Literati Book Reviews

Review: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan @ Literati Book Reviews) — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 19:15:00 +0000

Title: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life
Author: Mark Manson
Genres: Nonfiction, Self-help
Release Date: September 13th, 2016
Publisher: HarperOne
Pages: 210
Format: Print, Hardcover
Where to buy: Amazon

In this generation-defining self-help guide, a superstar blogger cuts through the crap to show us how to stop trying to be "positive" all the time so that we can truly become better, happier people.

For decades, we've been told that positive thinking is the key to a happy, rich life. "F**k positivity," Mark Manson says. "Let's be honest, shit is f**ked and we have to live with it." In his wildly popular internet blog, Manson doesn't sugarcoat or equivocate. He tells it like it is—a dose of raw, refreshing, honest truth that is sorely lacking today. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k is his antidote to the coddling, let's-all-feel-good mindset that has infected American society and spoiled a generation, rewarding them with gold medals just for showing up.

Manson makes the argument, backed both by academic research and well-timed poop jokes, that improving our lives hinges not on our ability to turn lemons into lemonade, but on learning to stomach lemons better. Human beings are flawed and limited—"not everybody can be extraordinary, there are winners and losers in society, and some of it is not fair or your fault." Manson advises us to get to know our limitations and accept them. Once we embrace our fears, faults, and uncertainties, once we stop running and avoiding and start confronting painful truths, we can begin to find the courage, perseverance, honesty, responsibility, curiosity, and forgiveness we seek.

There are only so many things we can give a f**k about so we need to figure out which ones really matter, Manson makes clear. While money is nice, caring about what you do with your life is better, because true wealth is about experience. A much-needed grab-you-by-the-shoulders-and-look-you-in-the-eye moment of real-talk, filled with entertaining stories and profane, ruthless humor, The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k is a refreshing slap for a generation to help them lead contented, grounded lives.

I really, really wanted to like this book. I wanted SO bad to enjoy it—and I think I set my expectations entirely too high, which is why I'm so irritated that I sorta-kinda hated it.

There were some really good points in the book, some "aha" moments for me. There were a few quotes that stood out to me:

"Adversity and failure are actually useful and even necessary for developing strong-minded and successful adults." (Page 44)
"The true measurement of self-worth is not how a person feels about her positive experiences, but rather how she feels about her negative experiences." (Page 46)

...But the rest for me was just regurgitated garbage, Eastern philosophical statements we've all heard before, and comments about existentialism that he seemed to know absolutely nothing about. Honestly, it sounded like he just read a bunch of self-help books or books on Eastern philosophy and then tried to translate the information into his own words. Blah. Not the book for me.

Oh, and page 128 about rape and false memories? What the hell? I truthfully don't even know why that was thrown into there. I won't give too much information in case any one out there is actually wanting to read it, but let me just say I wasn't impressed. Not in the least.

My rating:

One lonely little heart. Boo.

Wishlist Wednesday #1

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan @ Literati Book Reviews) — Wed, 06 Sep 2017 21:15:00 +0000

Wishlist Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Pen to Paper where we post about one book that has been hanging out on our wishlist, whether it be a long time or not so long.

My pick this week is one that has been on my TBR list for quite some time now. It is a compilation of poetry by Brian Abbott. I'm pretty stoked to read this. I've always been a huge fan of poetry, and I love the modernized, almost 'hipster' feel of this one. I've been a huge fan of the works of High Poets Society, so I think it's wonderful that they turned it into a little book! I honestly can't WAIT to get my hands on a copy of this!

Title: High Poets Society
Author: Brian Abbott
Genres: Poetry
Release Date: July 25th, 2016
Publisher: Monarch Publishing
Pages: 177
Format: Print
Where to buy: Amazon

This is Brian Abbott's first major publication. The Boston-based writer has found his stronghold in the world of social media under the moniker of High Poets Society. His writing is most recognized for its mesmerizing rhyme scheme and clever wordplay.

Here is an example of the poetry included in the book:

Have you read this book? What's on YOUR wishlist?! Leave it in the comments below!

