Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Ariadne by S.D. Hines

Ariadne
by S.D. Hines

Visit S.D.:
Amazon
Blog
Facebook
Goodreads

Published: 2013
Publisher: Story Merchant Books
Genre: Fantasy, Mythology, YA
ebook: 143 pages
Rating: 4

Heroines of Classical Greece series:
Medusa
Ariadne: A Tale of the Minotaur

Three thousand years before The Hunger Games, a conquered nation was forced to send their finest youths to fight and die, facing an invulnerable creature they had no chance of defeating.

ARIADNE: A Tale of the Minotaur--one of Hines' Heroines of Classical Greece series--is a contemporary retelling of the classic tale of Theseus and the Minotaur, a story with more twists and turns than even the Labyrinth holds.

Prophesied in lost Atlantis, the Grand Conjunction is rapidly approaching, the day when a unique astrological alignment makes all things possible. But more is at stake than the fate of young Theseus, prince of Athens, and his fellow Athenian tributes. This single day will decide the destiny of nations, a vanished people's resurrection--and give birth to a god.

It is also the story of Daedalus and Icarus, of an immortal yearning for love, and the greatest and basest that humanity offers. A power will soon be released that will destroy the world unless it is tamed by the newborn god who is born of a man and monster. But who is the man, and who is the monster?

The secret lies not only in the Labyrinth, but IS the Labyrinth.

And the only person who can save two worlds and tame the monster is the weakest and meekest of all: Ariadne, the beautiful daughter of Minos, king of Crete.


My two-bits:

Great way to get into Greek mythology.

I was not too familiar with the Ariadne story other than her part with helping Theseus in the Labyrinth. This story gave some good background and character development of Ariadne who is a heroine, indeed.

I also liked learning about the Minotaur and watching his character and person evolve throughout the story. Fascinating.

And, this story's perspective of Theseus makes a more well-rounded version - one who is not as golden as portrayed in other retellings.

~*~

* review copy courtesy of publisher

* added this to my Bookish Bingo challenge


Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Blitz: Strange and Ever After by Susan Dennard


DID you know...

IFB is hosting the promo tour for the third and final book in Susan Dennard's STEAMPUNK, ZOMBIE trilogy.

wheeeeee!

or rather in keeping with zombie mode, nom nom, delicious!

Visit here for tour schedule and a cool giveaway.

MUST get...

Strange and Ever After
by Susan Dennard
-just released: July 22, 2014
Amazon | Goodreads

In the conclusion to the trilogy that Publishers Weekly called “a roaring—and addictive—gothic world,” Eleanor Fitt must control her growing power, face her feelings for Daniel, and confront the evil necromancer Marcus...all before it’s too late.

He took her brother, he took her mother, and now, Marcus has taken her good friend Jie. With more determination than ever to bring this sinister man to justice, Eleanor heads to the hot desert streets of nineteenth-century Egypt in hopes of ending this nightmare. But in addition to her increasingly tense relationships with Daniel, Joseph, and her demon, Oliver, Eleanor must also deal with her former friend, Allison, who has curiously entangled herself in Eleanor’s mission.

With the rising dead chomping at her every move and Jie’s life hanging in the balance, Eleanor is convinced that her black magic will see her through to the bitter end. But there will be a price. Though she and the Spirit Hunters have weathered every battle thus far, there will be consequences to suffer this time—the effects of which will be irreversible. And when it’s over, only some will be able to live a strange and ever after.

Susan Dennard will leave readers breathless and forever changed in the concluding pages of this riveting ride.



AND if you haven't already, get the first books in the series too...

