Good Choice Reading

Valentine's Day Books With Love Blog Hop!

2012-02-14T00:01:00.037-05:00

Happy Valentine's Day! Today kicks off the Valentine's Day Books With Love Blog hop!

For our stop we are going to have three winners! We have a little bit of everything for you to choose from. Each winner gets a choice of ONE book. If you are international, you will automatically win up to $10 to the Book Depository unless you are willing to pay for your own shipping cost for a book off our list below.

We have three YA, and three adult romance to share.

(Click on any photo above to learn more about the book)

For our international followers, we are offering up to $10 to the Book Depository if your name is picked.

Rules:

*US ONLY for the print copies, & International $10 Book Depository.

*Three Winners, each winner gets choice of ONE book.

*Winners will be chosen at Random.

*Winners will be announced on our Facebook & Twitter account.

*Follow the Rafflecopter below.

*This hop ends February 19th.
*Winner has 48 hours to claim their book or a new winner will be chosen!

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now Hop on over to the other awesome blogs to see what they have up for grab!

Review: Havoc by Jeff Sampson

2012-02-13T08:00:00.000-05:00

Hardcover: 352 pgs
Publisher: Balzer & Bray
Published: January 24, 2012
Series: Deviants #2

Emily Webb thought life would return to normal after the death of the man who attacked her and her fellow “Deviants.” Or as normal as it could be, after discovering that she has nighttime superpowers . . . and she’s a werewolf. But when Emily awakes one night to find an otherworldy Shadowman watching her, she knows the danger has only just begun.

So Emily and her pack-mates set out to find the people who made them what they are, and why. But as they get closer to the truth, they realize they aren’t the only ones in town with special powers: The most popular girls in school might just have a secret of their own – and they might just have it out for Emily.

With shadowy beings stalking them, a mysterious company doing all it can to keep the truth hidden, and the secrecy of her new identity in jeopardy, life threatens to spiral out of control for Emily. Soon these dangers will come together in one terrifying confrontation that may force her to make the toughest choice of her life . . . so far.

Sidenote: This is the second novel in the Deviants series, but I did not read #1.

In the beginning, Havoc had me going, "oh no" a lot. I think my biggest issue with it was that our main character, Emily, had three personalities: there is "daytime" Emily, who is your normal typical teenager. "Werewolf" Emily: I think that's pretty obvious. And then there is "nighttime" Emily: who looks like a normal teenager, but who has werewolf strength and speed.

My biggest issue was not only that these 3 personalities existed, but that they spoke to each other too - and at times, I felt like I was going to go crazy with all the voices in Emily's head!

Now, as to the rest of the book: I LOVED it. There was action, fighting, hot guys and a mystery to solve. The werewolf-transition scenes were described in perfect detail and I actually wished our characters had spent more time in their werewolf forms.

I also wish we could've gotten further along into the mystery by the end of the novel. I mean, most books would answer at least some of your questions, but this one gave us absolutely no answers and only bombarded us with more mysteries.

I think I would read the next book in this series, but I wouldn't rush to the bookstore to get it.

3 1/2 out of 5 stars

LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!!!

AAD Author Spotlight: Interview with Lia Habel + Giveaway!

2012-02-13T07:45:00.000-05:00

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

This question's always hard, because I consider myself horribly uninteresting! I'm a bit of an introvert, and I tend to keep to myself. I'm a geek, a horror movie fanatic, a self-described neo-Victorian, and a weirdo. I'm a generalist to the point of distraction, and one idea or one opinion or one school of thought can never hold my attention or allegiance for long. I love poofy ball gowns, makeup, explosions, and moldy books. In my heart I feel more pity for Jason Voorhees than fear. I eat far too much candy.

What inspired you to write Dearly, Departed?

It started as a joke, really! After reading some paranormal romances, I started talking with a friend about how I've always preferred monstrous men and odd, sentient creatures to handsome heroes. It's a tendency that's been with me since childhood, and I've never been able to figure out where it came from. (But my childhood did offer plenty of fodder for it - I grew up with the television version of Beauty and the Beast, with Gargoyles, all these fabulous shows with unconventional heroes.) At any rate, I made a quip about "zombies need love, too," and he challenged me to try it - and so I did. The ideas flew fast and furious, and I finished the first draft of D,D in about 45 days.

Can you tell us how you came to love steampunk?

I think I loved it before I knew that it existed! I grew up reading Victorian novels and loving Victorian paintings and movies and whatnot, and there are so many actual Victorian works that are arguably steampunk - Verne, Wells, Leroux, on and on. So when I stumbled upon the subgenre, it immediately made aesthetic and narrative sense to me, and I just jumped on in - mostly online.

If you could cast anyone as Nora and Bram, past or present, who would you choose?

In my head, Nora's always Emily Browning - she has that dollish, innocent look about her. (I think even Bram loves the fact that she looks like this sweet little Victorian princess and she has such a foul mouth and stubborn personality!). And there's a French actor named Gaspard Ulliel who'd be an awesome Bram. Of course, if he could be ANYONE, I'd pick young Vincent Price (circa Dragonwyck), just because I'm in passionate, pathetic love with Vincent Price and always will be. (I mean, come on. COME ON. Photo: Vincent Prince CLICK HERE)

Was there a particular scene or chapter that was hardest to write?

Probably the reveals with Averne and Wolfe, just because their motivations and actions were so complicated. Writing bad guys is something I struggle with - every writer has their weak points, and I'm very honest about mine. It's odd that I'm so bad at it, because I normally end up siding with the "bad" guys, like I said! In fact, that may be part of it...I love them too much, I can justify their actions, I can see reason where there is no reason at all.

How difficult was it to juggle writing from five separate points of view?

It's not that difficult for me, really. I like switching back and forth, because otherwise the narration would be so boring, especially for something so busy. I'm working on a project now that has one voice, and I'm struggling because I want to jump into the other main character's head, see what he's thinking. I'm just so scattered; I want to experience everything.

Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?

