Communication in the spring of 2005.  While in college, she spent much of her free time writing with friends she met online and penning her first novel, Deuces are Wild, which she self-published in 2004.  Her favorite class was Creative Writing senior year where she often handed in assignments longer than the professor required because she loved to write and always wanted to finish her stories.  Her love of writing led her on an adventure in 2007 to Melbourne, Australia.  Silver enjoys reading, photography, traveling and most of all writing.  She loves dystopian and fantasy young adult stories.  Her debut novel published by Lazy Day Publishing and Patchwork Press, ABERRANT, was released April 2013.  The second novel in the series, MOIRAI, continues the saga. ISAURA, is the final installment in the ABERRANT trilogy. Ruth has been actively writing since she was a teenager.  Her current writing projects include a YA science-fiction fantasy series, ORENDA, and a YA/NA paranormal series, DEAD GIRL WALKING. Both novels are due for release in 2014. She currently resides in Plainfield, Illinois.

You can visit her online at http://writeawaybliss.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/writeawaybliss

Facebook: http://facebook.com/writeawaybliss

1/10/14

Book Blast: Soul of Flames - Rebecca Ethington

Author Rebecca Ethington has some big news to share about her Imdalind series! Check out the video below where Rebecca Ethington shares a special message. :)





About Soul of Flame...



Book Four in the Imdalind Series, expected release December 2013

The Time for the final battle has come.

Edmund's armies have surrounded the Rioseco Abbey, trapping the few survivors inside. The sight that Ilyan was given a thousand years ago is about to come to pass.

If only Joclyn was able to fight.

Joclyn is tormented by the hallucinations that Cail’s mind has left her with, her magic an uncontrollable torrent that even Ilyan cannot control. Her moments of lucidity are broken by fears of dripping pipes and bleeding walls, and a desire to kill Ryland that she is having trouble trying to ignore.

The sight has shown her power, shown her success, but it has also shown her death – The end of her life something she is not quite willing to give up on yet.

Even past her death, the sight has shown her love, and that love may be the only key to her sanity, to her strength, and to Edmund's death.

That love may stand in her way, and a single choice may tip the scales and secure their future, or destroy their fate.


Release Date: February 17th 2014


SMALL TEASER

"“You deserve to die!”

The tanned skin of his face slowly faded to white before the red of his lips painted blue. He clawed at his neck as an invisible force squeezed the life out of him. I only smiled as I watched him fight it, knowing it was pointless, knowing I wouldn’t let him get away.



Other books in the series...


 Kiss of Fire Available on AmazonBN
Eyes of Ember Available on AmazonBN
Scorched Treachery Available AmazonBN



PLEASE READ THE TERM & CONDITIONS BEFORE ENTERING.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS OPEN INTERNATIONALLY 

a Rafflecopter giveaway






Rebecca Ethington is a story teller and author from Salt Lake City, Utah. She has been telling stories since she was small. First, with writing crude scripts, and then in stage with years of theatrical performances. Rebecca’s first stint into the world of literary writing, The Imdalind Series, was released in October 2012 and since its release each book has been found in several top 100 lists on Amazon. Rebecca is a mother to two, and wife to her best friend of 14 years. Her days are spent writing, running, and enjoying life with her crazy family.

Website † Facebook † Twitter † GoodReads








1/8/14

Book Review: A Million Little Snowflakes - Logan Byrne

Author: Logan Byrne
Publish Date: September 14, 2013
Genre: Young Adult - Fiction, Romance

**I received an ARC from Netgalley.com.  Other than the joy of reading, I received no compensation for this review.**

Synopsis (from Goodreads):  Oliver Hurst has always been abnormally normal.

His grades are horrible, his best friend just left for Utah, and he's depressed. His overly religious parents don’t help, especially since they control every facet of his life. One stupid sentence said in desperation gets Oliver tossed in an adolescent psych ward, where his depression and fears become even more of a reality.

When Oliver meets snide, tough girl Lacey Waters he doesn't think his life could get any better, that is, until she becomes the ray of sunshine he has desperately needed on his cloudiest of days.


Review:  I have read a few books that take place mostly from within the walls of a psyche-ward, or a home for troubled teens, etc.  I usually like these books because there are time in which you feel like you get inside the head of someone who is a little off, or has trouble coping, or is just depressed to a very strong degree.  I like to see character growth and recovery, which is why I pick these type of books up.  It is almost guaranteed that you will “loose” a character in these novels, as the author seeks a realistic scenerio and also to display the gravity of the situation.  Going in with this mindset usually causes me to be on my guard from growing to attached to characters, especially supporting characters.

So here we have A Million Little Snowflakes, which I have already indicated is not a “new” concept at all.  One of the things that drove me toward requesting this book on NetGalleys was that it was narrated from the male perspective, and given the types of books I enjoy, this doesn’t happen very often.  Plus, that cover is very pretty and a bit heartwarming.  I wish that the story were the same.  Honestly, while the concept was there, this book lacked in so many areas.  I cannot complain about not liking how the story turned out – it’s not my story to tell – although I didn’t.  I can, however, complain about the lack of depth.  Oliver, instead of coming off as depressed, comes off as a typical teenager with a very extreme family.  Honestly, had he just reached out to his father (instead of his mother) the entire hospital trip would have been avoided, and probably a million other things as well.