A Dawn Most Wicked
by Susan Dennard
-prequel
Amazon | Goodreads

Something Strange and Deadly
by Susan Dennard
-book 1
Amazon | Goodreads

A Darkness Strange and Lovely
by Susan Dennard
-book 2
Amazon | Goodreads

Monday, July 28, 2014

This One Summer by Mariko Tamaki

This One Summer
by Mariko Tamaki (Author)
Jillian Tamaki (Illustrator)

Find out more about this book and authors:
Amazon
Goodreads
Blog: Mariko
Twitter @marikotamaki

Website: Jillian
Blog
Tumblr
Twitter @dirtbagg

Just released: May 2014
Publisher: First Second
Genre: Graphic Novel, MG
Paperback: 320 pages
Rating: 4

Every summer, Rose goes with her mom and dad to a lake house in Awago Beach. It's their getaway, their refuge. Rosie's friend Windy is always there, too, like the little sister she never had. But this summer is different. Rose's mom and dad won't stop fighting, and when Rose and Windy seek a distraction from the drama, they find themselves with a whole new set of problems. One of the local teens - just a couple of years older than Rose and Windy - is caught up in something bad... Something life threatening.

It's a summer of secrets, and sorrow, and growing up, and it's a good thing Rose and Windy have each other.

This One Summer is a tremendously exciting new teen graphic novel from two creators with true literary clout. Cousins Mariko and Jillian Tamaki, the team behind Skim, have collaborated on this gorgeous, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful story about a girl on the cusp of childhood - a story of renewal and revelation.



My two-bits:

Perfect read for the summer - or if you are feeling summer-ish.

The illustrations in this graphic novel are tinted in blue which matches the sentimental nostalgic mood of the story - which is not of the warm fuzzy-feeling kind.

The story portrays the innocence and fun times of two tweens who have spent time family vacation times together. One particular summer exposes some horrors of reality in more ways than one.

However, overall a sweet read and loved the visuals.

~*~

* image source: dance panel

* added this to my Bookish Bingo challenge

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Stacking the Shelves - 7.26.14

Stacking the Shelves
hosted by Tynga's Reviews (details)

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

~*~

Bought:

The Fever
by Megan Abbott
-Horror, Mystery, YA
add-on book for BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge 2014
Amazon | Goodreads

Landline
by Rainbow Rowell
-chick-lit, romance
add-on book for BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge 2014
Amazon | Goodreads

The Vacationers: A Novel
by Emma Straub
-chick-lit, contemporary fiction
add-on book for BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge 2014
WIN a copy from BookSparks here
Amazon | Goodreads

For Review:

Ascension of the Whyte
by Karen Wrighton
-fantasy
courtesy of A Daydreamer's Thoughts Book Tour
Thanks Faye!
Amazon | Goodreads

The Red Sheet
by Mia Kerick
-LGBTQ, YA
courtesy of Tribute Books Tour
Thanks Beckey and Nicole!
Amazon | Goodreads

Library:

Feed
by M.T. Anderson
-dystopia, YA
Amazon | Goodreads

Identity crises, consumerism, and star-crossed teenage love in a futuristic society where people connect to the Internet via feeds implanted in their brains.

For Titus and his friends, it started out like any ordinary trip to the moon - a chance to party during spring break and play with some stupid low-grav at the Ricochet Lounge. But that was before the crazy hacker caused all their feeds to malfunction, sending them to the hospital to lie around with nothing inside their heads for days. And it was before Titus met Violet, a beautiful, brainy teenage girl who has decided to fight the feed and its omnipresent ability to categorize human thoughts and desires. Following in the footsteps of George Orwell, Anthony Burgess, and Kurt Vonnegut Jr., M. T. Anderson has created a not-so-brave new world — and a smart, savage satire that has captivated readers with its view of an imagined future that veers unnervingly close to the here and now.


Listening of the audio version which I highly recommend as you will get a good feel for the advert feeds presented.

~*~

* some of these may be offered as giveaways within the next two months

* comment and TELL me what you have acquired for your shelves recently

* per usual, check out the sidebar for my current giveaways offers

Friday, July 25, 2014

Serenade by Emily Kiebel (with giveaway)


~*~

Serenade
by Emily Kiebel

Visit Emily:
Amazon
Website
Blog
Facebook
Goodreads
Pinterest
Twitter @TheEmilyKiebel

Just released: July 15, 2014
Publisher: SparkPress
Genre: New Adult, Paranormal
Paperback: 358 pages
Rating: 3.5

Suddenly the voice she prized is now dangerously seductive.