Write what you love, and have fun with it. I don't mean "have fun all the time whee!" in a shallow sense; writing is serious, sometimes painful work. But if it's all pain, if there are no moments of amusement or deep involvement with the characters, or if it always feels like a chore, you're doing something wrong, I think. And don't let anyone tell you your ideas are silly, or gross, or crazy - because you never know how far those silly, gross, crazy things will take you.

Author Links:
GoodReads † Website † Facebook † Twitter † Blog

Purchase Dearly, Departed:
Barnes & Noble † Amazon † Book Depository † Books of Million

Love can never die.

Love conquers all, so they say. But can Cupid’s arrow pierce the hearts of the living and the dead—or rather, the undead? Can a proper young Victorian lady find true love in the arms of a dashing zombie?

The year is 2195. The place is New Victoria—a high-tech nation modeled on the manners, mores, and fashions of an antique era. A teenager in high society, Nora Dearly is far more interested in military history and her country’s political unrest than in tea parties and debutante balls. But after her beloved parents die, Nora is left at the mercy of her domineering aunt, a social-climbing spendthrift who has squandered the family fortune and now plans to marry her niece off for money. For Nora, no fate could be more horrible—until she’s nearly kidnapped by an army of walking corpses.

But fate is just getting started with Nora. Catapulted from her world of drawing-room civility, she’s suddenly gunning down ravenous zombies alongside mysterious black-clad commandos and confronting “The Laz,” a fatal virus that raises the dead—and hell along with them. Hardly ideal circumstances. Then Nora meets Bram Griswold, a young soldier who is brave, handsome, noble . . . and dead. But as is the case with the rest of his special undead unit, luck and modern science have enabled Bram to hold on to his mind, his manners, and his body parts. And when his bond of trust with Nora turns to tenderness, there’s no turning back. Eventually, they know, the disease will win, separating the star-crossed lovers forever. But until then, beating or not, their hearts will have what they desire.

In Dearly, Departed, romance meets walking-dead thriller, spawning a madly imaginative novel of rip-roaring adventure, spine-tingling suspense, and macabre comedy that forever redefines the concept of undying love.

Lia Habel is giving away an AUDIO BOOK copy of Dearly, Departed to one lucky commenter.

* US ONLY
* Leave a meaningful comment below and a way to contact you if you should win.
* Winner will be announced on our Facebook & Twitter page.
* Giveaway Ends February 19th.
* Winner will be chosen at Random.

Good luck everyone!!

Guest Post w/ author Tamara Morgan! (18+)

2012-02-12T13:26:00.000-05:00

On Battle Chess

I have a confession. I love all things chess.

I love the intensity of it. I love the musical of the same name (Tim Rice and ABBA!). I love the idea of the hot, tortured chess grandmaster sweating over pawns for his country.

And since the rule of All The Things is that life is cooler with costumes and weaponry, live action battle chess is obviously my most favorite thing of all. Which is why it plays such a prominent role in my upcoming book, Love is a Battlefield, and why I’ll defend it to the death as the sexiest game of all time.

This wasn’t always so.

When my husband and I first started dating, we were freshmen living in a cute college town north of Seattle. As is custom, the ratio of coffee shops to students in said college town was roughly 1:2, and we quickly established our favorite hangout spot at one of them. I liked it because they had a bookshelf stocked with the pretentious philosophical books I pretended to read back then. My husband liked it because they had a chessboard.

Now, there was only one other couple who used that chessboard, and they were the height of all my husband’s romantic fantasies. They sat there, hour after hour, playing chess and smack-talking one another until I was pretty sure they were going to end things between them once and for all.

They never did. As soon as their game ended, they shared a secret smile and probably went out to do something nasty in the woodshed.

Then it was our turn. Of course, I know how to play chess, but I’ve never been very good at thinking five or six moves in advance, so I rarely win. My husband, on the other hand, considers himself a master of logic, so instead of fun smack-talk, he would critique each move I made and point out exactly where I went wrong. Needless to say, the whole chess-as-foreplay thing didn’t work for us. By the time the game would come to an end, I was ready to smash him over the head with the chess board and shove the rook up a questionable part of his anatomy.

In a word, dear readers, it seemed our relationship wasn’t going to make it.

And then we discovered battle chess.

Okay, so we didn’t exactly suit up in chainmail or carry battleaxes over our shoulders when we played, but I’ll have you know there were some very good battle chess computer games out in the early 2000s. I learned to like watching my characters fall down in a fiery blaze, and he learned to let go of his dream of us matching wits over those 64 squares of alternating black and white.

And every year, when we go to the Renaissance Fair, we watch the live action battle chess match and remember the cute little coffee shop, hoping that couple has been together as long as we have.

And then we go home and play Scrabble. Because that one I can actually win.

* * *

About Love is a Battlefield (Releases 2/14)

It takes a real man to wear a kilt. And a real woman to charm him out of it.

It might be modern times, but Kate Simmons isn’t willing to live a life without at least the illusion of the perfect English romance. A proud member of the Jane Austen Regency Re-Enactment Society, Kate fulfills her passion for courtliness and high-waisted gowns in the company of a few women who share her love of all things heaving.

Then she encounters Julian Wallace, a professional Highland Games athlete who could have stepped right off the covers of her favorite novels. He’s everything brooding, masculine, and, well, heaving. The perfect example of a man who knows just how to wear his high sense of honor—and his kilt.

Confronted with a beautiful woman with a tongue as sharp as his sgian dubh, Julian and his band of merry men aren’t about to simply step aside and let Kate and her gaggle of tea-sippers use his land for their annual convention. Never mind that “his land” is a state park—Julian was here first, and he never backs down from a challenge.

Unless that challenge is a woman unafraid to fight for what she wants...and whose wants are suddenly the only thing he can think about.

Warning: The historical re-enactments in this story contain very little actual history. Battle chess and ninja stars may apply.

About Tamara Morgan

Tamara Morgan is a romance writer and unabashed lover of historical reenactments—the more elaborate and geeky the costume requirements, the better. In her quest for modern-day history and intrigue, she has taken fencing classes, forced her child into Highland dancing, and, of course, journeyed annually to the local Renaissance Fair. These feats are matched by a universal love of men in tights, of both the superhero and codpiece variety.