Beat the Backlist - 2017 Reading Challenge: My TBR

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan @ Literati Book Reviews) — Tue, 05 Sep 2017 01:46:00 +0000

The Beat the Backlist Challenge is hosted by Austine @ NovelKnight and the main focus of it is to encourage readers to finally get through some of the titles in their TBR pile, or those that may have been pushed aside for new releases. The primary guideline for the challenge is that the books you choose must have been published prior to 2017 - simple enough, right? The challenge runs from January 1st to December 31st, 2017, so you have an entire year to work on your TBR, plus you can sign up at any time throughout the year! You can post your updates by using the hashtag #beatthebacklist.

I've honestly never participated in a reading challenge so I'm super pumped to start this one! I know I'm a little late in the year (it's already August, yikes!), but I'm pretty confident that I'll be able to get through at least 10 books in my TBR pile. My list is absolutely out of control, so this will be perfect!

Below is my list of TBR books that I'm hoping to finish by the end of the year:

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
The Darkest Part of the Forest by Holly Black
Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
The Summer I Wasn't Me by Jessica Verdi
Lies My Girlfriend Told Me by Julie Anne Peters
Three Dark Crowns by Kendare Blake
My Heart and Other Black Holes by Jasmine Warga
#GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso

I'm only sticking to 10 books right now on my list because I'm starting late, so wish me luck! :)

I've also decided to enter the mini challenge, so the Hogwarts house I chose to represent is Slytherin! If you're interested in the challenges, check them out here!

Happy reading!

Musing Monday #1

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan @ Literati Book Reviews) — Tue, 05 Sep 2017 00:01:00 +0000

Hosted by The Purple Booker

Musing Mondays is a weekly meme that asks you to choose one of the following prompts to answer:

I'm currently reading...

Up next I think I'll read...

I bought the following book(s) in the past week...

I'm super excited to tell you about (book/author/bookish news)...

I'm really upset by (book/author/bookish news)...

I can't wait to get a copy of...

I wish I could read ___, but...

I blogged about ___ this past week...

This week's question:

I'm super excited to tell you about...

My answer:

First off...HAPPY MONDAY!

What I'm SUPER excited to tell all of you about is the Ninja Book Swap! Basically, its like Secret Santa except it's not at Christmas! They do book swaps several times throughout the year, but in October they run two different swaps - the original swap and the Trick or Treat swap.

For the original swap, you choose one or more books for your designated person from their wishlist, as well as a gift based on their likes. Another person will send you a similar package. :) Trick or Treat is a little bit different; you'll receive a book from a genre you don't read much of, picked by someone who loves that genre. As well as your "trick", you'll receive a "treat" in the form of one of your wishlist books and a small gift.

Sounds awesome, right?!

The identity of your pattern should be kept secret until they've received the parcel - so the best way to reveal yourself is by including a cute little note inside the parcel with your name (and social media contact info).

The swap doesn't have a minimum/maximum spend amount, but the admins of the swap will try their best to match you up with someone who is planning on sending a similar package to you. So if you want to send your partner two books and a few small gifts, they'll try to match you up with someone else willing to send that. Likewise, if you were to plan on only sending one of your partner's wishlist books, you'll be matched with someone else who is only sending one book. This ensures you don't go "all out" for someone (for lack of a better term) and then end up only getting one book in return. You must be able to spend at least the cost of a paperback book (or two for the Trick or Treat swap), a token gift which you would be happy to receive yourself, and package costs.

I've participated in the Ninja Book Swap many times and have received some pretty nifty stuff. The most recent swap, I received two books off my wishlist, A Court of Thorns and Roses and The Darkest Part of the Forest, as well as some handmade soaps and super cute kitty socks! The swap is super fun connects you with other book bloggers. I HIGHLY recommend taking part in it this October!

Here are the dates you'll need to remember:

Sign-ups just opened yesterday, September 2nd
Sign-ups close on September 23rd
Partners are assigned by October 1st
Sending deadline is October 21st

Here are the forms to sign up:

Original Swap

Trick or Treat Swap

So come on all my fellow book bloggers...sign up and enjoy!

