Good Choice Reading

Conjure by Jennifer Snyder Cover Reveal!

2013-06-18T09:00:00.000-04:00

Available July 1, 2013

Sometimes to understand the present you have to conjure up the past...

The last thing Addison Harmon needed was to become tethered to the broody, often seemingly cold, Theo Van Rooyen, but that's exactly what happened.

Forced to partner up with Theo to figure out a way to break the tether, Addison soon realizes she may have bitten off more than she can chew.

(New Adult/Mature Young Adult: Contains sexual situations, language, underage drinking, and drug usage.)

Jennifer Snyder lives in North Carolina were she spends most of her time writing new adult and young adult fiction, reading, and struggling to stay on top of housework. She is a tea lover with an obsession for Post-it notes and smooth writing pens. Jennifer lives with her husband and two children, who endure listening to songs that spur inspiration on repeat and tolerate her love for all paranormal, teenage-targeted TV shows.

Blog: http://jennifersnydersblog.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/jennsnyder04

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/760553.Jennifer_Snyder

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorjennifersnyder

Review: The Distance Between Us by Kasie West!

2013-06-18T08:00:00.000-04:00

The Distance Between Us
Author: Kasie West

Paperback, 320 pages
Expected publication: July 2nd 2013 by Harper Teen

GoodReads † Amazon † Barnes and Noble

Seventeen-year-old Caymen Meyers studies the rich like her own personal science experiment, and after years of observation she’s pretty sure they’re only good for one thing—spending money on useless stuff, like the porcelain dolls in her mother’s shop.

So when Xander Spence walks into the store to pick up a doll for his grandmother, it only takes one glance for Caymen to figure out he’s oozing rich. Despite his charming ways and that he’s one of the first people who actually gets her, she’s smart enough to know his interest won’t last. Because if there’s one thing she’s learned from her mother’s warnings, it’s that the rich have a short attention span. But Xander keeps coming around, despite her best efforts to scare him off. And much to her dismay, she's beginning to enjoy his company.

She knows her mom can’t find out—she wouldn’t approve. She’d much rather Caymen hang out with the local rocker who hasn’t been raised by money. But just when Xander’s attention and loyalty are about to convince Caymen that being rich isn’t a character flaw, she finds out that money is a much bigger part of their relationship than she’d ever realized. And that Xander’s not the only one she should’ve been worried about.

Jumping into The Distance Between Us I was expecting your typical YA contemporary romance where girl meets boy, girl is poor, boy is rich, parents dislike her, they fight to keep their love alive, or the other way around… you get my drift. The Distance Between Us did have a lot of similarities to other YA contemporary’s out there, but it was different at the same time. The characters were funny, realistic, and overall very entertaining.

Caymen’s personality is what made this book for me. It was so easy to like her. She was snarky, sarcastic, and basically said whatever was on her mind. She didn’t dwell on things and didn’t really care two cents what other people thought about her. Her first meeting with Xander sold me on the whole book and what helped me decide I wanted to keep reading. I never laughed out loud as much as I did reading that chapter. West did an excellent job making her personality come to life with just a few words.

Another great thing about The Distance Between Us is that Kasie West gives you a romance that starts off with a friendship. Caymen and Xander spend time together and really get to know one another. You can feel the attraction, and know that something is going to eventually blossom between the two, but I loved that the author gives us a friendship first, and not an immediate romance. That was a nice change and refreshing.

The only issue I had with the story is that the plot completely changes towards the near end and honestly, I don’t understand why. It wasn't bad and did not, in anyway, ruin the story or the characters for me, but it was one twist I could have done without.

Overall, this is definitely one book I recommend and think tons of readers will enjoy greatly. It’s a fast read that will make you laugh tons!

SUMMER SOLSTICE SEQUELS – 4 books, 4 authors, 4 days of prizes!

2013-06-17T09:30:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the Summer Solstice Sequels tour, a four day event celebrating the upcoming summer releases by Elizabeth Richards (PHOENIX), Jessica Spotswood (STAR CURSED), Fiona Paul (BELLADONNA), and Lili Peloquin (THIS SIDE OF JEALOUSY)!

Each day on the tour, we’ll be spotlighting one of the Summer Solstice Sequels, along with a giveaway! There will be 4 separate contests, so there’s even more chances to win prizes. The event ends with a Twitter party on Thursday 20 June, 6.30 EST (#SSSequels), where Liz, Jess, Fiona and Lili will be answering your questions and giving away oodles of prizes, courtesy of Penguin Teen.

We kick-off the tour with Elizabeth Richards’ PHOENIX (A Black City Novel), which came out on June 4!

BOOK HIGHLIGHT

Publisher: Putnam

Release: June 4

Weeks after his crucifixion and rebirth as Phoenix, Ash Fisher believes his troubles are far behind him. He and Natalie are engaged and life seems good. But his happiness is short-lived when he receives a threatening visit from Purian Rose, who gives Ash an ultimatum: vote in favor of Rose’s Law permanently relegating Darklings to the wrong side of the wall or Natalie will be killed

. The decision seems obvious to Ash; he must save Natalie. But when Ash learns about The Tenth, a new and deadly concentration camp where the Darklings would be sent, the choice doesn’t seem so simple. Unable to ignore his conscience, Ash votes against Rose’s Law, signing Natalie’s death warrant and putting a troubled nation back into the throes of bloody battle.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Indie Bound | Goodreads

BIO

Elizabeth Richards is an award-winning journalist, who spent her early career reviewing videogames before making the bold (or crazy) move into travel writing, despite suffering from terrible travel sickness.

In her spare time, she ran a successful lifestyle website aimed at teenage girls, where she got to interview many of her favorite bands, go to gigs and basically blag loads of free swag all in the name of ‘research’.

Elizabeth lives in Buckinghamshire, England, with her husband. Black City is her debut novel.

Stalk her at: Website | Twitter | Facebook

GIVEAWAY 1: GUESS WHO…TEEN EDITION!

Each day the authors have come up with a fun quiz for you to play. Today’s game is Guess Who…Teen Edition!

Rules

Liz, Jess, Fiona and Lili have each provided a photo of themselves as a teenager. All you have to do is guess who the author is in each photo! It’s that simple. They’ve even provided a handy clue, to help you along.

The contest will close at 12pm EST, June 28. Any entries after this date will not be counted. Winners will be notified by email. US only. Entrants must be over 13 years old. Entrants under that age must have a parent or guardian enter on their behalf.

Prizes

2 x ARCS of PHOENIX by Elizabeth Richards

Let’s play!

Teen author 1: This author casts a spell with her awesome 90s fashion, posing for her senior picture with one of her favorite books!

Teen author 2: This author’s heroine is more used to riding gondolas than horses…

Teen author 3: As a teen, this author dyed her hair black to embrace her Dark[ling] side…

Teen author 4: She played soccer as a teen, even though her heroines are more tennis-anyone? types…

Entry form Summer Solstice Sequels entry form

FOLLOW THE TOUR

17 June

Good Choice Reading

PHOENIX by Elizabeth Richards

18 June

Book Chic

STAR CURSED by Jessica Spotswood

19 June

Jean Book Nerd

BELLADONNA by Fiona Paul

20 June

Fiction Freak

THIS SIDE OF JEALOUSY by Lili Peloquin

Book Blast: Spring Training by Parker Kincade & Giveaway (Romance)

2013-06-17T09:00:00.000-04:00

He’s got his eye on the ball, but his sights are set on her.

For baseball superstar Garrett Donovan, his contract with the New York Empire baseball team meant he’d finally have the means to secure a future for his family. He should focus on that…not on the sassy, beautiful Jessa Montgomery — or what she looks like naked. Getting involved with the daughter of the Empire’s owner would be career suicide. Jessa is a distraction he can’t afford.

Her father had warned her never to get involved with his athletes, so his request that she keep an eye on his new star player came straight out of left field. The last thing Jessa needs is another spoiled, egotistical ball player to deal with. But Garrett is none of those things. His no-nonsense attitude and smooth Southern charm make her blood burn and her knees weak. Giving into temptation, she is consumed by the pleasure she finds in Garrett’s arms.

Jessa wants to protect his career. Garrett won’t let anything get in the way of their passion.

A passion that could cost him everything.

This excerpt contains strong language and sexual content. To view the full excerpt check out our adult blog, SINFULLY TASTY READS.

Purchase your copy

Amazon † All Romance eBooks † Barnes and Noble

Parker Kincade is an award-winning erotic romance author of The Martin Family Series. Her first novel, One Night Stand, won the category of Best Erotic Romance in the Celtic Hearts Romance Writers Golden Claddagh contest and was named finalist in the Romance Writers of America/Passionate Ink Stroke of Midnight contest.

Parker lives in the southern United States with her husband, children and beloved boxer sidekick. She loves reading, playing golf, spending time with her family and friends, ice cream from the ice cream truck, taking her dog to the park and watching old musicals.