You can find her on Twitter,Facebook, and Goodreads.

Review: The File on Angelyn Stark by Catherine Atkins

2012-02-12T08:00:00.001-05:00

The File on Angelyn Stark by Catherine Atkins
Hardback, 256 pages
Published: November 8th, 2011 by Alfred a Knopf

Summary: Angelyn Stark has a secret.
One day, her neighbor and friend, Nathan, saw something happen. Something between Angelyn and her stepfather. Then he told his grandmother, who was always looking out for Angelyn, and it turned into a mess. But Nathan didn't know what he was talking about then, and he doesn't know now.
Three years later, Angelyn is in high school and she thinks she's getting along fine--but there's a young teacher who wants to help her. He says she has potential she isn't living up to. Nobody has ever cared this way about Angelyn, not since Nathan's grandmother, anyway. But what does Mr. Rossi really want from her? And once Angelyn starts falling for him, does she really care?

My thoughts:
I didn't think that a book so simply written could have so much depth. By "simple" I mean that it was about 95% dialogue.

Angelyn is a girl who represses and denies everything that happened to her as a young girl and begins searching for the respect and love she feels she deserves from her boyfriend who just doesn't quite live up to what she wants. Then there's Mr. Rossi, a teacher who seems to get too close to her and she takes his intentions and turns them into feelings she shouldn't have. Searching for that love. She pushes too far sometimes, and as a reader I wasn't sure how far she'd go and how far Mr. Rossi would let her go. I was constantly on edge.

When a new girl, Jenni, arrives at her school, Angelyn doesn't want anything to do with her until she realizes the girls she thought were her friends begin to push her away. In Jenni, she learns what it means to have a real friend and someone who cares about you. I loved Jenni's character, she was there for Angelyn even when Angelyn wasn't there for herself.

I felt anger and disappointment towards Angelyn's mother. She seemed like the kind of mom you see around the poorer parts of town who seem to have nothing but negativity in their vocabulary, rage in their eyes & hate in their eyes. But, believe me, she turned my views on her around.

Angelyn's boyfriend, aggravated me, and even with his mild change of heart at the end, I still couldn't stand him and wished Angelyn would completely let him go. He seemed like the worst kind of person in her life.
I'd rather she would get to know Nathan again--after his true telling of what he saw while they were 13.

I'd recommend this to someone who wants to read something that has impact yet isn't 500 pages of words. It's a very very quick read that brought out every emotion possible. I may have shed a tear or two...!

4 out 5 stars!

(check out my blog at camisadomind.blogspot.com!)

Review & Giveaway: Because of Low by Abbi Glines

2012-02-11T08:00:00.031-05:00

Because of Low
By Abbi Glines
Kindle Edition
Expected publication: February 14th 2012

Marcus Hardy had hoped to enjoy a year away at college while he put the summer he’d rather forget behind him. But instead, he’s jerked right back to the coastal town of Sea Breeze, Alabama due to a family crisis. His dear ol' dad found himself a girlfriend only a few years older than Marcus. So now his sister needs help dealing with their mother who is mentally falling apart. The only bright spot to returning is the fascinating red head who sleeps over several times a week. The problem is she's sleeping in bed with his new roommate, Cage Watson.

Willow “Low” Foster needs a place to live. Running to Cage’s apartment every time her sister kicks her out isn’t exactly a long term solution. Juggling her courses at the local community college and a part time job doesn’t produce excess income. But Cage has a new roommate and suddenly sleeping over at her best friend’s apartment isn’t such a bad thing. Not when she gets to see those sexy green eyes of Marcus Hardy’s twinkle when he smiles at her like he wants her there.

Even though Cage seems a little territorial where Low is concerned, Marcus finds time to spend with Low without upsetting his roommate. Cage may use his small college baseball star persona to sleep with every hot female in his path but he’s still under the disillusion that when he’s through sowing his wild oats, he’s going to marry Low. Marcus intends to change that assumption for both Cage and Low. Until his carefully laid plans come crashing down with a revelation he never expected. He’ll have to choose between Low or his family. Because once the truth comes out.... there’s no other choice.

Because of Low is a book that I believe lots of readers can easily relate too. Abbi Glines touches some real life situations that can happen and/or are happening today.

You have your two main characters who are both dealing with a lot at such a young age. Marcus is back in town because his mother and little sister need him. His father has done them wrong. I felt so bad for Marcus. He was a teenage boy having to be the strong one for his mother and sister. So much on his plate and he still tried to have a normal life. Then you have Willow “Low”, who has it a lot worse than Marcus. She basically lives with her sister who only allows her to sleep at home when she needs something from her. Willow is basically homeless and lives from place to place. It was really sad to see a family member treat another the way Willow’s sister did to her.

There hasn’t been one book that I’ve read by Abbi Glines that I have not truly enjoyed. Every book I’ve read by her has kept me up all hours of the night. The same goes with Because of Low. I just couldn’t put it down. And even though I already predicted how things would go, I was at the edge of seat waiting for it to all happen and to watch Marcus and Low’s world fall to pieces. There were some parts that I felt were so sad because in the real world things like what Low and Marcus experience happen, a lot.

The story does end on a positive note, and Marcus and Low grow from it all. I really liked this book and I would definitely recommend it to readers. Although, I feel it’s for teens sixteen and older. If you haven’t read any of Abbi Glines books before, I think you should definitely pick one up. They are awesome!

5 out of 5 stars!

Check out my Review of...

The Vincent Boys By Abbi Glines

Existence by Abbi Glines

Giveaway:

Leave a comment below for a chance to win an ebook of Because of Low, and be sure to include a way for us to contact you. The giveaway is international. Giveaway ends Feb 21st (Last day of tour).