Lorelei Clark’s only concern was her future as a classically trained soprano, that is, until the day her father was tragically killed. Shattered by his death, she hesitantly accepts an invitation from a mysterious aunt to visit her lavish oceanside home in Cape Cod. She quickly discovers that her aunt and the two women who live with her are harboring a frightening secret – they are sirens, terrifying mythical creatures responsible for singing doomed sailors to their deaths. Even more astounding, Lorelei is one of them.

In this new world where water comes alive at her touch and an ancient power pulses beneath the tide, the most important rule Lorelei must learn is that a siren never interferes with fate. When she breaks this rule by rescuing a handsome sailor who should have died at sea, the sirens vow she must finish the job or face grave consequences. Finding herself inexplicably attracted to him, she must fight to keep him safe from the others, even if it means risking her own life – and her heart – in the process.


My two-bits:

Starts out as a mellow slow paced story that introduces the world of sirens and power of the Song.

I liked learning about the differences between sirens, banshees and mermaids. Other entities were also mentioned that figure into this world.

The last quarter of the book has some action scenes and interesting reveals.

Also included, a touch of romance.

About the author:
Emily Kiebel was raised in Colorado and went on to study classical music and English at Concordia University.

She found a love for singing early in life and now sings professionally and directs a local church choir.

In her spare time, she can be found exploring the natural beauty of the great outdoors with her beloved dogs, Ginny and Diggory, cooking for friends and family, traveling or dragging her friends along to obscure historical sites. Serenade is her debut novel.

--~ Book Giveaway ~--

WIN my review copy of this book!

Open to US only.

Offer ends: July 30, 2014

TO DO: (2-parts)

1. ADD this book to your Want To Read list on Goodreads.

OR

Tweet about this giveaway.

OR

Recommend this on Google using the mini-button at end of this post (g+1).

OR

Facebook or Instagram or Pinterest or Tumblr the Book Cover image.

OR

Join the BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge 2014 here.

2. TELL me what you did in comments.

AND, leave your email.

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

Contest has ended - winner is here

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

~*~

* added this to my Bookish Bingo challenge

* review copy and giveaway courtesy of Summer Reading Challenge 2014. It's not too late, join the reading challenge here. @booksparks #SRC2014!



Thursday, July 24, 2014

Giveaway: The Vacationers by Emma Straub


Dive-in with BookSparks!

Cool off your summer with our final bonus #SRC2014 book, and a hot YA launch!

Emma Straub joins the BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge!

Purchase your copy of The Vacationers and share your reviews!

The Vacationers is an irresistible, deftly-observed novel about the secrets, joys and jealousies that rise to the surface over the course of an American family’s two-week stay in Mallorca.

Tag us in your reviews and keep an eye out during our #SRC2014 BONUS week - we will be sharing guest interviews, fabulous giveaways and more!

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN ONE OF SEVEN COPIES OF THE VACATIONERS BY EMMA STRAUB!

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid


~*~

After I Do
by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Visit Taylor:
Amazon
Reading Guide
Website
Facebook
Goodreads
Twitter @tjenkinsreid

Just released: July 1, 2014
Publisher: Washington Square Press
Genre: Chick-lit
Paperback: 352 pages
Rating: 4

When Lauren and Ryan’s marriage reaches the breaking point, they come up with an unconventional plan. They decide to take a year off in the hopes of finding a way to fall in love again. One year apart, and only one rule: they cannot contact each other. Aside from that, anything goes.

Lauren embarks on a journey of self-discovery, quickly finding that her friends and family have their own ideas about the meaning of marriage. These influences, as well as her own healing process and the challenges of living apart from Ryan, begin to change Lauren’s ideas about monogamy and marriage. She starts to question: When you can have romance without loyalty and commitment without marriage, when love and lust are no longer tied together, what do you value? What are you willing to fight for?

This is a love story about what happens when the love fades. It’s about staying in love, seizing love, forsaking love, and committing to love with everything you’ve got. And above all, After I Do is the story of a couple caught up in an old game—and searching for a new road to happily ever after.