Website † Blog † Facebook † Twitter † Group Blog

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Review: Redesigned by Denise Grover Swank

2013-06-17T08:00:00.000-04:00

Redesigned by Denise Grover Swank
Amazon † B&N † Author Site
Published June 10th 2013

While fashion design major Caroline Hunter may have been born economically unlucky, in college, she’s been lucky in love. Until her senior year at Southern University. She’s gone from a serious long term boyfriend to a string of crappy dates.

Then she meets mathematics grad student Reed Pendergraft.

Reed is everything she’s not looking for. Serious. Headed for a low paying university job. Boring. Caroline spent the first eighteen years of her life wondering where her next meal was coming from. She sure wasn’t getting trapped in that life again with a man living on a professor’s salary.

An encounter with Reed in a club proves she might have pegged him wrong. He brings out a lusty side she never knew she had. But just when she’s about to give in to her hormones, Reed makes a fool out of her.

When she shows up for the first committee meeting for Southern University’s Fall fashion show, a fundraiser for underprivileged kids, Caroline’s horrified to discover the insufferable Reed is the committee chairman. While she refuses to tolerate his totalitarian rule of the committee, she’s not sure she’ll survive the month with her heart—and her pride—intact. Just when she thinks she has everything figured out, she finds that her entire life has been redesigned, thanks to Reed Pendergraft.

My Review:

I am the kind of person that fall in love with authors and their books. I absolutely LOVE Denise and LOVE her books. She made me fall in love with her characters in Aftermath. And I didn't think I can love another set of characters the way I did with Scarlett and Tucker. But that wasn't the case, Caroline worked her way into my heart and Reed worked his way into my soul. I love how she worked the magic when those two were on page together.

I liked Reed from the very beginning. I liked his straight forward attitude and how he put Caroline in her place when needed. I enjoy watching their chemistry and loved how they responded to each other. He was stubborn and didn't make things easy for her and I liked that. A girl needs a challenge every now and then. And he was just the right guy to do it for Caroline. Even I developed a crush on Reed. He's now my new book boyfriend.

Caroline is a sweet girl. But she has a past that doesn't let her love easily. Her past is very sad which is why she thinks before she loves. Or she thinks before she do anything that would hinder her from having a good outcome for her future. So she thinks about how her life would be if she falls in love with Reed. But as much as she wants a secure future, she can't help what she feels. Their chemistry is undeniable and their naughty scenes together are caliente!! I love how Denise wrote their scenes together. It just has so much depth.

I'm absolutely love this book and as always I can't see her outdoing herself again in her next one. I can not wait to read her next book in series "Business As Usual". I think this book may be about Reed's sister Lexi, but I can be wrong. There isn't a blurb on it yet. I give Redesigned a 5/5 stars and a Good Choice for Reading!!

Video interview with author Elizabeth Norris & Giveaway!

2013-06-14T09:00:00.000-04:00

Hey!

So as you all know on Saturday, June 8th, author Elizabeth Norris visited the bookstore I event coordinate for, Anderson's Book Shop, NY, and she talked a little about UNRAVELING and UNBREAKABLE, signed some copies, and gave us some awesome swag!

We had a really great time, and she is super, super nice and funny! We talked about some of our favorite books, tv shows, and tons more! I am so happy she was able to join us! I am a huge fan of UNRAVELING and UNBREAKABLE!!!

Not sure if you all keep up with our Facebook page, but we recently held a contest where readers submitted their questions to Elizabeth Norris for a chance to win a signed copy of either UNRAVELING or UNBREAKABLE. We picked our winner, Nikki Wang, and then we decided why not just go ahead and ask her some of your questions anyway? So I asked Elizabeth if she would be willing to film a small interview, she said yes... and then this happened...

HUGE, HUGE thank you to Elizabeth Norris and Anderson's Book Shop, NY for making this interview possible!

We have a nice giveaway for you, too!

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Review: Pretty Little Lies by Jennifer Miller

2013-06-14T08:00:00.000-04:00

Pretty Little Lies by Jennifer Miller
Amazon † B&N † Author Site
Published June 12th 2013

A little lie can change the course of everything. . .
Like every other eighteen-year-old in love, Olivia has dreams of spending forever with the love of her life. Luke is all she’s ever wanted – until she overhears something she was never meant to. In a matter of seconds, Olivia’s heart is shattered. Olivia handles it the only way she knows how - she runs- leaving behind her family, friends and the boy she loves.

Seeking comfort and an escape, Olivia finds it in resident bad boy Deacon. He’s everything Luke isn’t – and that’s fine with Olivia.

Now, seven years later, Olivia is older, wiser and headed back to Chicago looking forward to a fresh start and reconnecting with her best friend Pyper. What she doesn’t expect, is to come face to face with the boy she left behind and discover that even though she may have left, her feelings for him didn’t.

Can Olivia put aside the pain in her heart and trust Luke? Will the ties to her past ever let her go, or will she continue to let her life be affected by pretty little lies?

My Review:

How many of us have heard something that we shouldn't have heard? I know I have. Well that's what happened with Olivia. But unlike me, she really let this become the reason behind all her sudden decisions. Instead of staying and confronting the person that hurt her, she runs. And that's where her life changes.

I really enjoyed this story. There are several things that made me this book more enjoyable than most. In every chapter in this book, you get very impressive fashion tips. I wish I would have highlighted my favorite to share some with you. But they're all very useful tips. Look out for them.

Another thing I liked about this novel is how well Olivia handled her divorce. In a bunch of books I have read, the author would make the woman a blubbering mess. Like divorce is the absolute worst thing in the world and their life is over. Maybe I'm being insensitive But I don't like weak protagonist and granted I have never experienced a divorce. But I sure hope if I ever did, I'd stay a strong woman, like Olivia did. I was happy to see she was strong and was able to move forward.

Now, it does help that Olivia has Pyper. Pyper is the kind of friend everyone needs. Someone who would not let you sit on your butt and wallow in self pity. She's a get off your butt and let's pamper ourselves kind of gal. She definitely helped Olivia when she needed it the most. I really hope I get a chance to read more about Pyper. Maybe a sequel about her is in the future for Ms. Miller.

And lastly when it came time to it, Ms. Miller didn't play the back and forth game with Olivia and Luke. The whole, I love him but I hate him game is overrated. He hurt me so I'm running away. Olivia showed growth from the young girl she was, who first ran away from a horrible situation, to the woman that stood and confronted the situation. I really enjoyed the chemistry between Luke and Olivia and enjoyed that fact that she let them continue where they left off.

So if you haven't gotten by now how much I enjoyed "Pretty Little Lies", I did. I really enjoyed the writing style in this book. However as much as I enjoyed the story there was something that really bothered me. There were parts in the story where Olivia and Luke spend time together and they talked about this past. I think because I have been blogging so long, I can see the difference in those scenes. She did a lot of telling vs showing. I would have rather they reminisced and go back to that time then telling me about it. That was it. Overall, this book was really book. I give it 4 stars and a definite Good Choice for Reading.

TENSION by R.L. Griffin! (New Adult)

2013-06-14T07:30:00.000-04:00

The Stella who emerges from the rubble of the bombing in Montana is a woman full of conflict. She knows she should be grateful that she lived when others didn't, but after waking in the hospital as a celebrity, complete with a new moniker, she's bitter and distrustful, questioning everything in her life. She's unsure of her friends, her new boyfriend, and her job. In addition, a face from the past reappears and threatens to take the one good thing in her life.

Stella attempts to deal with the new scrutiny of her life with her usual sense of humor, but she's filled with a new emotion that she tries desperately to hide: HATE. Her recovery is hastened by her determination to find the man who turned her into a walking scar. She's going to kill him; she needs to kill him.

Stella isn't alone. She has her close friends and her dog, Cooper. Will their support be enough to help Stella accomplish her plan, or will this endeavor be her undoing?

Book ONE in the series

I live in the Atlanta area and I'm surrounded by awesome dudes: my husband, son and two dogs. I went to law school at American University, Washington College of Law, but only after I fell in love with D.C. I worked in the Senate during the impeachment trial and wanted to stay. After law school I worked for a bit in the area, then moved to Atlanta.

If you ask anyone who knows me they know I love reading and read all sorts of books. Any free time I have I'm either reading, writing or drinking with friends.

Website † Facebook † Twitter † GoodReads

R.L. Griffin is also a New Adult Sleepover Weekend Featured Author. Click photo below for more information.

Moonlit by Jadie Jones Blog Tour - Interview & giveaway!

2013-06-13T15:00:00.000-04:00

Tour Schedule

Moonlit

Eighteen-year-old Tanzy Hightower knows horses, has grown up with them on Wildwood Farm. She also knows not to venture beyond the trees that line the pasture. Things happen out there that can’t be explained. Or undone. Worse, no one but she and the horses can see what lurks in the shadows of the woods.

When a moonlit ride turns into a terrifying chase, Tanzy is left to question everything, from the freak accident that killed her father to the very blood in her veins. Broken and confused, she turns to Lucas, a scarred, beautiful stranger, and to Vanessa, a charming new friend who has everything Tanzy doesn’t.

But why do they seem to know more about her than she knows herself?

Amazon Kindle * Amazon * Goodreads

WiDo Publishing * Barnes & Noble

Describe your main character in six words.