P.S. Make sure you get your wishlist updated before filling out the form because you'll need to provide a link to it! I always use one of my Goodreads lists. :)

Review: The Grownup by Gillian Flynn

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan @ Literati Book Reviews) — Sat, 26 Aug 2017 23:51:00 +0000

Title: The Grownup
Author: Gillian Flynn
Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, Horror, Mystery, Thriller
Release Date: November 3rd, 2015
Publisher: Crown
Pages: 64
Format: Print
Where to buy: Amazon

A canny young woman is struggling to survive by perpetrating various levels of mostly harmless fraud. On a rainy April morning, she is reading auras at Spiritual Palms when Susan Burke walks in. A keen observer of human behavior, our unnamed narrator immediately diagnoses beautiful, rich Susan as an unhappy woman eager to give her lovely life a drama injection. However, when the "psychic" visits the eerie Victorian home that has been the source of Susan's terror and grief, she realizes she may not have to pretend to believe in ghosts anymore. Miles, Susan's teenage stepson, doesn't help matters with his disturbing manner and grisly imagination. The three are soon locked in a chilling battle to discover where the evil truly lurks and what, if anything, can be done to escape it.

First off, let me tell you I LOVE GILLIAN FLYNN. I think she is an amazing writer and her stories always keep me on the edge of my seat. This short story is everything you'd expect from a Gillian Flynn novel, but I'd be lying if I said I loved it. It fell a little short for me in expectations, and at the end I was left going 'WTF?' - and not in a good way. I honestly just didn't understand the plot a whole lot; I mean as far as intelligence goes I guess it made sense, but I just didn't "get it."

The beginning of the story started out great and I was definitely intrigued right from the get-go, I mean, come on...a chick who is the master of giving hand jobs? Way to go. As with all of Flynn's novels, there's lots of twists and turns and then some drama, then some more crazy shit happens, and this story definitely had that in the first 2/3 of the book, which was absolutely wonderful. Definitely a great read up until that point. But after that, it felt like there was a lot of useless information just kind of thrown in there to make up the rest of the 64 pages. There weren't any more twists and turns, no more drama. The mystery had basically ended. I like books that make you think, books that you actually have to figure out. I don't want you to go into detail and explain to me what just happened, and that's basically what the ending of this book was. She pretty much explained the entire story to me, so there was no thinking involved on my end.

Long story short, I was greatly disappointed by this book, and to be completely honest I'm upset that I wasted a credit to buy it on Paperback Swap. I love you Gillian, I really do...but this...this wasn't good.

Spotlight: Dragons Among Them (Kingdoms of Fire and Ice #1) by Kyra Jacobs

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan @ Literati Book Reviews) — Fri, 29 Apr 2016 10:00:00 +0000

Dragons Among Them

Kingdoms of Fire and Ice

Book One

Kyra Jacobs

Genre: PNR/Fantasy

Publisher: Samhain Publishing, LLC

Date of Publication: April 19th, 2016

ISBN: 9781619234406

Word Count: 66K

Book Description:

Prince Zayne Godfrey, heir to Edana’s throne, is betrothed to the lone princess of rival kingdom Forath. While his heart is not in the arranged marriage, he will do his royal duty.

When he finds a beautiful stranger cornered by a pack of wolves, he doesn’t hesitate to shift into his golden dragon form to save her. She thanks him by taking one look at him and fainting dead away.

Photographer Adelaide Miller is in England for a career-making shoot when a bizarre jogging mishap lands her in a dangerous, medieval-like world of royals, wizards and dragon-shifting men. Her first instinct is to find her way back, but the fire-breathing prince intent on protecting her threatens to melt her heart.

Zayne’s burning passion for Adelaide not only jeopardizes the fragile peace between two kingdoms, it uncovers a ruthless plot to destroy his family.

Remaining together may change Adelaide’s very definition of home—and expose one searing secret that could forever shift the balance of power in Zayne’s world.

Goodreads Samhain Amazon BN iTunes Kobo

Excerpt:

Zayne watched with amusement as Addie’s crystalline gaze flashed to the odd slippers dangling from his fingers, then slowly shifted to his face. Even here, in the shadows, the sight of her took his breath away. Emeline insisted the girl was nothing more than a peasant sent into the woods as bait to lure him into a Forathian snare. But no peasant he had ever encountered possessed skin so perfect or golden hair so smooth and long. She rose to stand before him, her pale skin angelic in the moonlight, and the scent of wildflowers and honey nipped at his senses. His gaze trailed uninhibited over her trim yet supple body, dressed once again in nothing but her unusual yet gloriously minimal undergarments.

An angel in devil’s clothing.