My two-bits:

Nice chick-lit contemporary romance that examines love and long term relationships.

What I liked about this story is that it went a bit beyond the usual cliche of an adulterous affair to bring about the questions about the meaning of marriage and commitment and soul mates.

About the author:

Taylor Jenkins Reid is an author and essayist from Acton, Massachusetts. She graduated from Emerson College with a degree in Media Studies.

Her first novel, Forever, Interrupted, was named one of the “11 Debuts We Love” by Kirkus Reviews.

She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Alex, and her dog, Rabbit. Her forthcoming novel, After I Do, will be published July 1, 2014.

--~ Book Giveaway ~--

WIN my review copy of this book!

Open to US only.

Offer ends: July 31, 2014

TO DO: (2-parts)

1. ADD this book to your Want To Read list on Goodreads.

OR

Tweet about this giveaway.

OR

Recommend this on Google using the mini-button at end of this post (g+1).

OR

Facebook or Instagram or Pinterest or Tumblr the Book Cover image.

OR

Join the BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge 2014 here.

2. TELL me what you did in comments.

AND, leave your email.

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

Contest has ended - winner is here

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

~*~

* review copy and giveaway courtesy of Summer Reading Challenge 2014. It's not too late, join the reading challenge here. @booksparks #SRC2014!


Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Christmas in July Giveaway Hop

Christmas in July
Giveaway Hop

July 22-31, 2014
hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Laurie Here

~*~

--~ Book Giveaway ~--

Christmas in New York
by Daniel Pool
Amazon | Goodreads

New York is seemingly the center of the universe during the Christmas season, beginning with Santa's arrival in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and culminating with the dropping of the ball in Times Square on New Year's Eve. And why not? After all, New York is the birthplace of electric Christmas tree lights, Lionel trains, F. A. O. Schwarz, "White Christmas," and, of course, Santa Claus.

In Christmas in New York, Daniel Pool takes the reader on a tour of present-day New York Christmas attractions (the Rockefeller Center Tree, the store windows, the shows, the songs, the smells.) He tells little-known facts and stories about the history of Christmas in New York (how Maurice Sendak's career started designing F. A. O. Schwarz windows; how Guy Lombardo's "Auld Lang Syne" became the official New Year's song; a complete "Santology"). And finally, there is a section on "The Ghosts of Christmas Past"--long-time New York Christmas traditions that have fallen by the wayside. A marvelous mingling of the now and then, Pool's book, with fifty unique photographs and a characteristic biting wit, conveys the true New York Christmas spirit.


WIN a copy of this book!

Open to US only.

Offer ends: July 31, 2014

TO DO:

TELL me a book (title and author) on your summer reading list.

AND, leave your email.

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

Contest has ended - winner is here

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~


NOW, hop-along to these other sites for more goodies...

Visit I Am A Reader, Not A Writer for complete list.

Saturday, July 19, 2014

Stacking the Shelves - 7.19.14

Stacking the Shelves
hosted by Tynga's Reviews (details)

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

~*~

For Review:

Serenade
by Emily Kiebel
-Paranormal, YA
courtesy of BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge 2014
Thanks Janay!
Amazon | Goodreads

After I Do
by Taylor Jenkins Reid
-chick-lit, romance
courtesy of BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge 2014
Thanks Janay!
Amazon | Goodreads

Descent: A Novel
by Tim Johnston
-thriller
courtesy of edelweiss
Thanks !
Amazon | Goodreads

A Sudden Light
by Garth Stein
-ghosts
courtesy of edelweiss
Thanks !
Amazon | Goodreads

Library:

Reality Boy
by A.S. King
-YA
Amazon | Goodreads

Gerald Faust knows exactly when he started feeling angry: the day his mother invited a reality television crew into his five-year-old life. Twelve years later, he’s still haunted by his rage-filled youth—which the entire world got to watch from every imaginable angle—and his anger issues have resulted in violent outbursts, zero friends, and clueless adults dumping him in the special education room at school.

Nothing is ever going to change. No one cares that he’s tried to learn to control himself, and the girl he likes has no idea who he really is. Everyone’s just waiting for him to snap…and he’s starting to feel dangerously close to doing just that.