Farm girl with an epic past.

How did you come up with your character’s name?

My main character’s name went through an evolution as the plot deepened and thickened. The story is complex, so her name had to mean something that applied to her world. So I turned to the almighty Google to look for name meanings. Tanzy (or, Tansy, officially,) is a Greek name and means “eternal.” I changed the “s” to a “z,” and it was perfect.

Describe the world you’ve created in six words.

Two realms co-exist on one stage

Can you share a teaser of Moonlit with our readers?

Of course! This scene is occurring a thousand years in the past. Through a dream state, Tanzy witnesses her first life as a girl named Spera:

23. Chains and crowns.

My eyes sting to the point of blurring, and as the new memory settles around us I’m sure I’m hallucinating, my mind no longer willing to accept the pain and darkness that chase Spera down like a rabbit. Because beauty like this can’t possibly be real. The round room is made of translucent crystal, which glows the softest gold as sunlight saturates the smooth stone. Four circular windows are carved into the cylindrical wall like the points of a compass.

Asher sits high on a throne made from the same crystal, a guard at each side. Several more guards arm an arched doorway on the opposite side of the grand room. I spot Lucas among them and follow his gaze across the room. Spera stares vacantly out of the window pointing to the afternoon sun. A breeze whistles by the opening and her silky white dress ripples in the free air.

She hugs her arms to her chest. A golden snake cuffs each wrist. Spera’s long black hair is pulled back in a single thick braid. Precious stones glitter in each ear. Coils of gilded metal adorn her slender throat. Is she wearing the ring? I step beside her to get a closer look. Her hands are bare. I swallow my disappointment and follow her gaze across the vast nothingness.

Red flat earth stretches for miles. A darker blue streak acts as a border between the desert and the sapphire sky. The faintest scent of salty surf rides the current of air that blows steadily past the opening. The ocean. Instinctively, I glance through each of the other three windows. The same navy barrier divides the land from the sky all the way around the tower. We’re on an island. How in the world are they going to escape? A feeling of utter helplessness settles within my core as I study her motionless profile. Even though she drips in gold and jewels she wears the face of a prisoner.

What scene was your favorite to write?

Tanzy and Vanessa go out for a night on the town to blow off some steam. I loved writing about what it feels like for Tanzy to finally let loose and truly lose control. Dancing is how I let go, and I found that writing the scene had a very similar affect for me. I had a hard time concentrating because I kept disappearing into my own head. Also, the scene that happens directly after is another favorite, but I can’t tell you too much about that one without giving away one of my favorite moments in the story. 

What scene was the hardest for you to write?

Late in the story, Asher touches another character, and she bursts into flames from the inside out. I wanted to do it in such a way that spoke to the agony of those witnessing the death, but didn’t glorify the physical aspect of what was happening. My husband, who reads what I call “guy trash,” (third world wars, undercover spies, etc.) was a huge help. I ran the scene by him until I got it right.

How did you come up with your character’s name?

Do you read reviews of your books? What do you do when you read a not-so-nice one?

I do read my reviews. Sometimes I wish I could convince myself not to, but I’m way too curious. I’ve had a few critical reviews. I’m of two minds about it. First, it’s impossible to please everyone, and I know that. If I’m feeling really low, I look at reviews on some of the great classics, and they have their share of critical reviews, too. On the other hand, a critical review can be a great teaching tool for a writer, especially someone so new to the game like me. As long as the criticisms are thorough and objective, I actually really appreciate that the reviewer took the time to let me know. I’ve learned several things from reviews of Moonlit that will help strengthen the sequel.

This is or That

Cat or Dog? Dogs (whichever you prefer, please consider adopting from local shelters.)

Coffee or Tea? Tea! It’s a morning must.

Iced tea or hot tea? Both – but always sweet 

Snow or rain? Rain, especially a spring storm

Movies at home or Movie Theater? Home. I’m a home body.

Twitter or Facebook? Facebook. I feel like I’ve made stronger connections with fans and other authors on FB.

Actual book or eReader? Print book.

Long Sleeves or Short Sleeves? Long sleeves. I like to pull the sleeves over my knuckles.

Mountain views or Ocean views? Ocean! I will own a house within an easy bike ride of the beach one day.

Thank you so much for having Moonlit and me!

Praise

"Virginia's trees look like they're burning. Most of them blaze crimson or gold, but some still have a chokehold on their green. I wish they'd give it up already. Leaves are more beautiful when they're dying."

And so Moonlit begins. From here the story rolls from one twist to another with many vivid characters whose motives are hard to predict. I found myself being suspicious of everyone, wanting to tell Tanzy to be very careful. The deeper I fell into the plot, the more questions kept rising to the surface. But not to worry, all of my questions were answered. Appropriate for all ages, if you love paranormal fantasy mixed with suspense, mystery and other-worldly romance, you'll love this novel!

~Author Julie Ford

Prologue
The first anniversary of my father’s death was even harder on my mother. Back then, I thought she was haunted most by what she didn’t know. I refused to blame her when she raged above me on our staircase that night, drunk and sad and angry. When she made me promise I’d never ride again. When she hurled a half-full bottle of vodka at my face and it exploded on the wooden stairs at my feet. I hadn’t tried to get out of the way. She had just missed.

I wanted to tell her that knowledge was no solace, that what you know can burn inside you until there’s nothing left but guilt and ash. I also wanted to protect her from losing the only piece of him she had left. So I didn’t say a word.

Author Jadie Jones

Georgia native Jadie Jones first began working for a horse farm at twelve years old, her love of horses matched only by her love of books. She went on to acquire a B.A. in equine business management, and worked for competitive horse farms along the east coast. The need to write followed wherever she went.

She currently coaches a hunt seat equitation team that competes in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association, and lives with her family in the foothills of north Georgia. When she's not working on the next installment of the Moonlit series, she is either in the saddle or exploring the great outdoors with her daughter. Moonlit is her first book.

Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Pinterest

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 6/21/13

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Book Blast: Endure by M.R. Merrick & Giveaway!

2013-06-13T09:00:00.001-04:00

Available June 5th

Endure (The Protector, #4)

Book Description:

Wrapped in darkness and woven with defeat, every action Chase has taken since being exiled from the Circle has been met with a devastating response. Now he's been burdened with a quest that seems impossible, and he needs to evolve into something more, something greater than he ever thought he could be.
Armed with magic, friendship, and an unbreakable will, Chase must build an army and find a weapon capable of defeating the ultimate evil. But he knows that nothing great comes without sacrifice. Blessed by the very gods who have abandoned him and carrying the fate of all the worlds on his shoulders, Chase Williams is about find out just how much one man can endure.

Excerpt:

I jerked up from the couch, but the repercussion that came with the motion made me curse. My chest heaved and sweat dripped down my face.

“Chase?” I heard a voice say, but it was groggy. I wasn’t quite in reality yet.

I cleared my throat and threw my legs over the edge of the couch. More pain came, but I didn’t care. I needed to touch the floor. I needed to ground myself.

“Chase, are you okay?” It was Rayna’s voice and she ran down the stairs.

I screamed as the scabbed over skin on my back tore open when I attempted to stand. I fell to the couch and beat my fists against the cushions as though that could alleviate the pain.

“Chase, hey…calm down.”

Rayna’s voice soothed me. She crouched in front of me and carefully touched my shoulder. Calming energy emanated off her body and soaked into mine. The adrenaline and pain faded, leaving an empty pit stirring inside me. I went completely still. The green cat eyes staring back at me had stolen my words and my breath. Swelling had formed under Rayna’s right eye and she looked tired, but she was as striking as ever.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

Amazon | B&N | Kobo

About the Author:

M.R. Merrick is a Canadian writer, and author of Exiled, the first installment in The Protector Series. Having never traveled, he adventures to far off lands through his imagination and in between cups of coffee. As a music lover and proud breakfast enthusiast, he's usually found at the computer, between a pair of headphones and in front of a large bowl of cereal.

M.R. Merrick | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

Book #1, Exiled is currently FREE

Chase Williams is a demon hunter in the Circle, or at least he was supposed to be. On his fifteenth birthday, Chase stepped up to the altar to claim his elemental power, but it never came. Elemental magic is passed down to a hunter through the bloodline, but on Chase's birthday, the bloodline stopped.

Exiled without the Circle's protection, Chase has spent two years trying to survive a world riddled with half-demons and magic. When he has a run in with a frightened and seemingly innocent demon, he learns the Circle's agenda has changed: the Circle plans to unlock a portal and unleash pure-blood demons into the world. Vowing to stop them, and knowing he can't do it alone, Chase forms a reluctant alliance with Rayna — a sexy witch with an attitude and a secret.

In their attempt to stop them, Chase and Rayna find themselves in the middle of the Circle's plan, leaving one of them to decide what their friendship is worth, and the other's life depending on it.

Amazon | B&N | Kobo

****GIVEAWAY****

5 winners will have their choice of eBook from the series.