Abbi's Grand Prize Giveaway

~Signed copy of Breathe by Abbi Glines

~Signed copy of The Vincent Boys by Abbi Glines

~Signed copy of Existence by Abbi Glines

~ebook copy of Because of Low

***ONE person will win all three copies of Glines’s other books that will all be released in print this month, signed by the author along with an ebook copy of Because of Low. To enter for the grand prize be sure to leave a comment at a minimum of five of the blog tour stops.***

Here is a link to check out the other stops on the tour:

Blog Tour Info

You can find out more about Abbi at http://www.abbiglines.com
Twitter: @abbiglines
Facebook

GoodReads

Review: Destiny's Fire by Trisha Wolfe

2012-02-10T08:10:00.018-05:00

Destiny's Fire
By Trisha Wolfe
Paperback, 224 pages
Published January 10th 2012
By Omnific Publishing

It’s the year 2040, and sixteen-year-old Dez Harkly is one of the last of her kind—part of a nearly extinct race of shape-shifters descended from guardians to the Egyptian pharaohs. Her home and her secret are threatened when the Council lowers the barrier, allowing the enemy race to enter the Shythe haven.

As the Narcolym airships approach, Dez and her friends rebel against their Council and secretly train for battle. Not only is Dez wary of war and her growing affection for her best friend Jace, but she fears the change her birthday will bring. When Dez’s newfound power rockets out of control, it’s a Narcolym who could change her fate… if she can trust him.

Dez’s guarded world crumbles when she discovers why the Narcos have really come to Haven Falls, and she's forced to choose between the race who raised her and the enemy she's feared her whole life.

I have no idea why I put off reading this book for so long. It is non-stop from chapter one, until the very end. The characters were so well written and there was never a moment I found myself bored. It’s definitely a page-turner and has lots of O-M-G moments. I loved it!

The only thing I did have an issue with is the love triangle. This seems to be the big thing now in Young Adult books and I really don’t know why. Destiny’s Fire doesn’t have a bad love triangle, nor does it drag throughout the story, but it did sort of ruin it for me when I first started reading. Once I got to know the characters more though, and learned about their world, I forgot all about the little triangle and devoured every word. The world Wolfe created was unique and a nice change for me.

This is the second story I’ve read by Wolfe and it definitely isn’t my last. I loved her short story, Unveiled, and now Destiny’s Fire. (Check out my Unveiled Review here) I highly recommend this book!

4 out of 5 stars!

In Too Deep Blog Tour: Character This or That with Sam!

2012-02-10T07:00:00.033-05:00

This or That with Sam from In Too Deep by Amanda Grace

1. Movie night out or Movie night in-- IN!
2. Action packed movie or Chick flick movie-- Chick Flick. Happily ever after? Yes Please!
3. Ice Cream or Doughnuts-- Ice Cream
4. Hanging out with Friends or Family Night-- Friends.
5. Sky Diving or Bungee jumping -- Um, can I say neither?
6. Relaxing with a book in bed or relaxing with a book on the beach-- bed with a book
7. Pepsi or Coke-- Coke
8. Cats or Dogs-- Cats
9. Twitter or Facebook-- facebook
10. Text or Talk-- text

In Too Deep
By Amanda Grace

I never meant for anyone to get hurt. All I wanted to do that night was make a play for Carter Wellesley. His heartless rejection was mortifying, but people got the wrong idea when they saw me leaving his bedroom, crying. That's how rumors of rape started.

Now girls at school are pouring out their sympathy to me. Guys too. But not everyone's on my side. The school has become a war zone and the threats are getting scary. What began as poetic justice has morphed into something bigger--forcing me to make a terrible choice.

A Junior Library Guild Selection.

Links:
GoodReads † Website † Twitter † Facebook

Review: If We Kiss by Rachel Vail

2012-02-10T06:59:00.000-05:00

Paperback: 288 pgs
Publisher: HarperTeen
Published: December 27, 2011

What would happen if we kiss?

Kevin led me quickly around the side of the building, then stopped. I managed not to crash into him. I tried to look calm, cool, unperturbed. I told myself not to laugh, especially not a snorting kind of laugh. "Wha . . . what did . . ."
And then he kissed me.

If We Kiss is the story of Charlotte (Charlie to her friends), who finds herself falling for a boy who is off-limits. Her best friend is in love with him, and her mother and his father are dating. Still, Charlie can't help but wonder, what would happen if we kiss?

Rachel Vail's If We Kiss is an adorable story that focuses on one teenage girl's angst and drama when it comes to boys, best friends and her mom's new love life. The writing is great, the characters are funny (not overly cheesy), and I enjoyed reading the book overall.

But here's where I'm torn: When I'm reading a book, I normally read it as "Maria: 28 yr. old woman who loves a good romance novel." But there are times, particularly when reading novels truly meant for young adults (12-15 year olds) when I turn into, "Maria: mom of a little girl who might one day read this book." And herein lies the problem.

The entire novel is about a young girl named Charlie who is completely obsessed with kissing a certain boy. Now, I can understand that at such a young age, I was probably a little obsessed with boys too - but I feel like books like these only perpetuate the myth to our young girls that it's okay for life to be all about boys and kissing.

Okay, I'm going to try and cut to the chase so that I don't confuse you anymore than I probably have, lol. Here's what I thought:

1) Rachel Vail is a promising author who definitely has the talent to write an entertaining, young adult book.

BUT

2) I could not stand the idea of our two female characters (Charlie & her best friend) spending 24 hours a day obsessing over a boy and one kiss.

2 1/2 out of 5 stars

LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!!!

Review: Living Violet By Jamie Reed

2012-02-09T07:30:00.002-05:00

Living Violet By Jamie Reed
Paperback, 304 pages
Published December 27th 2011
By Dafina (Kensington Publishing)

He's persuasive, charming, and way too mysterious. And for Samara Marshall, her co-worker is everything she wants most--and everything she most fears. . .

Samara Marshall is determined to make the summer before her senior year the best ever. Her plan: enjoy downtime with friends and work to save up cash for her dream car. Summer romance is not on her to-do list, but uncovering the truth about her flirtatious co-worker, Caleb Baker, is. From the peculiar glow to his eyes to the unfortunate events that befall the girls who pine after him, Samara is the only one to sense danger behind his smile.