“What are you doing with my shoes?” Her voice was low and unsteady.

Shoes? What an odd word. He held up her slippers and fought to keep a smirk from his face. “These? Why, holding them, my lady, nothing more. I feared for your safety and so removed them from your path.”

“Uh-huh.” The blonde vixen’s eyes narrowed. “You knew I was awake?”

“Aye. You blushed when I touched your cheek. I knew it would be but a matter of time before you magically awoke.”

“And yet you let Emeline leave,” she said. “Why?”

“Perhaps I wanted to have you all to myself for a moment.”

Her eyes widened a fraction. Addie took a step back, sucked in a sharp breath and quickly took another. “I see.”

She shifted her gaze from his and swept it across the room toward its lone window, feigning interest in the chamber’s furnishings. She was bold, this one. Perhaps that was why he felt inexplicably drawn to her. The feeling was both new and infuriating at the same time.

“I wouldn’t, if I were you,” he said. “Even if you survived the fall, there are things lurking in the neighboring woods far more dangerous than I.”

Her gaze shifted back to him. “Look, I don’t know who you are or how I got here, but if you’ll give me my shoes, I’ll be out of your hair in no time.”

“But you are not in my hair.” He took a step forward and wished very much that she was. “Nor am I quite ready to let you go.”

About the Author:

Kyra Jacobs is an extroverted introvert who writes of love, humor and mystery in the Midwest and beyond. When this Hoosier native isn’t pounding out scenes for her next book, she’s likely outside, elbow-deep in snapdragons or spending quality time with her sports-loving family. Kyra also loves to read, tries to golf, and is an avid college football fan.

Be sure to stop by her website HERE to learn more about her novels and ways connect with her on social media.

You can find Kyra here:

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Twitter
Website
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Tour Spotlight: Black Jack (Ace of Hearts #2) by Mikki Kells

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan @ Literati Book Reviews) — Fri, 22 Apr 2016 00:43:00 +0000

Black Jack (The Ace of Hearts #2)

by Mikki Kells

Genre: YA Paranormal

Release Date: November 20th, 2015

Summary from Goodreads:

Melanie S'velare is a survivor, the strongest witch in her coven, and a princess. With the key to her magic, Ace of Hearts, presumably destroyed, her powers continue to grow. As her power increases, her control on them becomes weaker until it is clear she may be the most powerful witch on the planet and the most dangerous. The Alaman, another coven, concerned by her strength, send an ambassador to gauge her control, stability, and how dangerous she truly is. The Alaman are well known for killing witches who pose a threat to their own powerful hold over the globe and if they see fit to end her life, she will have no choice but to fight. With her soulmate by her side and the remains of her Vanguard, Melanie strives to maneuver a maze of political scandals designed to make her falter. If she fails, she will not only lose her throne to the traitorous Lord Rossi, but also her life to the fiery Alaman. Melanie can only pray her secret that the Ace of Hearts is alive and manipulating them all in a final deadly game is never revealed.

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Buy it here:

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About the Author:

Mikki Kells is both a writer and a rider. She spends her nights crafting fantastical stories and her afternoons bowing to the demands of her beloved horse. Her interests in fantasy and paranormal subjects developed from a childhood of imaginary exploits and continue to influence her professional career. She resides in central Utah.

You can find Mikki here:

Website

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Read the first chapter below!

CHAPTER ONE

If there was one thing Melanie S'velare was sure of, it was that her soul was in jeopardy because she was a witch. Not because she'd made a demonic deal, but because she suspected her powers might be stronger than she was. She was afraid that one day, the lightning and thunder churning inside her would rip through her control, leaving her soul and body open to the Ace of Hearts, like an unlocked door to a burglar.

The Ace of Hearts, if it was still alive, would kill for that chance.

"Princess, are you listening?" Mrs. Elyse Clovis Bouchard asked. Melanie's tutor in political arts, Mrs. Bouchard was of average height, average weight, and fish mouthed, which sent the whole picture of the woman off kilter. When she spoke, spit flew across the library in direct proportion to how much enthusiasm she had for the subject. She was currently attempting to teach Melanie the finer arts of political maneuvering that led to the rise of the Ottoman Empire, known not only for its wealth, but in the secret world that Melanie occupied, for its elemental power over huge swaths of civilization. Mrs. Bouchard's spit had spattered on Melanie's notebook paper in three fat drops.