1 Grand prize will win SIGNED copies of ALL FOUR BOOKS.

International

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YA AUTHOR SMACKDOWN ROUND 4 - GIF POST w/ Kate Karyus Quinn! (Giveaway)

2013-06-13T09:00:00.000-04:00

Make sure to visit Shortie Says..., BooksWithBite, and ReadingTeen for the first three rounds!

Kate Karyus Quinn

I've written before about how I never meant to write a scary book, and yet somehow my debut young adult novel ANOTHER LITTLE PIECE has been classified by HarperTeen as literary horror. On one hand, I get it. There is some scary stuff that happens in this book. Some of it is even bloody. But on the other hand, how did super-squeamish, chickeny little me write a seriously creepy book? I mean seriously, I want to know - how exactly did that happen? Well, I think that it's finally time I go back to the beginning and try to get a handle on this.

So, as usual, it all began with an idea that I fell in love with and I was all

Of course, I should have had some misgivings because this idea that started it all was about a girl who sees a boy she thinks is cute, and then wants to take a bite out of him. Literally.

She isn't a vampire, though. Not a zombie either. She's just a girl who's incredibly hungry,

But not for crabby patties. She was hungry for something a little scarier that that.

So I was still in love with my idea...

But I was also confused.

Because, this idea seemed a little bit scary. And me and scary - we were definitely not friends. How did I know this? Well, from scary in its scariest form - movies. Now some people are like this after watching a horror film:

But for me, you first have to practically force me to watch anything scary.

And then, I began to remind myself:

But that never works. I try to be brave, or at least bluff it out...

But later that night, when I'm trying to sleep - I can't.

Then I hear a noise downstairs, and don't know whether to defend myself...

Scream...

Spazz out...

Run...

or cry.

I usually end up choosing: ALL OF THE ABOVE.

Cause let's face it, there's scary stuff out there.

Monsters under the bed.

Super scary clowns.

Really pissed off girls with supernatural powers.

The bad guy(s) from Scream.

Urban legends that seem like they could be true.

And whatever these tiny little demons are:

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

So yeah, I was just gonna let that idea go and write something a little less scary. Except... it wouldn't let me go.

Cause thinking of all that scary stuff had left me stuck with this picture of a girl covered in blood.

The girl in blood tied into the girl who wanted to take a bite out of the boy. I didn't know how, but I knew they were related somehow.

And just like that, I was in love with my idea once more.

So, I did what only sane person could do. I became friends with the monsters that I was most frightened of.

And I think it's worked out pretty well.

PS. For people who are not too into the scary stuff here is some kissing - cause there's some of that in the ANOTHER LITTLE PIECE as well.

Check out EVE SILVER'S round over at www.onceuponatwilight.com!!! Then leave a comment telling us your thoughts!

Stop by WastePaperProse tomorrow for the FINAL ROUND!

The spine-tingling horror of Stephen King meets an eerie mystery worthy of Sara Shepard's Pretty Little Liars series in Kate Karyus Quinn's haunting debut.

On a cool autumn night, Annaliese Rose Gordon stumbled out of the woods and into a high school party. She was screaming. Drenched in blood. Then she vanished.

A year later, Annaliese is found wandering down a road hundreds of miles away. She doesn't know who she is. She doesn't know how she got there. She only knows one thing: She is not the real Annaliese Rose Gordon.

Now Annaliese is haunted by strange visions and broken memories. Memories of a reckless, desperate wish . . . a bloody razor . . . and the faces of other girls who disappeared. Piece by piece, Annaliese's fractured memories come together to reveal a violent, endless cycle that she will never escape—unless she can unlock the twisted secrets of her past.

IN BOOKSTORES JUNE 11th!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kate Karyus Quinn has two college degrees - a BFA in Theatre from Niagara University and an MFA in Film and Television Production from Chapman University. In addition, her short romantic fiction pieces have been published in Woman’s World magazine.

After growing up in the suburbs of Buffalo, NY, Kate left her hometown for Southern California and film school. After finishing her degree, she moved with her husband to Knoxville, Tennessee. However, just recently she made the move back home, with her husband and two children in tow. She promised them wonderful people, amazing food, and weather that would... build character.

Kate is first and foremost an avid reader and unapologetic booknerd. Although, she mostly reads YA and romance, she often samples different genres in her constant search for the next great read.

Kate is represented by Alexandra Machinist of Janklow and Nesbit. Her book, ANOTHER LITTLE PIECE, will be published by HarperTeen in Summer 2013.

FIND KATE....

Website † Facebook † Twitter † GoodReads

INDELIBLE by Bethany Lopez!

2013-06-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

Title: Indelible

Author: Bethany Lopez

Expected release date: July 9, 2013

Genre: Contemporary

Age Group: New Adult

Cover Designed by : B Design alliebbooks.wordpress.com – Photo by Kelsey Kukal-Keeton

Cover reveal organized by: AToMR Tours

Book Description:

After a year of partying, Sam decides to buckle down and focus on college. Things are going great until a one-night stand leaves her pregnant and alone. Raising a child while going to school isn’t easy, but Sam is determined to be strong for her daughter. She doesn’t have time for guys or relationships, and takes great care to protect her child and her heart.

Judd doesn’t fit the mold of a college ballplayer. His long hair and tattoos may fit the life he’s created for himself, but baseball is the one thing he takes seriously. When he meets Sam, he’s immediately drawn to her curves and refusal to put up with his crap. When Judd learns the truth, can he handle the responsibility that comes with loving a single mother?

Sam yearns for the fire that Judd fuels in her, but her child’s needs have to come first. Can two people at different stages in their life find a way to make a life together?

Author Bio:

Bethany Lopez began self-publishing in June 2011. Since then she has published various YA and NA books. She is a lover of romance, family, and friends, and enjoys incorporating those things in what she writes. When she isn't reading or writing, she loves spending time with her husband and children, traveling whenever possible.

Author social media links:
IAN - http://www.independentauthornetwork.com/bethany-lopez.html
Webpage - www.bethanylopez.blogspot.com
Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/BethanyLopez2
Facebook - http://on.fb.me/LypEaO
Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/bethanylopez2/

A LITTLE TOO FAR by Lisa Desrouchers & Giveaway!

2013-06-12T12:00:00.000-04:00

—"More than a ridiculously sexy, HOT read, Desrochers takes you on a wild ride of self-discovery and bittersweet romance." —Jennifer L. Armentrout (J. Lynn), New York Times bestselling author of Wait for You

SYNOPSIS:

Have you ever gone just a little too far?

Lexie Banks has.

Yep. She just had mind-blowing sex with her stepbrother.In her defense, she was on the rebound, and it’s more of a my-dad-happened-to-marry-a-woman-with-a-super-hot-son situation. But still, he’s been her best friend and confidant for better part of the last few years…and is so off limits. It’s a good thing she’s leaving in two days for a year abroad in Rome.But even thousands of miles away, Lexie can’t seem to escape trouble. Raised Catholic, she goes to Confession in hopes of alleviating some of her guilt…and maybe not burning in hell. Instead, she stumbles out of the confessional right into Alessandro Moretti, a young and very easy on the eyes deacon…only eight months away from becoming a priest. As Lexie and Alessandro grow closer, and when Alessandro’s signals start changing despite his vow of celibacy, she doesn’t know what to think. She’s torn between falling in love with the man she shouldn’t want and the man she can’t have. And she isn’t sure how she can live with herself either way.

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Review: Phoenix by Elizabeth Richards!

2013-06-12T08:00:00.000-04:00

Title: Phoenix (A Black City Novel, Book #2)
Released: June 2013
Publisher: G.P Putnam’s Sons

GoodReads † Amazon † Barnes and Noble

The much anticipated second book in the enthralling Black City series.

Engaged to be married, Ash and Natalie are just starting to build a life together, when things in the United Sentry States go from bad to worse. Ash and Natalie find themselves at the center of the turmoil when dictator Purian Rose threatens Natalie’s life unless Ash votes in favor of Rose’s law—a law that will send Darklings and other dissenters to a deadly concentration camp known as the Tenth.

Ash can’t bring himself to trade Natalie’s life for those of millions of Darklings. The only way to save everyone is to escape Black City and find the Ora, a powerful weapon that could take down Purian Rose for good. But fleeing the city and finding this weapon is easier said than done, if it even exists, and becomes a quest that could tear Ash and Natalie apart, even pushing them into the arms of others.

Fast-paced and absorbing, Phoenix is a delicious, steamy can’t-put-down read.

This book broke my heart, tickled it, made it race, and broke it all over again. I love this series, no secret at all, but with the way things ended, I have no clue what to think. I am so torn, but so excited at the same time. Elizabeth Richards is such an amazing writer, and Phoenix was just as good as the first.

Ash and Natalie will forever be my favorite book couple. I just love everything about them as a couple. Nothing really changes in Phoenix between them, except that their love gets tested, and their trust for one another. So much goes down and I want to share it all!!! There are some new characters that are introduced, secrets being revealed, a huge twist, tons of betrayal, and lots and lots of suspense. I literally wanted to bite all my nails off.