In this fearless portrayal of a boy on the edge, highly acclaimed Printz Honor author A.S. King explores the desperate reality of a former child “star” who finally breaks free of his anger by creating possibilities he never knew he deserved.


~*~

* some of these may be offered as giveaways within the next two months

* comment and TELL me what you have acquired for your shelves recently

* per usual, check out the sidebar for my current giveaways offers

Friday, July 18, 2014

These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

These Broken Stars
by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon
BookExcerpt
Website
Goodreads

Facebook: Amie
Pinterest
Twitter: @AmieKaufman

Facebook: Meagan
Pinterest
Twitter: @MeaganSpooner

Published: 2013
Publisher: Hyperion
Genre: Dystopia, YA
Paperback: 416 pages
Rating: 5

Starbound series:
These Broken Stars
This Shattered World - release date: Dec 2014 -win this on Goodreads here (exp: Aug 11)

It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone.

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help.

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.

--

A timeless love story, THESE BROKEN STARS sets into motion a sweeping science fiction series of companion novels. The Starbound Trilogy: Three worlds. Three love stories. One enemy.


My two-bits:

Loved how this story mixes romance, sci-fi, and YA.

The pacing and gradual transformation of the two main characters in this story is what I found appealing in this story of survival on a lonely planet. Through the eyes of each, you begin to fall in love with each.

Although the next part of this trilogy will introduce another couple, I must get book 2, This Shattered World, to see what happens next in this world.

fyi: I listened to the audio version which was a treat because it is narrated with two voices for the two main characters. Definitely give it a listen if you like audio books.

~*~

* optioned for TV series - details here

* part of my Dystopia Reading Challenge

* added this to my Bookish Bingo challenge

* i love the gorgeous poster for this book...


Thursday, July 17, 2014

Winners for July pt2


Here are the winners for giveaways that
ended July 16, 2014

Thanks to all contestants!

~*~

Bitter Chocolate by Dawn Greenfield Ireland - signup
Winner: Raquel Muniz

~*~

* to see the original giveaway offer, click on the signup link

* I will email winners for mailing addresses within two weeks.
Winners, feel free to contact me with your info if you don't get my email
or if you are just too darn excited and want to let me know -- like NOW ;-D

* contest policy

* keep in touch with my giveaways and learn about other book giveaways by subscribing via email on my sidebar (you may want to go digest mode)

* if not this time, maybe next time

--> check out the current giveaways and upcoming events on my sidebar

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

The Penny Thief by Christophe Paul

The Penny Thief
by Christophe Paul

Find out more about this book and author:
Amazon
Website
Facebook
Goodreads

Published: 2013
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Genre: France, Mystery, Thriller
Paperback: 388 pages
Rating: 4

What if someone was robbing a bank cent by cent without anyone realizing it ...

With the charm of the streets of Paris and the suspense of the best Hollywood thriller, a novel dedicated to anyone who has ever suffered the arrogance, greed and injustice of the financial system.

An exciting overview from Montmartre to La Défense, the ultra-modern business district with their office skyscrapers.

Henri Pichon is a quiet and sharp programmer whose daily routine is altered by a fortuitous accident which will change his fate and the one of those all around him.

A different police novel: a story of love, hate, greed, murder ... and a refreshing touch of black humor.

How far are you willing to go for money?


PeekAbook:



Zombie sighting:
Morgane entered her house, closed the door, went to the living room like a zombie and collapsed on the divan, demolished.
-chapter 70, kindle


My two-bits:

Set in one of my favorite places in the world, Paris, this thriller is sure to please with its references and trivia about local landmarks that are not just your usual Eiffel Tower and Louvre.

Told from different character viewpoints, it was interesting to step into the shoes of each. None of the characters were really likable to me. However, they were portrayed well and moved the story along effectively.

Nice proportions of mild action and thriller content combined with mind games and romance.

I would love to see this made into a film.

~*~

* review copy courtesy of publisher

* added this to my Bookish Bingo challenge



Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Teaser Tuesday: The White Stag by Linden F. Lewis

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading.