"Yes," Melanie said, looking up from the spittle wrinkling the paper. She was in a class of one, no longer able to attend public school because of the unusual things that tended to happen when she was in any sort of mood that wasn't perfect relaxation. That, and she'd destroyed an entire classroom and traumatized several students three months previously when an azri had attacked her, tried to eat her soul and take the Ace of Hearts, her reliquary of power, from her. Also, Melanie was a huge insurance liability because she tended to start electrical fires every twenty-eight days or so when her emotions took a turn into the depressive and destructive, in a three day hormonal sprint.

"Have you some other place to be?"

Melanie pushed herself straight in her chair and rapidly blinked her eyes, trying in vain to force herself awake. "No," Melanie said. "I'm just having a hard time staying awake."

"Do I bore you, Princess?" Mrs. Bouchard looked down her nose over those fish lips at her.

Melanie swallowed. She needed to know these things. She needed this strategy if she was ever to be a good leader for her people. There were other covens out there in the world, and the political interactions in the magical community made the mortal world's politics seem like commercials for cupcakes. "No, I need to learn this. Please, keep going."

"Perhaps we will take an extended lunch today. Let's meet back here in an hour."

Melanie sighed and nodded. She needed to get out of the dreary library. She gathered her bag and put her books inside, thinking that she would study over lunch. At the bottom of the bag, a bottle of unused pills rattled. The prescription anti-anxiety meds messed with her ability to keep control of her magic, so she'd stopped taking them weeks ago. She still couldn't control the flood of panic every time she thought a shadow was the noir reaching out to corrupt her.

Melanie wouldn't be attending a public school again, not until college. She was far too dangerous. One stray argument with pretty much anyone, and in seconds there could be an electrical storm of biblical proportions terrorizing all the teenagers at her high school, setting off fire alarms, with follow-up videos posted to the internet. The damnable internet.

A video of Melanie, in the grips of the Ace of Hearts's consciousness, while she and her Vanguard tried to destroy it, had surfaced online. She couldn't afford to be recognized by anyone as the girl in that video. There would be far too many questions, and it would endanger the coven. The last thing anyone wanted was a conflict with the mortal humans. Melanie had also learned that there were strict international laws about magic and its use in public. The kind of laws that, when broken, resulted in death, dismemberment, or worse.

According to several of her mother's advisors, Lord Rossi's mustache among them, she wasn't fit for public interaction because the risk that she would break one of those international laws of magic. One fuzzy video of a girl with auburn hair spewing lightning from her hands at a man who looked like a teacher, and she was banned from public appearances beyond the rare outing to lunch. Not the glamorous, paparazzi-filled life of the crown princess.

It was a good thing she wasn't in public very often. Her control on her magic was still weak. She could snap at any second and voila! Twenty thousand volts of raw witch anger, depression, or just downright irritation could electrocute the nearest bystander. She could probably solve the world's energy crisis if someone hooked her to a set of jumper cables and a battery array. Until she got control of her powers, she was on a strict "no use" ruling from her mother.

"Rough lesson?" Jack, her friend and a member of her Vanguard, asked as he caught up to her. He'd been reading in an overlarge chair near the door. He was her guard today. He and his twin sister, Luciana, attended public school, with him taking classes Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, and Luciana attending Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.

Melanie sighed dramatically and hiked her bag higher on her shoulder. "Do the words 'ce n'est pas terrible' cover it?"

Jack didn't laugh. It wasn't that funny. With his six-foot-two frame, his shoulders broad enough to make any body builder salivate, Jack walked with both a natural swagger and like a man about to crack skulls. He kept pace at her side and considered. When Jack considered, he took his time about it.

"Want to get out of here for lunch?" he finally asked, his impossibly deep voice rumbling in his chest.

"I need to study," Melanie said. "I need to know this stuff if—"

"Hey," he said. "You're going to break something if you keep that up. Relax. Let's just find a place to eat. Someplace you like, that you won't accidentally burn down." From their mind-to-mind connection, Melanie felt a flicker of emotion from Jack: a dash of comfort, some humor, a hefty helping of happiness, and the relaxed satisfaction of belonging. There was only one place that filled that order: the Tattered Ear, where the local pack of Scottish-bred shape shifters met. It was also where Ignatius Bruce, the pack's alpha, and Melanie's soul mate, worked during the day.