The new characters worried me a bit. I didn't know who could be trusted, and at one point I really thought the story was leading up to a love triangle. Rest easy everyone. Even though it seems like there is one, there isn't. Not sure how things will turn out in book three, but from everything in Phoenix, I can say I doubt there will be one, which makes me super happy. No one can replace Ash. NO ONE!

Phoenix delivered everything I wanted and more. I just cannot wait for the third book. It does have a sad ending, but one that leaves room for tons in the third book. I can only imagine what’s to come, and with Elizabeth Richard’s imagination, I am sure it will be just as raw and intense as Black City and Phoenix making it an epic ending. This is definitely a series I highly recommend. It does have to be read in order, though. Great sequel!

Guest Review: Shadow of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

2013-06-11T08:00:00.000-04:00

Shadow of the Mark by Leigh Fallon
Amazon † B&N † Author Site
Expected publication:
July 9th 2013 by HarperTeen

Leigh Fallon’s Shadow of the Mark, the sequel to Carrier of the Mark, is a captivating love story set against the lush backdrop of Ireland.

Megan knew she was destined to be with Adam from the first moment she saw him and now they are determined to be together. But Megan and Adam are Marked Ones, and a romance between two Marked Ones is strictly forbidden…and could cause worldwide devastation.

Leigh Fallon’s Shadow of the Mark is a great choice for readers who love Becca Fitzpatrick's Hush, Hush.

Review:

Shadow of the Mark is a sequel that I can happily mark (pun intended) as successful. Sometimes sequels feel like a bridge book or don't live up to the first, but with Shadow of the Mark I thought it was just as good as the first. It's definitely a sequel where the action is amped up and the love is thrown on a crazy ride.

What I really liked about Shadow of the Mark was that I felt there was more focus on Megan and her powers versus the romance in the book. Don't get me wrong I adore romance and I love it in this book, but I felt that Leigh Fallon turned it down just enough and turned up just enough action. It was a great balance.

Oh Adam. He truly is a sweet heart and I love how much he loves Megan. Plus is water element still amazes me. I absolutely love it and think it's the coolest thing. I'm still rooting for a Adam plus Megan happily ever after! With Rían and Áine, I still adored them. I have to admit with all the new abilities Áine was developing I was actually scared she might turn evil and I was so happy I was wrong. (at least in this book I was) because Áine is one of my favorites and I adore her. Rían was definitely just as sexy in this one and I know Megan wasn't the only one feeling conflicted in her feelings because as much as I'm team Adam... I was right there with her.

Overall, Shadow Of The Mark was fantastically written. I loved all the new characters we got to meet and seeing them interact with the old ones. The twists and turns and heartbreaks are all there too, don't you worry. If you enjoyed the first book you will definitely like this one!

Jena from : Shortie-Says

YA AUTHOR SMACKDOWN - RUSH vs. ANOTHER LITTLE PIECE & Giveaway Details!

2013-06-10T16:10:00.000-04:00

It's release week for both RUSH by Eve Silver and ANOTHER LITTLE PIECE by Kate Karyus Quinn! It's SMACKDOWN TIME!

What is the SMACKDOWN all about? Kate Karyus Quinn's ANOTHER LITTLE PIECE and Eve Silver's RUSH are release-date mates, June 11, 2013. When Kate and Eve realized their books come out on the same day, they decided to give a shout out to each other's titles. They discussed options including guest blogs, contests, tweets, status updates, and then things turned dark. Very, very dark. History will never know for sure who threw down first, but Kate and Eve's Smacktalk ramped up with each email exchanged, until The Smackdown was born (in blood and fire and pain...well, not really, but you get the picture).

Week one:

Each day from June 10-14, there will be video/gif challenges posted on the following blogs listed below. Commenters vote for their winner. All comments are entered to WIN one of two awesome prize packs.

Week two (June 17-21):

Each day, there will be excerpts and more posted on the same blogs. Commenters are entered to WIN one of two awesome prize packs.

Prizes:

*Another Little Piece by Kate Karyus Quinn prize pack: ANOTHER LITTLE PIECE t-shirt. ANOTHER LITTLE PIECE bookmarks, mini notebook, and Listerine pack. A signed hardcover copy of ANOTHER LITTLE PIECE.

*Rush by Eve Silver prize pack: RUSH t-shirt, RUSH phone/tablet/ereader gelaskin cover, Autographed copy of RUSH. (note: the phone/tablet/ereader cover must be available through Gelaskins; in the event that the cover is not available for the winner's phone/tablet/ereader, a $20 gift card to an online book retailer will be substituted).

Visit the following blogs this week

June 10th - Shortie Says... (Round 1)/Good Choice Reading (Highlight Post)
June 11th - Books With Bite (Round 2)
June 12th - ReadingTeen (Round 3)
June 13th - Once Upon A Twilight (Round 4 - Eve Silver)/Good Choice Reading (Round 4 - Kate Karyus Quinn)
June 14th - WastePaperProse (Round 5)

ooOOoo Let the games begin!

ROUND #1 has officially begun!

Check it out here:
http://www.shortie-says.com/2013/06/blog-tour-rush-another-little-piece.html

About the books...

The spine-tingling horror of Stephen King meets an eerie mystery worthy of Sara Shepard's Pretty Little Liars series in Kate Karyus Quinn's haunting debut.

On a cool autumn night, Annaliese Rose Gordon stumbled out of the woods and into a high school party. She was screaming. Drenched in blood. Then she vanished.

A year later, Annaliese is found wandering down a road hundreds of miles away. She doesn't know who she is. She doesn't know how she got there. She only knows one thing: She is not the real Annaliese Rose Gordon.

Now Annaliese is haunted by strange visions and broken memories. Memories of a reckless, desperate wish . . . a bloody razor . . . and the faces of other girls who disappeared. Piece by piece, Annaliese's fractured memories come together to reveal a violent, endless cycle that she will never escape—unless she can unlock the twisted secrets of her past.

IN BOOKSTORES JUNE 11th!!!

So what’s the game now? This, or the life I used to know?

When Miki Jones is pulled from her life, pulled through time and space into some kind of game—her carefully controlled life spirals into chaos. In the game, she and a team of other teens are sent on missions to eliminate the Drau, terrifying and beautiful alien creatures. There are no practice runs, no training, and no way out. Miki has only the guidance of secretive but maddeningly attractive team leader Jackson Tate, who says the game isn’t really a game, that what Miki and her new teammates do now determines their survival, and the survival of every other person on this planet. She laughs. He doesn’t. And then the game takes a deadly and terrifying turn.

IN BOOKSTORES JUNE 11th!

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Kate Karyus Quinn has two college degrees - a BFA in Theatre from Niagara University and an MFA in Film and Television Production from Chapman University. In addition, her short romantic fiction pieces have been published in Woman’s World magazine.

After growing up in the suburbs of Buffalo, NY, Kate left her hometown for Southern California and film school. After finishing her degree, she moved with her husband to Knoxville, Tennessee. However, just recently she made the move back home, with her husband and two children in tow. She promised them wonderful people, amazing food, and weather that would... build character.

Kate is first and foremost an avid reader and unapologetic booknerd. Although, she mostly reads YA and romance, she often samples different genres in her constant search for the next great read.

Kate is represented by Alexandra Machinist of Janklow and Nesbit. Her book, ANOTHER LITTLE PIECE, will be published by HarperTeen in Summer 2013.

FIND KATE....

Website † Facebook † Twitter † GoodReads

Eve Silver lives with her gamer husband and sons, sometimes in Canada, but often in worlds she dreams up. She loves kayaking and sunshine, dogs and desserts, and books, lots and lots of books. Watch for the first book in Eve’s new teen series, THE GAME: RUSH, coming from Katherine Tegen Books, June 2013. She also writes books for adults.

FIND EVE...

Website † Facebook † Twitter † GoodReads

Review: Triangles by Kimberly Ann Miller

2013-06-10T08:00:00.000-04:00

Triangles by Kimberly Ann Miller
Amazon † B&N † Author Site
Expected publication:
June 18th 2013
by Spencer Hill Press

A cruise ship. A beautiful island. Two sexy guys. What could possibly go wrong?

In the Bermuda Triangle—a lot.

Hoping to leave behind the reminders of her crappy life--her father's death years ago, her mother's medical problems, and the loser who’s practically stalking her--seventeen-year-old Autumn Taylor hops on a ship with her sister for a little distraction. When she wakes up in the Bermuda Triangle, she fears she's gone nuts for more than one reason: that loser’s suddenly claiming they're a happy couple... a hot guy is wrapping his arms around her and saying "Happy Anniversary"... and suddenly, she’s full of bruises, losing her hair, and getting IV medication. Autumn visits the ship's doctor, hoping for a pill or a shot to make the craziness go away. Instead, she's warned that these "alternate realities" could become permanent.

She just has to ask herself one question—how the hell is she going to get out of this mess?

My Review:

I have to start off by saying that this main character Autumn was such a little b*t*h in the beginning. She almost made me put the book down. I'm all for strong female character but not at all into characters who are just plain nasty. And she was so rude and full of herself when I started reading this book. However, throughout the book, she goes through enough to make her switch up her attitude. So I didn't hate her when I finished the book.