But Caleb's secrets are drawing Samara into a world where the laws of attraction are a means of survival. And as a sinister power closes in on those she loves, Samara must take a risk that will change her life forever. . .or consume it.

My Thoughts:

I've seen this book floating around goodreads for quite some time and it looked so good, I just had to read it. Though I love books about vampires, werewolves and witches, this one doesn't have one. And I must say I'm not disappointed. This was refreshing and completely different. Plus it's not often when you read a paranormal book in which you can relate a bit with the character on a personality level. The main character had a real spunky, funny, sarcastic attitude. I loved her personality.

I like that Reed incorporated the real way teens (and some adults) talk these days. That's what makes the characters more realistic and interesting. I loved Samara's humor. She had me laughing quite a few times throughout the book. I love the reality of her situation, her having to work and earn things she wanted. Her personality and attitude was the best part of the whole book if you ask me.

I can seriously go on, on how much I liked this book. But let me point out what I didn't like. Here's what I didn't buy. Though Samara at first showed hesitance with Caleb, she quickly let it go because he seemed to intrigue her. To me, Caleb wasn't the "jump his bones" kind of guy. I felt she didn't really consider too much of the dangers in Caleb's lifestyle. So for Samara to just jump right into it feet first wasn't a win for me.

Overall Living Violet is a definite page turner. I'm happy I was given the chance to read and review and I will definitely be following this series through. I hope that Samara continues to grow throughout the series. I'm looking forward to see where Reed will go with the relationship between Samara and Caleb. I give this book a 4 out of 5 stars and I consider this book a Good Choice for Reading!

Author Website † Facebook † Blog † Twitter

Book Trailer: Chosen Ones by Tiffany Truitt

2012-02-09T07:30:00.000-05:00

Chosen Ones
By Tiffany Truitt
Paperback
Expected publication: April 2012
By Entangled Publishing, LLC

What if you were mankind’s last chance at survival?

Sixteen-year-old Tess lives in a compound in what was once the Western United States, now decimated after a devastating fourth World War. But long before that, life as we knew it had been irrevocably changed, as women mysteriously lost the ability to bring forth life. Faced with the extinction of the human race, the government began the Council of Creators, meant to search out alternative methods of creating life. The resulting artificial human beings, or Chosen Ones, were extraordinarily beautiful, unbelievably strong, and unabashedly deadly.

Life is bleak, but uncomplicated for Tess as she follows the rigid rules of her dystopian society, until the day she begins work at Templeton, the training facility for newly created Chosen Ones. There, she meets James, a Chosen One whose odd love of music and reading rivals only her own. The attraction between the two is immediate in its intensity—and overwhelming in its danger.

But there is more to the goings-on at Templeton than Tess ever knew, and as the veil is lifted from her eyes, she uncovers a dark underground movement bent not on taking down the Chosen Ones, but the Council itself. Will Tess be able to stand up to those who would oppress her, even if it means giving up the only happiness in her life?

Book Trailer:

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TQOTD - What Book Would You Jump Into?

2012-02-09T07:00:00.001-05:00

So I'm sitting here with my best friend, and we were discussing Twilight. And hilarious as she is, she literally said, "I wish I could jump into Twilight just a for a second, to kick Bella's ass....Not even to get with Edward, but just to punch Bella in the face." LMAO - You can see why I keep her around, can't you?

So this Thursday's Question of the Day: What book would you like to jump into? Even if it were just for a second or for a year. And once there, what would you do?

LET ME KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS??

W.O.W: Last Rite by Lisa Desrouchers

2012-02-08T10:37:00.000-05:00

Last Rite
By Lisa Desrouchers
Paperback
Expected publication: May 8th 2012
By Tor Teen

In this final installment of the thrilling, edgy Personal Demons series, the battle between Heaven and Hell has become critical, and Frannie Cavanaugh is right at the center of it.

With the help of the powerful angel Gabe and demon-turned-mortal Luc, Frannie has been able to stay one step ahead of the forces of Hell. But when the demons killed Frannie's best friend and destroyed her brother, they raised the stakes. If Frannie wants to keep her family and friends safe, she knows she has no choice but to go on the run.

Their best defense is the power Frannie has been struggling to master, but her attempts to hone her skill go horribly awry. If Frannie doesn't learn fast, the consequences could be devastating--even apocalyptic.

What happens when you can't outrun Hell...or trust the ones you love?

Review: The One That I Want by Jennifer Echols

2012-02-08T08:00:00.000-05:00

The One That I Want by Jennifer Echols
Paperback, 320 pages
Published December 6, 2011 by Simon Pulse

Gemma can’t believe her luck when the star football player starts flirting with her. Max is totally swoon-worthy, and even gets her quirky sense of humor. So when he asks out her so-called best friend Addison, Gemma’s heartbroken.
Then Addison pressures Gemma to join the date with one of Max’s friends. But the more time they all spend together, the harder Gemma falls for Max. She can’t help thinking that Max likes her back—it’s just too bad he’s already dating Addison. How can Gemma get the guy she wants without going after her best friend’s boyfriend?

The One That I Want solidified Jennifer Echols’ position on my auto-buy list.

I always have love-hate relationships with Echols’ books. I absolutely love the stories she creates, but the characters always make me so angry. It’s so frustrating, but it’s also a blessing because it is part of what gives them so much charm. The characters are raw and so believable, even if I am not their biggest fan, I cannot stop reading about them.

In the case of The One That I Want, it was Gemma’s “best” friend Addison that made me cringe. That girl does not have one redeeming quality (that we get to see), but it’s so well done that I actually wanted to read the scenes that involved her. She infuriated me but I wanted to see what she was going to say next. Gemma put up with far too much from her, and I was glad to see her finally do something about it. But she also had her issues, and her constant need to point out how bad a friend Addison was annoyed me, particularly because I could definitely see that without Gemma going through it in her head, repeatedly.