It didn't take much prodding to get her to agree. "We'll have to sneak out," she said.

"Let's go then," Jack said. His huskiness intimidated the shape shifters enough that Melanie soon learned if any of her Vanguard would be accepted into the pack's circle, it would be Jack. Also Ignatius co-owned the local pub with his uncle, Fergusson. "Sneak out the back?"

"My thoughts, exactly," she said. Besides, it was finally warm enough to go outside without a parka, so walking wouldn't be miserable.

"Keep a lid on the weather," he said. "It's a dead giveaway whenever you are up to something."

Melanie felt her smile slip. "Right," she said.

"Mel," Jack said, stopping, "I'm sorry." He ran a hand through his short brown hair. "I didn't mean it like that."

The problem with having a Vanguard who was blood bound to her is that they could sense her emotions and her thoughts through touch. Any one of them could pinpoint her exact location as long as they were within a ten-mile radius of each other. So when her depression hit her like a two-ton brick, he felt the shockwave. Likewise, his remorse filtered through the bond, and the combination was a power-punch of teenage angst, regret, and mutual suffering, that neither of them wanted or needed more of.

"Don't worry about it," she said, forcing her thoughts away from the one thing she couldn't think of, the one thing she kept a secret from everyone. The one thing that terrified her as much as her out of control abilities did. "Let's just go."

Jack nodded and waited for her to go first, still feeling as sorry as a kicked puppy. Which made it worse, because Jack was like a puppy. He just loved everyone. When he was sad, it was like a double shot of negativity in her brew of already-hard-to-swallow latte called life.

The Manor was huge. Castle huge. It was also decorated with expensive furnishings that were the remains of Melanie's family history. Her ancestors were mostly Italian, and the frescoes and tapestries were of spreading fields of olives and grapes and European landscapes. It was all very idyllic, very much a lie compared to the truth about the S'velare's.

Under normal circumstances they would shift out, using their magical abilities to travel through the space. Lately, Melanie's magic had become a liability rather than a boon when jumping from place to place. It was safer to walk. The last time she'd made the attempt with another person, it had been in the depths of February, soon after Valentine's Day, and she and Luciana had ended up waist-deep in a frozen pond, halfway to their destination. An emergency trip to the witch doctor had saved them both from hypothermia. Still, Melanie hadn't tried to shift since. She didn't trust her control not to accidentally drop her and Jack over a cliff, or worse, inside it.

"Let's go out the back this time. I'll throw you over the wall or something."

Melanie had to smile at the joke. She sensed his humor in her mind, and it helped.

Her smile vanished when they rounded the corner and her black-eyed brother, Owen, stood in the exact middle of the corridor, waiting for them.

Jack placed a protective hand on her shoulder, ready to draw her behind him. She could feel his pulse through the contact, his shock and the sudden instinctive fear that matched her own.

Owen's eyes were black as pitch, like an azri's, but he wasn't one. He was still a mage, but he no longer had a soul. He'd been totally exposed to the raw darkness of the noir, black magic. What looked out through his eyes was neither human nor azri, but something in-between. Melanie felt stripped down to her soul when he turned that black gaze on her, as if he could see every secret she was keeping from the coven, her Vanguard, and her boyfriend. Worse still, Owen's soullessness was her fault.

She swallowed.

"Someone is looking for you," he said, tonelessly. "To give you a message. Listen carefully to what he has to say. It will be very important."

"Who is looking for me?" Melanie asked.

Owen frowned. "I don't know. I just know that someone is looking for you. I will cover your escape." Then a slight tug of power filled the air and her brother vanished, shifting as if it were child's play. He was only thirteen and such abilities should have been beyond him, or at least more difficult. But without a soul, Owen was thirteen going on infinity.

A cold sweat broke out over Melanie's body.

Let’s agree to not think about it, Melanie thought to Jack.

He nodded, his brown eyes still wide. I'm going to have nightmares tonight. I wish he wouldn't do that.

Melanie didn't respond. She always had nightmares. Ever since the Ace of Hearts had come into her life, night was rife with terror of the thing she couldn't let her waking self think about. No one could know.