Anyone can play along!

Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Here's mine...

The White Stag
by Linden F. Lewis
Amazon | Goodreads

Cypress turned to face the rose bushes, pretending she was not as anxious as she was. Not only would she be participating in her first battle, but she would be doing so in front of the princess.
-chapter 14, page 112

~*~

* feel free to let me know what you are currently reading in comments

Saturday, July 12, 2014

Stacking the Shelves - 7.12.14

Stacking the Shelves
hosted by Tynga's Reviews (details)

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

~*~

Free offer:

Spell Check
by Julie Wright
-witches, YA
courtesy of author
Thanks Julie!
Amazon | Goodreads

For Review:

Until You're Mine: A Novel
by Samantha Hayes
-mystery, thriller
courtesy of Blogging for Books
Thanks !
Amazon | Goodreads

Library:

These Broken Stars
by Amie Kaufman and Meagan Spooner
-dystopia, YA
Amazon | Goodreads

It's a night like any other on board the Icarus. Then, catastrophe strikes: the massive luxury spaceliner is yanked out of hyperspace and plummets into the nearest planet. Lilac LaRoux and Tarver Merendsen survive. And they seem to be alone.

Lilac is the daughter of the richest man in the universe. Tarver comes from nothing, a young war hero who learned long ago that girls like Lilac are more trouble than they’re worth. But with only each other to rely on, Lilac and Tarver must work together, making a tortuous journey across the eerie, deserted terrain to seek help.

Then, against all odds, Lilac and Tarver find a strange blessing in the tragedy that has thrown them into each other’s arms. Without the hope of a future together in their own world, they begin to wonder—would they be better off staying here forever?

Everything changes when they uncover the truth behind the chilling whispers that haunt their every step. Lilac and Tarver may find a way off this planet. But they won’t be the same people who landed on it.

--

A timeless love story, THESE BROKEN STARS sets into motion a sweeping science fiction series of companion novels. The Starbound Trilogy: Three worlds. Three love stories. One enemy.


~*~

* some of these may be offered as giveaways within the next two months

* comment and TELL me what you have acquired for your shelves recently

* per usual, check out the sidebar for my current giveaways offers

My Last Kiss by Bethany Neal (with giveaway)


~*~

My Last Kiss
by Bethany Neal

Visit Bethany:
Amazon
BookExcerpt
Website
Facebook
Goodreads
Instagram
Playlist
Twitter @BethDazzled

Just released: June 2014
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Genre: Mystery, Paranormal, Romance, YA
Hardback: 368 pages
Rating: 5

What if your last kiss was with the wrong boy? 



Cassidy Haines remembers her first kiss vividly. It was on the old covered bridge the summer before her freshman year with her boyfriend of three years, Ethan Keys. But her last kiss--the one she shared with someone at her seventeenth birthday party the night she died--is a blur.

Cassidy is trapped in the living world, not only mourning the loss of her human body, but left with the grim suspicion that her untimely death wasn't a suicide as everyone assumes. She can't remember anything from the weeks leading up to her birthday and she's worried that she may have betrayed her boyfriend. 



If Cassidy is to uncover the truth about that fateful night and make amends with the only boy she'll ever love, she must face her past and all the decisions she made--good and bad--that led to her last kiss.


My two-bits:

This sad sweet love story kept me glued to the end.

I liked how this ghost story progressed with flashbacks and memories. It was an effective way of introducing the main character and her history.

I also liked how each characters were presented with different perspectives which included both good and bad sides. Because of this, I was guessing all the while as to who that "someone" was.

I was left thinking of an old cliche -- life is short.

About the author:

I write YA novels with a little dark side and a lot of kissing! I am obsessed with (but not limited to): nail polish, ginormous rings, pigs, dream analysis, memorizing song lyrics, pickles, dessert, predestined love, not growing up, sour gummy candies, music videos, Halloween, and fictional boys who play guitar.

You can find me locked in my writertorium for insane amounts of time.

But, hey, insanity is fun!

--~ Book Giveaway ~--

WIN my review copy of this book!