Max is adorable, and so different from the characters I’m used to. Let’s be honest, we are supposed to fall in love with the love interest, and in most cases they are perfect because we can’t help but fall in love with perfection. Same basic formula over and over again, with some substitutions here and there. That is not the case with Max. He says what’s on his mind, and sometimes it isn’t pleasant, but it’s honest. But he also has a sweet side.

On the surface, The One That I Want is a cute love story that I couldn’t get enough of. Underneath that, it tackles rocky relationships and the effects of poor communication between friends, crushes, and even parents and their children—without seeming preachy. Definitely worth a read.

4 out of 5 Stars!

Review: Outside the lines by Amy Hatvany

2012-02-07T07:30:00.000-05:00

Outside the lines By Amy Hatvany
Ages 18+
Expected publication:
February 7th 2012
By Simon & Schuster Adult Publishing Group
ARC received by :Netgalley
Author Website

When Eden was ten years old she found her father, David, bleeding out on the bathroom floor. The suicide attempt led to her parents’ divorce, and David all but vanished from Eden’s life. Since childhood, she has heard from him only rarely, just enough to know he’s been living on the streets and struggling with mental illness. But lately, there has been no word at all.
Now in her thirties, Eden decides to go look for her father, so she can forgive him at last, and finally move forward. When her search uncovers other painful truths—not only the secrets her mother has kept from her, but also the agonizing question of whether David, after all these years, even wants to be found—Eden is forced to decide just how far she’ll go in the name of love.

My Thoughts:

I do not know where to begin, but this book had me crying so much throughout the whole story, that I lost count. I feel when a book can affect you in that kind of way, it means it was very well written and the author did her job as a novelist to capture her readers. And by doing so, this book will be a great success. I read Hatvany's other book called "Best Kept Secret" (Click title for review) and it captivated me and brought me to tears as well. So when I saw her new title on Netgalley, I knew I had to read it. I guess you can say I like to cry. LOL. Now because of the impact of these two novels, I searched for her previous work and bought her first published book called "The language of sisters." This book looks like another tear jerker. I can't wait to read it.

I was blessed to have both parents while growing up. But sadly many children in this world has to grow up in a single parent household. And that's what happened in this story. Eden had both of her parents up to the age of ten. But her father's mental status and instability has led to her parents' divorce. In this story Eden starts going through changes after the divorce that she carries with her throughout her adult life. And as a reader, the author has you going through every emotion along with Eden. You feel her pain, anger and sadness.

The emptiness Eden feels in her heart is too much for her to endure on her own. So she's pretty lucky to have a great support system. One of them being her best friend named Georgia and I love her! She has spunk to tell you the truth and then sensitivity to know when to hear Eden out or let her be. The struggles Eden goes through will have you crying. Throughout the whole story, you'll find yourself rooting for her and crossing your fingers that everything works out to her advantage. "Outside the lines" was another win for Hatvany. If you're into tear jerkers then this is the story for you. A definite Good Choice for Reading.

Book Trailer: Don't Breathe A Word by Holly Cupala

2012-02-07T07:15:00.000-05:00

Don't Breathe A Word
By Holly Cupala
Paperback, 299 pages
Published January 3rd 2012
By HarperTeen

Joy Delamere is suffocating...

From asthma, which has nearly claimed her life. From her parents, who will do anything to keep that from happening. From delectably dangerous Asher, who is smothering her from the inside out.

Joy can take his words - tender words, cruel words - until the night they go too far.

Now, Joy will leave everything behind to find the one who has offered his help, a homeless boy called Creed. She will become someone else. She will learn to survive. She will breathe... if only she can get to Creed before it’s too late.

Set against the gritty backdrop of Seattle’s streets and a cast of characters with secrets of their own, Holly Cupala’s powerful new novel explores the subtleties of abuse, the meaning of love, and how far a girl will go to discover her own strength.

Book Trailer:

What are your thoughts on the trailer?

Follower Love Giveaway Hop!

2012-02-07T00:01:00.001-05:00

Welcome to our stop on the Follower Love Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer & Rachel Renee Anderson.

There will be TWO winners and they have their choice of ONE book from the list below.

(Click titles for more information)

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers

Rivals by Lauren Kunze & Rina

Embrace by Jessica Shirvington

The Legacy of Eden by Nelle Davy

Rules:

You must be 13 or older
US ONLY
Two Winners, each winner gets to choose ONE book from the list above.
Winners will be announced on our Facebook & Twitter Page.
Giveaway Ends February 14th at 12:01 AM
Winners are chosen at Random
To enter just follow Rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Now hop on over to the other awesome blogs with their cool giveaways!

Month of Love with @EpicReads - Check it out!

2012-02-06T22:19:00.000-05:00

It's EpicReads MONTH OF LOVE! They are celebrating with Giveaways, Polls, and lot's more!

Each day they are revealing something new! You don't want to miss it!!!

Also, click the photo below to take the Story Crush Quiz!

Let us know what book you're matched with! I got Love & Leftovers by Sarah Tregay.

Review: Arcadia Awakens by Kai Meyer

2012-02-06T08:00:00.000-05:00

Arcadia Awakens by Kai Meyer
ARC paperback, 464 pages
Expected Publication: February 14, 2012
By Balzar + Bray

To Rosa Alcantara, the exotic world of Sicily, with its network of Mafia families and its reputation for murder and intrigue, is just that—exotic and wholly unknown. But when her life in Brooklyn begins to fall apart, she must travel there, to her family’s ancestral home, where centuries of family secrets await her.

Once there, Rosa falls head over heels for Alessandro Carnevare, the son of a Sicilian Mafia family, whose handsome looks and savage grace both fascinate and unsettle her. But their families are sworn enemies, and her aunt and sister believe Alessandro is only using Rosa to infiltrate the Alcantara clan. And when Rosa encounters a tiger one night—a tiger with very familiar eyes—she can no longer deny that neither the Carnevares nor the Alcantaras are what they seem.