This is my first time reading a book that has to do with the Bermuda Triangle. And I must say that I found it quite interesting. I like the theory behind the whole Bermuda Triangle. Well in this book Autumn has a lot of emotional baggage. And she really doesn't handle it well. And I believe because of the way she handles her stress is what makes her the way she is. But when she goes in this cruise with her sister, a lot happened to open up her eyes.

Every day she "wakes" is like living a different life. Each life, Each new reality is more awkward than the other. Each new reality to which she had to adapt to, changed her attitude just a bit for the next one. Having lost her dad when she was younger, she got the chance to see him again in one of these "realities". She talked with him and found the closure she needed to heal. That part made me cry. Because I personally would love another chance to with a loved one. I liked the reality the best. I really liked that she got to spend time with her dad.

But what made this book more interesting was the loves interests. One sweet pushover puppy, the one she's blatantly rude to. And the other bad boy, the one that she just want to pull on his hair when you kisses him. And they're both make these realities interesting. She got to see a different side to both of them. So when her actual reality resumed, her attitude changed. Autumn took the time to re-evaluate herself. That also made me happy. I like that she grew from the beginning of the book to the end of it.

I did breeze through this book. Did I love it? No. Did I enjoy it? Yes, I did. Do I recommend it? Yes, I would. It's definitely an interesting read but I guess I wanted a bit more to it, maybe more actual romance. However, I definitely would read another of Ms. Miller's novel because she did succeed in keeping me reading. I give this book a 3.5 stars.

BEA2013! Maria's Recap on the Awesomeness!

2013-06-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

I'm writing this post exactly one week after the Book Expo of America (BEA) took NYC by storm and left most of us bloggers utterly EXHAUSTED! But what a whirlwind of excitement, fun and book-loving-awesomeness. Check out my Recap:

BEA, for me, started Thursday morning -- with a Blogger Breakfast graciously hosted by Harlequin Teen (@HarlequinTeen), featuring authors: Julie Kagawa (Iron Fey Series, Blood of Eden Series), Elizabeth Scott (Heartbeat), Amanda Sun (Ink) and Katie McGarry (Pushing the Limits Series).

Now, I've been going to be BEA for three years now, and I have to say that this was by far the best Blogger event I've been to. And it's not that it was fancy, or that we got a bunch of swag -- but it was because of the intimacy of this event. We were all sitting at tables of about 8 people, and the authors actually came and sat at every single table. What a great way to get closer to your favorite authors, ask them any burning questions, and see how great they are in person. HarlequinTEEN -- PLEASE do this again next year!!

After the breakfast, the real work began. I made it a point to be picky this year, and to try my hardest to talk more and pick up books less, LOL. And it worked! I ended up meeting some of the most fascinating people who were from all aspects of the book world. Some of the awesome people I met:

* A mother-daughter team who found each other after 40 years of being separated (I have their book and when I finish, will be sure to share with you all!)

* A woman who was an author and an editor who had created this fictional small town in her books - with each book focusing on different people who live in the town. I told her that she needs to make a virtual website to go with it - how fun would that be?

* While on a line for two - yes, two! - hours, I met a man who goes to book conferences all the time -- but with a focus on mystery novels. I learned about so many cool authors from him.

And those were just a handful of the folks I talked to. Such a good time!

AND THEN....

THURSDAY EVENING....

The City of Bones BEA Party

Hosted by Simon & Schuster!!

I cannot even tell you how excited I was to attend this party! I brought my hubby (aka GCR Guest Reviewer Jason) who has recently finished the series and is now a huge Cassandra Clare fan! (Stay tuned -- in a few weeks, you'll be able to see his review of these incredible books).

Can you even believe such a beautiful (and absolutely perfect) setting could exist in NYC?!

The view from inside -- so GORGEOUS!

Crazy Blogger, Jason

Me, with my Shadow Hunter Rune -- it stands for Fearless!

Actual Props from the film were spread out about the room!

AHHHH!!! Cassandra Clare!!

We were also lucky enough to get a SNEAK PREVIEW of City of Bones! Needless to say, I will definitely be watching that movie!

A quick THANK YOU to S&S for the invitation to such a wonderful event -- took me forever to get back home afterward (2 1/2 hours, thanks to traffic) but it was well worth it!

*********************************************************************************

The Friday of BEA aka Celebrity Spotting!!

Octavia Spencer signing her new middle-school book, Randi Rhodes, Ninja Detective: The Case of the Time-Capsule Bandit.

Paula Deen!!

Jessica Lange!!!

Yea, that's the Olivia! Be Jealous, LOL

This is me with Spencer Hill Editor, Rich Storrs (@RichStorrsSHP). He edited the anthology my story is in: Holiday Magick: 20 Holiday Stories with a Twist!

I waited TWO hours in line to meet Mo Willems -- WELL WORTH IT! My son is obsessed with the Pigeon books -- especially Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus. It was the Pigeon's 10th Birthday -- so there was an awesome celebration :)

My Pigeon Tattoo

Pigeon Cupcakes - YUMMY

Signing a Pigeon Book and a Elephant & Pig Book

My son -- with his foam Pigeon :)

*********************************************************************************

My Final Haul -- 100+ Books -- and yes, that was me being picky. But don't you worry -- they will be given away pretty soon; I don't have any room on my shelves!!

Broken Dreams by Dawn Pendleton -- Reveal & Giveaway!

2013-06-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

Release August 1st, 2013

Dawn Pendleton is excited to announce the cover reveal of her second new adult novel: Broken Dreams!!

Broken Dreams, Book 2 of the Broken Series

Rainey Daniels has been keeping a secret since she left her hometown, three years ago. The death of a friend’s father, though, has her questioning whether or not running away from her past is what’s best for her future. Add sexy Chris Baker in the mix and she’s even more unsure. After all, life is short.

Baker is an all-around good guy with a great sense of humor struggling to keep his new bar afloat. And he always thought Rainey was hot, even when she carried a few extra pounds in high school. Hell, he thinks she’s too skinny now. He knows she’s hiding something, too, but when he pushes the issue, she pushes him away. He tries not to care; she only wants a summer fling, right? But when her life is threatened, he realizes he may just be in love with her… and then he learns her secret.

Can they find love together before it’s too late?

First in the series

For a limited time only, BROKEN PROMISES will be $.99

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Book Blast: Eve of Samhain by Lisa Sanchez & Giveaway!

2013-06-07T07:30:00.000-04:00

Paperback, 216 pages
Published May 25th 2010 by Omnific Publishing

As a college senior and server at Hanaford Park's hottest nightclub, twenty-one year old Ryann Pierce's plan was simple: work hard, make lots of money, and avoid the ass-grabbers at all costs. What she never planned for was Quinn Donegan—the living, breathing advertisement for sinful behavior that waltzed into her life.

With an angelic face, a hard body and a butt-load of charm, Quinn had a way with the ladies—a lot of ladies. Cursed with a deadly, addictive touch, his trail of indiscretion blazed across five hundred years. Tired and jaded, Ryann is a shocking revelation Quinn didn't see coming.

Filled with desire, yet unable to touch one another, Ryann and Quinn embark on a daunting journey, battling frustrating physical limitations while exploring their new love. In a race against the clock, Ryann learns she must plead for Quinn's life before…the Eve of Samhain. Determined to end her lover's suffering, not even the danger dogging her every move can keep her from her mission.

“How much do you know about Irish mythology? Faeries, their queen?” He pursed his lips and waited for my response.

I shook my head. “Nothing. I don’t know a thing.”

“I see,” he said, and he sat back in his chair. “I suppose I should begin with a bit of history then. The Fae were an ancient race of beings that came from the great islands of the North. After being defeated in a series of battles with numerous otherworldly beings, as well as the ancestors of those who currently inhabit Ireland, the Fae retreated to the Isle of Apples, or Avalon, as you may have heard it referred to.”

My eyes narrowed in confusion. I’d never heard jack about the Fae, which I assumed were faeries. “Avalon? Like from the Arthurian legend?”

“Yes,” he said with a nod.

Huh … you learn something new every day. “So, uh … where’s that located?”

“Avalon? In the Otherworld, of course.”

I felt like smacking myself on the forehead. Oh, of course. The Otherworld. I should have known! I squelched my sarcasm and let him continue.

“The Fae queen, Morgana, was eternally young and beautiful, and desired by many, including one young and foolish courtier. Exceedingly handsome and gifted with the ability to charm those around him, the young libertine ravished his way through Morgana’s female courtiers, wooing them into his bed one by one. Narcissistic in the extreme, the young faerie cared not for the feelings of the women he took advantage of, and he boasted openly about his conquests to all who would listen. “He was, in fact, so sure of himself, the vainglorious idiot attempted to beguile the beautiful queen, claiming she would be his greatest conquest. Upon hearing his plan, the queen became enraged, cursing the young faerie. For five hundred years he would walk the earth, seducing women, a slave to their passion, driving them to insanity with lust and the illusion of love. His touch brought about a euphoric reaction to the women he courted, filling them with desire and longing.” He stared at his hands as he spoke, as though they were the spawn of the devil, and hastily placed them in his lap, out of his line of sight.