Open to US only.

Offer ends: July 31, 2014

TO DO: (2-parts)

1. ADD this book to your Want To Read list on Goodreads.

OR

Tweet about this giveaway.

OR

Recommend this on Google using the mini-button at end of this post (g+1).

OR

Facebook or Instagram or Pinterest or Tumblr the Book Cover image.

OR

Join the BookSparks Summer Reading Challenge 2014 here.

2. TELL me what you did in comments.

AND, leave your email.

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

Contest has ended - winner is here

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

~*~

* added this to my Bookish Bingo challenge

* review copy and giveaway courtesy of Summer Reading Challenge 2014. It's not too late, join the reading challenge here. @booksparks #SRC2014!


Thursday, July 10, 2014

Hot Chocolate by Dawn Greenfield Ireland

Hot Chocolate
by Dawn Greenfield Ireland

Visit Dawn:
Amazon
Website
Artistic Origins
Facebook
Goodreads
Google+
LinkedIn
Twitter @dawnireland

Published: 2011
Publisher: Artistic Origins
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Paperback: 460 pages
Rating: 4

Hot Chocolate series:
Hot Chocolate
Bitter Chocolate
Spice Chocolate - released in 2016

Meet the middle-aged Alcott sisters: Madge, Lila Mae and Dorothea, heiresses to the Alcott Chocolate fortune and mavens of Houston’s elite River Oaks.

Madge ambushes Lila Mae with Dorothea’s manipulative plea: she can’t care for Bernie, their 92-year old father, any longer. Lila Mae explodes in a hissy fit—she had warned Dorothea years ago that they should put Bernie in an assisted living center.

Robert, Lila Mae’s astrologer, warns of impending problems and he’s rarely wrong.

The sisters call a meeting with Walter Branson, their solicitor. They discuss Bernie’s nurse Bambi Chaline, a blonde bombshell who looks more like a hooker than a nurse.

Arrangements are made for Bernie to be transferred over to Lake Sides Assisted Living Center in the Uptown Galleria area and a severance package is drawn up for Bambi.

Jimmy Ray Chaline, Bambi’s bowling alley husband, is enraged that Bambi was let go. He hires ambulance chaser Mark Slade to file a lawsuit for wrongful termination.

The suit is thrown out of court further fueling Jimmy Ray’s rage. Bambi had been more than satisfied with her bonus, letters of recommendation and praise from the Alcott clan.

When Jimmy Ray fails to return home from the bowling alley that night, a series of events unfold that shocks the entire Alcott family and their extended members.


My two-bits:

I found this first book in the Hot Chocolate cozy mystery series to be quite cozy indeed.

The cast of three sisters and their family, friends and acquaintances with their individual quirks are introduced in amusing ways.

The mystery is solved in a gentle way - meaning that it felt like a side note and getting to know these characters and community was the main story.

fyi: recipes for some delightful yummy treats included.

~*~

* added this to my Bookish Bingo challenge

* review copy courtesy of book tour for Bitter Chocolate, book 2 in the series - check out the other stops here for more details on this book and goodies sponsored by Premier Virtual Author Book Tours and signup for giveaway

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Guest post for Bitter Chocolate by Dawn Greenfield Ireland

Bitter Chocolate
by Dawn Greenfield Ireland
just released: June 2014
Amazon | Goodreads

The characters you loved in Hot Chocolate are back with more escapades of life in Houston's wealthy River Oaks.

Lila Mae is in a tizzy over the Chocolate Ball - a huge event that she and her sisters, Dorothea and Madge, host every year. But due to unusual circumstances, Dorothea and Madge dump everything in Lila Mae's lap. If it weren't for Julian Gillespie of Event Is King, the Chocolate Ball would have melted.

Bernie, the Alcott sisters' 92-year-old father, decides he wants his Bentley back. The sisters and Bambi are horrified. They hire Joseph's cousin Chewie as Bernie's new chauffeur.
Wolfram, Lila Mae's new astrologer, gives clues of things to come. This leaves Lila Mae and her sidekick Amelia with brows furrowed.