Hidden caves, dangerous beasts roaming the hills, and a history of familial bloodlust mean that Rosa can’t trust anyone. Torn between loyalty to her family and love for their mortal enemy, Rosa must make the hardest decision of her life: stay in Sicily with her new love…or run as far and as fast as she can.

That cover is a sure-fire to pull you in and hold you until the very last word. The world that Kai Meyer creates in Sicily for Rosa and everyone she's involved with is a magical and suspenseful one.
When Rosa first meets Alessandro on the plane, it's obvious that they'll be crossing paths again, and you can't wait for every second they were together.

They live a dangerous life filled with--I can only describe as--a cross between the mafia and Romeo & Juliet with a hint of Twilight. Rosa seemed like a cold, distant girl with a knack for stealing. Though the things she seemed to steal were insignificant, replaceable objects, she seemed to do it when she was under the most stress.

Rosa goes to Sicily to live with her aunt Florinda and sister Zoe after she suffers a devastating lost. And ironically enough she spends very very little time with them. I honestly didn't know much about them as people, other than their relationship to Rosa. Her time was most spent with Alessandro, despite the fact that their families are mortal enemies. Which made their relationship fun and enticing.

Though I felt that somethings were lost in the translation of the book because certain things happened and I didn't know how or when it did. I hope that in the final book that is fixed. But even with that, I still enjoyed the ride. It was a fast paced, action book full of mystery, romance, and intrigue, that keeps you guessing until the end.

I hope a lot is answered in the second book, and I can't wait to read it. (Kind of wish I could read German so I could read it now!)

4 out of 5 Stars!

Cover Love: Revived by Cat Patrick

2012-02-06T07:45:00.001-05:00

Revived
By Cat Patrick
304 pages
Expected publication: May 8th 2012
By Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

As a little girl, Daisy Appleby was killed in a school bus crash. Moments after the accident, she was brought back to life.

A secret government agency has developed a drug called Revive that can bring people back from the dead, and Daisy Appleby, a test subject, has been Revived five times in fifteen years. Daisy takes extraordinary risks, knowing that she can beat death, but each new death also means a new name, a new city, and a new life. When she meets Matt McKean, Daisy begins to question the moral implications of Revive, and as she discovers the agency’s true goals, she realizes she’s at the center of something much larger — and more sinister — than she ever imagined.

This cover is a bit a freaky, but at the same time very intriguing. Love the blurb! This is definitely on my TBR pile!

What do you think?

Review: Changeling Dawn by Dani Harper (18+)

2012-02-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

Changeling Dawn
By Dani Harper
Paperback, 325 pages
Published December 27th 2011
By Kensington-Brava

RUN

Shadow and moonlight merge beneath her bare feet,
the forest floor blurring as she flees the dogs and torches. Werewolf, monster -- those are the names given her kind by the humans who hate them.

HUNT

Kenzie Macleod has spent her whole life hiding what she is, and she’s not about to open up to any man, even one as powerfully attractive as wildlife expert Josh Talarkoteen. But legend says that a Changeling cannot escape the call of her true mate, even in the wilderness of backcountry Alaska.

MATE

An isolated archeological site, a terrified Changeling cub, a secretive research center -- as Kenzie and Josh face the ultimate betrayal, his obsidian eyes promise untold pleasure and hint at dark secrets of his own . . .

Well let me start by saying this is not normally a book I would read. In fact this is the first werewolf book I have ever picked up. I don’t know why but I just don’t do werewolf books. However, I was glad I did read this book. I actually enjoyed it. Both the main characters and sub ones had interesting roles in this book.

I liked that this book was more in a mystery kind of way rather than a love story, yes the romance was there but done with a bit of a spin. The main focus was on the mystery and solving where Anya the little cub came from and how to help her. Along the way you see the budding romance and more develop within the characters.

Josh is a human who has a past still haunting him literally. While spending time with Kenzie he learns how to use that past and get over it. Kenzie a changeling (werewolf) is fearful of humans due to event in her past. With the help of Josh and her need to help Anya, Kenzie learns that not all humans are bad; in fact some can be trusted. You just have to have faith sometimes.

After this book I think I need to keep more of an open mind with werewolves, they really can be interesting stories…

3.5 out of 5 stars!

Review: Awkward by Marni Bates

2012-02-05T07:06:00.002-05:00

Awkward by Marni Bates
Paperback, 300 pages
Published January 1, 2012 by Kensington

Mackenzie Wellesley has spent her life avoiding the spotlight. At Smith High, she's the awkward junior people only notice when they need help with homework. Until she sends a burly football player flying with her massive backpack and makes a disastrous - not to mention unwelcome - attempt at CPR. Before the day is out, the whole fiasco explodes on YouTube. And then the strangest thing happens. Suddenly, Mackenzie is an Internet sensation, with four million hits and counting. Sucked into a whirlwind of rock stars, paparazzi, and free designer clothes, she even catches the eye of the most popular guy at school. And that's when life gets really interesting...

I was extremely surprised by Awkward. It sounded cute, but I will admit the cover made me a bit wary to read it. It looked like this story would be geared toward younger teens, more toward the middle grade age, and I was afraid I wouldn’t end up liking it for this reason. Lucky for me, that isn’t the case.

Awkward is the first book I’ve read in quite some time where I completely let go, and just enjoyed the story. I didn’t over-think things like I normally do, and it was heaps of fun. I read it in one sitting, having nothing to complain about.

Awkward had that slow building romance, the kind with stolen glances and subtle flirting. Seeing as how I am not a fan of insta-love, I loved that about Awkward. I also liked that there was more to the story than just the romance. (Which, might I add, is of the first love variety, not the OMG WE’RE SOULMATES variety. A plus.) There is a plot that drives the story, and Mackenzie’s relationship with Logan is just an added bonuses. The friendships were handled well, and I loved the loyalty they had to each other.

The characters are relatable. There is the typical high school hierarchy, but I think Awkward does a good job of using this to battle stereo-types. Mackenzie is intelligent and charming, and has her priorities straight. But all in all, she is invisible, and I think many of us can relate to that. Unless you were part of the popular crowds, but let’s face it, that is a much smaller percentage than those of us who didn’t draw a lot of attention. But Mackenzie is different. She actually likes the invisibility. She doesn’t want to be noticed, and that is definitely something I could relate to.