Hot and dizzy, I inhaled sharply, unaware I’d been holding my breath. I stared at Quinn, willing him with my eyes to continue, as my breath came in shallow pants.

“Nothing he did was real; it was all an illusion. Every touch, a lie. Never would he know true love or passion, as every woman he came across fell prey to the magic of the curse.” He paused for a moment and stared off into space as if he were remembering the story firsthand. Darkness flashed in his eyes. “For a time, he became angry, indifferent to the plight of the women. After ravishing them, he left, letting them pine away for his touch. There were a few women who became deadly, killing any other that dared to cross their unrequited love’s path.”

He stopped talking when he heard me gasp, and looked down, refusing to meet my eyes.

“What … what happened?” I asked, my voice barely registering above a whisper. His story was riveting.

“The faerie was unable to live with the destruction that lay in his wake. He discovered he had a few other talents that enabled him to strip the memories of those he seduced, saving them from their inevitable spiral into madness.”

“So he sleeps with his prey, and then erases their memories?” My hand shot up to my mouth.

“Yes,” Quinn replied quietly, his voice filled with shame. His head hung low, and he refused to meet my eyes as he spoke.

I reached out to him, wondering why he was so worked up over a work of fiction. “Quinn, it’s all right. It’s just a myth. Th—”

“No.” He shot up out of his seat, jaw clenched in anger. “It’s not all right. It’s torture.” His voice broke. His whole body shook, throwing off waves of anger, frustration, and sorrow. “To know every moment of your existence is a lie, a farce. To live each day knowing the women you touch will either have no memory of you when it’s all said and done, or suffer mindless insanity is pure, unadulterated agony!” He threw back his chair and stormed off, leaving me shocked and speechless.

My mind reeled. No way, Ryann. Don’t even go there. You like to reside in a little place called reality, where there are no such things as faeries.

His story was so compelling, though. The tale he wove seemed to meet all my unanswered questions about him. Not to mention, he spoke with such conviction, as though he lived it himself.

Could it be?

Purchase your copy today

Lisa's lifelong love of writing, coupled with her ability to weave together and intricate and compelling story has led to the release of her New Adult paranormal romance trilogy,the Hanaford Park series (Eve Of Samhain, Pleasures Untold, Faythe Reclaimed).

In her role as a busy stay-at-home and self proclaimed "cheer mom," on any given day Lisa wears a number of different hats. From taxi driver to chef,nurse to seamstress, laundry woman to enforcer, and, of course, writer, Lisa manages to keep everything together while caring for her husband and three children. The few spare moments left in her day are usually spent reading or writing, and if she's really lucky, possibly even catching up on some much needed sleep. Lisa and her family currently reside in Tracy, California.

Lisa is represented by the fabulous Brittany Booker of the Booker/Albert agency, and has two projects on submission and a third in the works.

Website † Facebook † Twitter † GoodReads

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Camp Boyfriend by J.K. Rock SPECIAL PRE-SALE EVENT! (Giveaway)

2013-06-06T12:08:00.000-04:00

GCREADERS!

I am sure you've all heard the buzz going around about authors J.K. Rock's CAMP BOYFRIEND.

Author of the series NEED, Carrie Jones says...

"Fun, romantic and giddy, CAMP BOYFRIEND brings real romance to summer camp with grace, humor and passion."

CAMP BOYFRIEND will be hitting bookstore on July 2nd! I don't know about you, but I cannot wait to get my hands on a copy!

Haven't heard about CAMP BOYFRIEND?

The summer of her dreams is about to get a reality check.

They said it couldn't be done, but geeky sophomore Lauren Carlson transformed herself into a popular girl after moving to a new school halfway across the country. Amazing what losing her braces and going out for cheerleading will do. Only trouble is, the popular crowd is wearing on Lauren's nerves and she can't wait to return to summer camp where she's valued for her brain instead of her handsprings. She misses her old friends and most of all, her long time camp-only boyfriend, Seth. This year she intends to upgrade their relationship to year-round status once she's broken up with her new, jock boyfriend, Matt. He doesn't even begin to know the real her, a girl fascinated by the night sky who dreams of discovering new planets and galaxies.

But Matt isn't giving her up without a fight. As he makes his case to stay together, Lauren begins to realize his feelings run deeper than she ever would have guessed. What if the guy she thought she was meant to be with forever isn't really The One? Returning to Camp Juniper Point was supposed to ground her uprooted life, but she's more adrift than ever. Everything feels different and soon Lauren's friends are turning on her and both guys question what she really wants. As summer tensions escalate, Lauren wonders if she's changed more than she thought. Will her first big discovery be herself?

Today we have a special pre-sale event for everyone! Trust me... YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS OUT!

Anderson's Book Shop in Larchmont, NY (where I work :-P) is hosting a special event with authors J.K. Rock, to help celebrate their upcoming release.

What is this special event?

You can pre-order a signed copy RIGHT HERE on GCREADING!

Those who pre-oder via Anderson's Book Shop not only get a SIGNED copy of CAMP BOYFRIEND (personalized or not), but the authors themselves will also ship out a friendship bracelet, and I ♥ CAMP tattoo to each person as a thank you!

This will be great as a gift for someone you know who is just as much as a book nerd as us. ;0)

Below you will find a PayPal pre-sale button where you can purchase a SIGNED copy.

Price for each book is $10.68 with tax included, and a $5.00 flat rate fee for shipping. There will be a tracking # that I will send out to everyone who pre-orders, so that you can keep up with your package.

All packages will be shipped out release week.

SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW FIRST

YOU DO NOT PAY GCREADING A DIME TO DO THIS.

THIS IS AVAILABLE TO U.S. RESIDENTS ONLY.

YOU CAN REQUEST A REFUND AT ANYTIME AS LONG AS THE BOOK HASN'T ALREADY BEEN BOUGHT AND SIGNED.

EVERYONE WHO PRE-ORDERS HAS TO FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW SO THAT I CAN FORWARD ALL OF YOUR INFORMATION TO THE AUTHORS. I WILL ALSO BE USING THE FORM TO E-MAIL EVERYONE THEIR TRACKING #.

IF YOU BUY MORE THAN ONE BOOK, SHIPPING COST CHANGES. PLEASE E-MAIL ME FIRST BEFORE BUYING MORE THAN ONE. THIS IS TO ENSURE YOU DO NOT OVER PAY SHIPPING TO THE SAME ADDRESS.

Once you have ordered your copy fill out the form below :)

CAMP BOYFRIEND PRE-SALE EVENT FORM!

Also, if you live in the New York area, authors J.K. Rock will be signing at Anderson's Book Shop in Larchmont, NY on July 13th! More details to come!

If you have any questions you can e-mail me at Events@andersonsbooksny.com or Damaris@goodchoicereading.com.

Help spread the word and win!

Want to win a signed copy from GCReading?

Help us spread the word about this event and you could win one!

You can enter via Rafflecopter below.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS OPEN INTERNATIONAL!

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Review: Burning by Elana K. Arnold

2013-06-05T08:00:00.000-04:00

Hardcover, 320 pages
Expected publication: June 11th 2013
by Delacorte Press

GoodReads † Amazon † BN

Ben: Having just graduated from high school, Ben is set to leave Gypsum, Nevada. It's good timing since the gypsum mine that is the lifeblood of the area is closing, shutting the whole town down with it. Ben is lucky: he's headed to San Diego, where he's got a track scholarship at the University of California. But his best friends, Pete and Hog Boy, don't have college to look forward to, so to make them happy, Ben goes with them to check out the hot chick parked on the side of Highway 447.

Lala: She and her Gypsy family earn money by telling fortunes. Some customers choose Tarot cards; others have their palms read. The thousands of people attending the nearby Burning Man festival spend lots of cash--especially as Lala gives uncanny readings. But lately Lala's been questioning whether there might be more to life than her upcoming arranged marriage. And the day she reads Ben's cards is the day that everything changes for her. . . and for him.

Burning is such a cute story! From the blurb I thought it would be a bit paranormal, but it's definitely contemporary.

Burning is about two teens who are trying to discover themselves. They have no clue what’s next for them, and what's out in the real world aside from what they've learned growing up. One meeting and they both realize they want more out of life. They also have this chemistry and pull to one another that take them both by surprise.

Lala and her family camp out right outside of Ben's town for the festival that is taking place called, The Burning Man. It's a popular festival and a great way for Lala and her family to make some money telling fortunes.

You can tell from the first couple of pages inside of Lala's mind that she feels like a bird in a cage. She wants more from life, but has learned to accept the way things are. She loves her family and they are all she's ever known. Their way of living isn't normal to others, but to Lala it is. The first time she meets Ben she begins to see things differently. She doesn't understand why he is all she thinks about, or why she craves another meeting with him. These feelings are so foreign to her. Eventually she gives in and her curiosity gets the best of her.