Reading this book was like reading a long narration of day-to-day events, but the descriptions and interactions lacked, big time!  While yes, there was character interactions, it felt choppy and lackluster, at best.  While each of the characters were described, I didn't feel like I got to "know" any of them really well.  The “treatment” portion of the book seemed unrealistic.  I mean, this guy walks into an office, has a three minute evaluation and is diagnosed with depression and is Bi-Polar?  Based on what, one off-the-wall statement made at a dinner table and the narrators own confession of depression?  If it really works this way, I want NOTHING to do with this kind of treatment.  The very few therepy-type sessions we are included in as readers show no growth, no improvement.  It’s just a basic, “how are you?” “I’m fine,” type deal, with a few additional details here and there, and Oliver coming unhinged at random intervals.  The thing is, outside of making a stand for "his women," this doesn't happen any other time.  Once again, I feel like we are looking in on a life of a normal, every day teenager.  The biggest bulk of the book is dediated to Oliver's feelings toward Lacey, and descriptions on what is going on with her (most of which internal debate).  One minute he can’t figure this girl out, the next minute he’s all but confessing love.  The “romance” is so skewed, with no real dept, there really just isn’t anything to latch on to or enjoy.

I feel like I'm being mean, and I actually feel bad that I'm going to post this review.  I typically will avoid reviewing a book I didn't care for out of respect for the author, but I was asked to post an honest review and that is what I'm attempting to do.  I cannot know what it takes to try and put an entire book down on paper.  I know for sure that it's a whole lot harder than it is for me to sit and read, and make judgements based on my own thoughts and opinons.  I want to honor and respect anyone who can and is willing to sit and write books, since most of my "entertainment" hours are spend reading said books.  It is also my hope that authors take what they can of bad reviews and use whatever good feedback they can and throw out everything that is completely useless, without a second thought.

1/5/14

Book Review: Unleashing Mr. Darcy - Teri Wilson

Author: Teri Wilson
Publisher:  Harlequin HQN
Publication Date: December 21, 2013
Genre: Adult - Romance, Modernized Austin

**I received an ARC from Netgalley.com.  Other than the joy of reading, I received no compensation for this review.**

Synopsis (From Goodreads.com):  It is a truth universally acknowledged that a single woman teetering on the verge of thirty must be in want of a husband.

Not true for Manhattanite Elizabeth Scott. Instead of planning a walk down the aisle, she's crossing the pond with the only companion she needs; her darling dog, Bliss. Caring for a pack of show dogs in England seems the perfect distraction from the scandal that ruined her teaching career, and her reputation, in New York. What she doesn't count on is an unstoppable attraction to billionaire dog breeder Donovan Darcy. The London tycoon's a little bit arrogant, a whole lot sexy, and the chemistry between them is disarming. When passion is finally unleashed, might Elizabeth hope to take home more than a blue ribbon?



Review:  I'm a sucker for Jane Austin re-makes.  Especially Pride and Prejudice.  It's my favorite Austin novel, as well as my favorite movie of all times!  So it is always hard to pass up a modernized version.   I recently found the mime below on Pinterest, which is about 99% truth.  (I tested it, asked my husband, "Do you know who Mr. Darcy is?"  The answer was no.  Which is surprising, since I watch the movie at least once a quarter.  Or at least every time I pick up a P&P remake.  It took everything in me not to put down this book and put in the movie this time around.
And there you have my review.  Sort of.  The modernization was good enough.  It centered around the dog show arena and of course the rich and...not-so-rich.  The book included plenty of Darcy, and Elizabeth moments, many of which avid fans will recoginize either from the book or by the movie.  In fact, many of the key phrases from the book were utilized here.  Elizabeth, true to the original, was a master of misunderstanding Darcy, but in this version it was almost to a fault.  In fact, I think that both the pride and the prejudice fell to Elizabeth most strongly in this rendition.  Mr. Darcy was constantly putting his foot in his mouth, and more than once I felt that Elizabeth's responses and disdain were uncalled for.  I got a bit frusterated with her refusal to hear Donovan Darcy out, and if I were him, I most certainly would have given up on trying after so long.  Mr. Darcy was charming and compassionate and understanding.  He was apparently quite handsome, although for some reason I had a hard time picturing this particular Darcy in my head.  

The dog shows, while the common ground between Elizabeth and Darcy in this book, were really a rather small part of this novel.  I did enjoy the the bits that were there, but I think when I requested the book part of me had actually hoped on a few funny scenes and dog antics, but other than a scene of a dog peeing on beautiful carpet there really wasn't any thing like that.  I guess they were show dogs, and were trained to absolute perfection.  

While I guess I didn't LOVE, love this book, I still always enjoy an Elizabeth and Darcy rendition, in its (at this point) many varieties.  I love the different interpretations of the brooding, overly-handsome Darcy, and Elizabeth's fumbling of the relationship.  If you're an Austin fan, and enjoy modernizations, I see now reason why you wouldn't enjoy this novel.