On her day off, Amelia decides to bake a chocolate blueberry pie. She discovers she needs to make a grocery run. When she returns home, she discovers her kitchen door is slightly ajar. Arms loaded with groceries, she toes the door open.

Three things catch her attention: a vase of flowers on the kitchen island that was not there when she left the house, her marble rolling pin covered with blood... and a dead body on her kitchen floor.

Amelia's eyes drift toward the dining room and beyond - is the house empty, or is there a murderer inside? She backs up, turns and hurries outside. After setting the bags on the ground, she slips back into the kitchen and snaps a picture of the dead guy. Then she calls Detective Chance Walker, Lila Mae and finally... 9-1-1.


~*~

About the author:

Dawn Ireland is the CEO of Artistic Origins Inc, a 100% woman-owned publishing and technical writing service company that has been doing business since 1995. She's an award winning independent publisher and author of The Puppy Baby Book , Mastering Your Money, and Amazon Best Seller Hot Chocolate (the first in the series, and her fifth novel). The Hot Chocolate audio book was awarded theAudioFile Earphones Award on Valentine's Day 2014.

Her family feature film screenplay A Girl and Her Dogwas awarded a Kids First! Endorsement by the Coalition for Quality Children's Media in October 2012 and optioned by Shadow Cave Productions in February 2013.

Originally from Feeding Hills, MA, Dawn migrated to San Antonio in 1968, then when her first son was one years old, her family moved to Houston where work was more plentiful. After 40+ years of heat and humidity, she has her sights on the Pacific NW.

Dawn is the co-author of the animated screenplay Memoirs of a Dog which won the Spirit Award of the Moondance Film Festival (children's category) September 2011. Her dark comedy Plan B was a finalist in the Table Read My Screenplay script competition in 2010 and years before that, Standing Dead won the Women in Film and Television (Houston Chapter) screenplay award.

Stay tuned for The Last Dog (futuristic/sci-fi 2015), and Spicy Chocolate (2016).

Visit Dawn:
Amazon
Website
Artistic Origins
Facebook
Goodreads
Google+
LinkedIn
Twitter @dawnireland

Guest post:
Origin of my Chocolate Inspiration for the Hot Chocolate series
Bitter Chocolate by Dawn Greenfield Ireland ~ Virtual Book Tour

When I came up with the idea of Hot Chocolate, I was going to call it The Alcott’s. But luckily one of my friends intervened and said since Lila Mae concocted café mocha, and it was so loved by everyone in her family, Hot Chocolate would be a much better title. And let’s face it … I could go through the whole gamut of different chocolate flavors before ever running out of good titles.

The actual hot chocolate/café mocha drink stems from my very own breakfast drink.

I needed an empire for the family. Being set in Houston, Bernie could have been an oil baron. That just didn’t seem to work – it seemed more like a cliché, so I decided chocolate would be their wealth builder. If Hershey’s could be an empire, why not Alcott Chocolates?

There are only a few people I have come across that do not like chocolate. I wonder about them – sort of like not trusting people who don’t like dogs or cats, know what I mean?

I grew up in a family of chocolate lovers. My mother had Hershey’s bars with almonds stashed everywhere. She also pulled out a box of chocolate covered cherries at special occasions. We dove in. If my parents were alive now, they’d love the fact that I created an entire series where chocolate was the main focus.

--~ eBook Giveaway courtesy of tour ~--

WIN a copy of this eBook!

Open to all.

Offer ends: July 16, 2014

TO DO: (2-parts)

1. ADD this book to your GoodreadsWant To Read list.

OR

Tweet about this giveaway.

OR

Recommend this on Google using the mini-button at end of this post (g+1).

OR

Facebook or Instagram or Pinterest or Tumblr the Book Cover image.

2. TELL me what you did in comments.

AND, leave your email.

***optional: leave a comment or question for the author.

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

Contest has ended - winner is here

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~

~*~

* guest post courtesy of book tour - check out the other stops here for more details on this book and goodies sponsored by Premier Virtual Author Book Tours.

 
Imagination Designs
Images from: Lovelytocu