I loved how the author describes the world of the Gypsies. I don't know much about Gypsies except from what I've seen on television, so I am not sure how much of it was true, but Elana K. Arnold did a great job creating Lala's world and going into details about their way of living. I was very intrigued and found myself looking up Gypsies on google. (Yes, I am a dork like that. LOL!)

The romance between Ben and Lala is an instant one, but when you learn Lala's story you sort of understand it. Ben was a sweetheart and every girls dream. He's gentle, emotional, and manly at the same time.

My only issue was the ending. I am not sure if this is a series or not, but the ending is definitely not a HEA. It wasn't a horrible ending, but not one I saw coming at all. I would have liked it to end differently. It leaves room for a second book, though, so we’ll have to wait and see. It seems everything is a series these days.

This is my first book by Elana K. Arnold and it won't be my last.

A Good Choice for Reading!

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To learn more about our READ TO GIVE meme, click HERE.

Cover Reveal: Red Threads by Stacey J. Mitchell & Giveaway!

2013-06-05T07:30:00.000-04:00

Publication date: 12 June 2013

Twenty-six-year-old Lily Robinson has her dream job in a museum, a great boyfriend, and is happy with her life – until the day she starts seeing red threads growing out of the chests of those around her.

That same day Lily meets a stranger who seems to know her and understand what she is seeing. Lily doesn't believe him when he says she has a special ability, and it's only when he saves her life that she accepts something very strange is happening to her.

Lily's life is rapidly turned upside-down when she gets thrown into the world of fate and meets the beings who influence it.

Can she learn to control her ability to help herself and those around her who need it most?

Will she actually want to when she finds out what she has to do?

The first novel in the Fateliner series, Red Threads is a contemporary fantasy that looks at how fate can change lives and relationships in an instant.

Find the author....

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#BEA13 Recap and Giveaway!

2013-06-04T22:55:00.000-04:00

Hey GCReaders!

So I am finally home and all relaxed ready to share my experience at #BEA13 this year.

BEA week started for me on Tuesday, May 30th with a Simon and Schuster Blogger Party.

I was with Yara @ Once Upon A Twilight and Jenna @ An Avid Readers Musings. We arrived to the city a little early, had lunch, and then walked in the rain over to the party. Once we got there (thinking we killed enough time walking) we were still about half an hour early. LOL!

Once we were let in we got our badges and began mingling! They had an open bar, this awesome blogger watermelon drink, and a cute decorated stage. From what I hear they did the same thing last year, but I wasn't able to attend. The place was beautiful!

Behind the bar they had photos of some of the books they were featuring. It was really cool!

Once we were done mingling we grabbed a seat and author Suzanne Young introduced herself. She was out host for the night and interviewed authors Cat Patrick, Jenny Han, Siobhan Vivian, Cory Ann Haydu, Amy Butler Greenfield, and Jason Reynolds. They talked about their upcoming titles, what it was like writing their books, and shared some funny moments.

I had a really good time and I am so happy I was able to attend!

More photos... (If you like us on Facebook you've already seen these LOL!)

Me and Vania (VLC Productions)

Jamie (The Broke and The Bookish), Yara (Once Upon A Twilight) and Me!

Day two at #BEA13 was a hot one, but also super fun! I swear every time BEA comes around it's like mother nature decides Oh, let's throw them some 100 degree weather!

Anyway, I checked into our hotel (because there was no way I was driving home every night) got ready and hit the streets of Manhattan. Met up with one of my favorite peeps, Trini @ A Book Lovers Review, and made our way to the HarperTeen Blogger Party.

This year the HarperTeen party was different from last. They combined all their imprints into one. I loved this idea! Not only did we get to meet some of our favorite YA authors, but I got to meet some New Adult authors I've been reading lately. They had open bar and lots of finger food. We also got a goodie bag on the way out filled with books. There was so much going on and so many authors, the list is way to big to list. Here are some photos :)

Leah Clifford and Me!

Elizabeth Norris and Me! I love her!

Me and Cora Carmack!

Author Eve Silver and Me!

Tuesday and Wednesday was a great BEA kick off! Thursday came and the convention started. Or should I say the craziness? ;-)

I was so exhausted from Tuesday and Wednesday that I got a little sick on Thursday. As soon as the convention ended I went back to my hotel room to rest. I missed out on The Mortal Instrument party. I know, I know... what? Am I crazy? I am bummed out I missed it, but I was so tired and lost my voice I just wanted sleep. LOL!

This year I networked a lot more than anything else at BEA. I met new bloggers (Hi Ana @ Owl Always Be Reading), made some new publisher contacts, and attended tons of publisher parties. That pretty much sums up my BEA.

I got the chance to attend a HarlequinTeen Blogger Breakfast with authors Julie Kagawa, Elizabeth Scott, Amanda Sun, and Katie McGarry. I loved the way Harlequin set everything up. You walked in, grabbed a little bite to eat, sat a table and once everyone was settled the authors basically had five minutes at each table to talk with readers and when the little bell rang they switched tables. It was so much fun! You literally had to get whatever questions you were dying to ask out ASAP before time was up.

Amanda Sun

Katie McGarry

Julie Kagawa

Elizabeth Scott

*Sigh* That was so much fun!

Then this happened...

Kami Garcia and Me! *squee* Her dress was amazing!!

Denise Grover Swank signing After Math

SpencerHill Press booth! They were booming with signings! Everyone at SpencerHill is super nice!

The autographing area!

The authors above are not even a quarter of the authors I got to meet.

I met...

Dawn Metcalf

Michelle Pickett

Kate Kaynak

Jessica Sorenson

Jill Shalvis

Jocelyn Davies

Susan Mallery

Jonathon Maberry

and many more!

Wish I had taken more photos, but walking around no voice wasn't any fun :(

I also got to attend a luncheon hosted by PenguinTeen featuring authors Melissa De La Cruz and Richelle Mead! They talked about movie updates, casting characters, what their writing day is like, and what's coming next!

And this is what I came home with...

And I was trying to be picky and not pick up to much. Yeah... that didn't work. LOL!

And that wraps up my time at BEA 2013! I know I am forgetting something or someone, but it's 11 PM. I need sleep! LOL!

Don't miss out on our BEA Facebook giveaway!

http://bit.ly/Wu1xif

You can find it under the GIVEAWAY TAB.

Review: Twisted Summer by Lucy V. Morgan (New Adult)

2013-06-04T08:00:00.000-04:00

Paperback, 168 pages
Published April 2013 (first published March 31st 2013)
NEW ADULT NOVEL

GoodReads † Amazon † BN

A dark New Adult romance

You have to understand that we never meant for it to happen. We knew it was stupid. We knew it was wrong.

Eighteen-year-old Danni Warren has big plans for her last summer before college: a cool job, a concert she wouldn’t miss for the world, and spending time with her beautiful girlfriend, Esme. But after one hell of an argument, Danni’s mother packs her off to stay with her estranged step-uncle, Gabe, in his lodge on the English coast. So begins a weekend of the worst punishment imaginable: no phone signal.

With his sun kissed good looks and sarcastic manner, twenty-nine-year-old Gabe Asher isn’t anything like Danni expected. She wants to hate him—he’s her punishment for standing up to her mother—but between surfing lessons and beach hikes, Gabe and Danni grow close. Maybe too close.

Now Danni’s questioning everything: old family secrets, her future, her strained relationship with Esme. One sun stained afternoon, Gabe and Danni go too far. And then everything else falls apart…

This book was so good, but so weird at the same time. Actually, I don't quite know a hundred percent how I feel about it, except that it was entertaining enough to finish and I laughed a lot, blushed, and felt all sorts of weird. LOL!

When you read the blurb you immediately think gross. Is it a screwed up situation? Absolutely. Do I feel weird for enjoying it so much? A little… just a little. Lol!

The main character, Danni, is sent to spend the weekend with her uncle, who is really NOT her uncle. Gabe is her mother's step brother making him her step uncle. Keeping up? I had no idea what I was reading at first, but I knew right off the back that I loved Danni. Her reactions to things were exactly like mine and I laughed so hard at some of the things that ran through her mind. She is mostly why I loved this book so much. She questioned what needed to be questioned, and she reacted to things the way a normal eighteen year old would.

When Danni arrives to her NOT uncle's house (which is what she calls him the book) she is angry. She want's nothing to do with him and just wants the weekend to end. Gabe tries to make the best of things and keeps her entertained -- since he lives in the middle of nowhere -- with surfing, movies, etc. The chemistry between the two was definitely there. It was steaming off the pages and I was blushing and smiling from one ear to the other. Is there something wrong with me that I found nothing wrong with their relationship? LOL! I truly enjoyed it! There is a huge age difference which I can see being a big issue for readers, but she wasn't under age.

I loved the whole forbidden feel to the story, and the butterflies in my stomach with every page I turned waiting for their relationship to be discovered. To top things off, Gabe if the first male that Danni has ever been with. She is actually a lesbian and has a girlfriend; making things even more intense.

I guess to read Twisted Summer you have to jump into it with an open mind. I enjoyed it tons and would love to read more by Lucy V. Morgan.

Twisted Summer is just that... twisted. It's a dark read with raw and intense moments.

4 out of 5 Stars!