Overall, Awkward was such a fun read, it is probably something I would reread when I want to relax and read something that I know will make me smile. I’d definitely recommend it to those who love the “aww” inspiring contemporary novels.

4 out of 5 Stars!

AAD Review: Supernaturally Kissed by Stacey Kennedy (18+)

2012-02-04T08:00:00.003-05:00

Supernaturally Kissed
By Stacey Kennedy
ebook, 1st Edition
Published January 5th 2012
By Ellora's Cave
ADULT ROMANCE
Readers ages 18+ can view original cover HERE.

Ghosts harass and annoy Tess to save their souls. Sometimes she helps them. Other times she ignores them. But one ghost will give her no choice. Kipp, a former cop with the Memphis Police Department, will stop at nothing to gain her help, including using his ghostly charms to seduce her.

Tess must help solve the five-year-old cold case of Hannah Reid’s disappearance, because solving the case will save Kipp. But a bigger problem presents itself. Tess is falling in love with a ghost. Now she must decide. Keep Kipp forever, or find the killer.

This was a quick read book that I had done in a few hours. I found some of the story was really interesting while some just seemed to drag on. I liked that Tess was willing to look crazy talking to herself in public to a ghost no one can see when she was mad. Tess is a very strong willed woman with a strong personality that would not let a man boss her around. Speaking of strong willed I think her best friend is a riot!

I also liked the idea of Kipp returning from the dead, not only to solve his own murder, but that of a cold case he was working on, that got him killed in the first place. As a cop even in the afterlife he had the need to finish what he started and really wanted answers to his case.

But the idea of a person in love with a ghost bugged me a little and I found it a bit weird. Knowing they can never kiss or touch, they let their imagination run wild and they do what is necessary to please each other.

Looking for a quick story to read in a day this is it. I am also interested to see where the series goes after this.

3 out of 5 stars

(This review is part of AAD Reading Challenge)

BEA News / Amazon War / Book Deals Galore!

2012-02-04T07:00:00.007-05:00

This Sunday we'd like to share TWO pieces of news for you....

B.E.A. Dedicates Day to Children's Literature!

In addition to a few other changes that BEA is planning this year, one of their largest is dedicating an entire day (Wednesday, June 6th) to children's literature. This will be the first time BEA has ever done this.

Although the autographings on Wednesday won't be restricted to children's authors, the children's breakfast will take place on that day, rather than the traditional first day.

Be sure to keep up with GoodChoiceReading during the week of BEA (June 4-7) for all of the latest pics, news and updates!

Are You Headed To B.E.A. This Year?

Books-A-Million Joins Barnes & Noble in Their Anti-Amazon Movement

Two days ago, Barnes & Noble announced that they would no longer sell Amazon books in their 703 stores.

B&N's chief merchandising officer said in a statement, "Our decision is based on Amazon's continued push for exclusivity with publishers, agents and the authors they represent. These exclusives have prohibited us from offering certain e-books to our customers. Their actions have undermined the industry as a whole and have been prevented millions of customers from having access to content."

Well, yesterday, Books-A-Million has joined B&N in their cause and will also no longer carry Amazon Publishing titles, including those published under Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's New Harvest imprint.

I'd Love to Know Your Thoughts on This Internet vs. Brick-&-Mortar War!

Book Deals Galore

In a major deal, Riverhead Books has bought a buzzed-about debut novel by Anton DiScianfani (in photo). The book is a depression-era novel entitled The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls. Rumors have quickly spread that the asking price for the book has reached into the seven-figure price range.

Romance author, Kresley Cole (in photo on left) has landed a deal with Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers for her first young adult novel.

The book will be entitled Poison Princess and will be the first book in The Arcana Chronicle series. Publication is set for October 12th.

Cole currently has published seventeen romance books with Simon & Schuster adult imprint, Gallery Books.

Scholastic announced this week that it will publish a new four-book series by #1 New York Times bestselling author, Maggie Stiefvater (in photo), whose Shriver Trilogy series has more than 1.7 million books in print and whose most recent novel, The Scorpio Races was just named a Michael L. Printz Honor Book by the American Library Association.

The first book in the series will be entitled The Raven Boys and will be released in September, 2012.

Are You Looking Forward to Any of These Books?

Blog Tour: Tens List w/ author of FORBIDDEN Megan Curd!

2012-02-03T08:15:00.000-05:00

Top Ten Places you would visit if you were an Angel.

Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

The Louvre, Paris, France

London, England

Sydney, Australia

Macchu Picchu, Peru

Greece

The Coliseum, Rome, Italy

Great Wall of China

Tokyo, Japan

New York, New York

Author Bio:

Megan Curd is a graduate of Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minnesota. While having always enjoyed reading any books she could get her hands on, Megan didn’t begin writing until a friend encouraged her to do so while in college.

When not writing, Megan enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Traveling and snowboarding are hobbies she loves, and doesn’t turn down the opportunity to play xBox with her brother and friends when it presents itself.

Megan currently resides in Eau Claire, Wisconsin with her husband, son, and two dogs.

Levi's job is to protect his human until it's their time to go. That's what a Guard does. He's done it for years on end, and he'll spend his eternity doing the same, mundane thing, following the same, mundane rules.

...Watch from afar.
...Never share your name.
...And above all, never touch a human.

What Levi doesn't know is that his newest human to protect, Hannah, just might be the catalyst to tipping the scales between good and evil, and he will be forced to decide which side he belongs to. Which friends will he side with, and who will he ultimately protect: his human, or the delicate balance that hangs on stopping the heartbeat of the person he has sworn to protect?

And, when you're already condemned, what's there to lose by breaking the rules?

THE GUARDIAN CHRONICLES: FORBIDDEN will take you into a world of Guards and Guardians, Light and Darkness. What side will you take?

Links:
Blog † Website † Twitter † Facebook