The guards posted in the early spring garden were absent. Jack gave Melanie a leg up near the back wall closest to the dark forest of silver aspens and spruce spires before he pulled himself over and joined her on the other side.

Melanie took a deep breath of the free air. When she first arrived in Park City, Utah, she had hated it. At the time it had been under several feet of snow. Now, a cool wind caused the trees to sway gently, and the spring shoots poking through the waves of gray dead grass from last season, rustled under foot. Park City was beautiful, and possessed a wildness all to itself that conjured images of plaid button-downs and leather boots. Everything smelled perfect, no hint of city pollution for miles in any direction. The trees and mountains parting its streets dispelled any urban feel and replaced it with artsy communities of athletic outdoorsmen. Park City itself was an elementally charged place. Even without the magical inhabitants, it was a magical place tucked away from the rest of the world.

The walk into downtown wasn't long. Soon the sounds of main street were close, the rumble of cars and conversation of people interweaved with nature's rhythms.

Jack, his hands in his pockets, sighed. "I love this town, but you know, sometimes I just wish we could leave."

Melanie smiled at him. She didn't have to say that she did too.

How many times had she wondered that? The shape shifters could do it. In fact, Ignatius, Nate for short, had done it several times when he needed a break. She'd never seen him leave before; he was always where she could find him, or finding her when she wasn't looking for him. But she knew he had escaped into the wilderness more than once. At night, when he wasn't allowed in the ManorManor, he would sit at the edge of the trees and watch over her until the moon rose high and heavy among the stars. Those were the nights when she slept until morning. For him, it wasn't anything to melt into the trees and disappear from a world that was happy to forget about him.

Perhaps that was the problem. The world was not ready to forget about Melanie S'velare, Keeper of the Ace of Hearts, heir to the S'velare throne, the strongest witch ever to live.

"I think you'd end up living in a rockslide or something," Melanie said as they stepped from the forest onto concrete sidewalk.

"Probably," he said. "But that would be pretty cool. I bet I could." Jack's reliquary was the King of Spades, meaning he was a mage gifted with power over earth. Luciana's reliquary was the Queen of Spades and she also had power over earth, but over plants instead. Together they were a badass team of nearly unstoppable power.

Melanie smiled and adjusted the bag on her shoulder. It was a warm day, the Utah sun already beating down, promising a dry and brutal summer ahead. She shielded her eyes and looked up toward the tallest buildings, the two and three story historic constructs comprising main street, a mass of artistry, talent, good food, and outrageous resort pricing. The ski lifts were still active in April due to the unusual snowfall this year. Snowboarders and skiers carried their equipment in bikini's and swim trunks. Here, the beach wasn't a sandy stretch, it was where the snow met the street. Lawn chairs were set out and people were sunbathing.

This year the resorts were doing well. Melanie's nightmares messed with her emotions enough that, for several weeks, nightly blizzards had coated the resort town in some of the best powder Utah had experienced in years. The result was a longer season and a boosted economy. So while she was damn good at destroying buildings with accidental tornadoes, many members of the coven had complimented her on the increased income her instability had brought them. Lord Rossi and her mother were decidedly not pleased by this.

"What are you looking at?" Jack asked, leaning down next to her and squinting in the direction she was looking.

"I think there's someone standing on top of the theater." With the sun behind the person, it was hard to tell. It could be a movie gimmick, or something from one of the new indie films coming to town. The wind picked up and the man's clothes shifted. His coat, too warm for the unseasonably warm weather, swept out behind him like a cape and Melanie recognized him.

Gavin.

She swallowed and lowered her hand and he disappeared in a sliver of black vapor. Gavin was an azri, a soul eater. He was also her birth father.

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Release Day Blitz: The Masterpiecers by Olivia Wildenstein

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan @ Literati Book Reviews) — Sat, 16 Apr 2016 03:59:00 +0000

The Masterpiecers
by Olivia Wildenstein
Genre: YA Mystery
Release Date: April 15th 2016

Summary from Goodreads:

Nineteen-year-old Ivy Redd’s talent with a needle and thread has earned her a spot on a coveted reality TV art competition set in New York’s Metropolitan Museum. The prize: a significant amount of money and instant acceptance into the Masterpiecers, the school that ensures new artists fame and fortune. Her talent has also thrust her and her twin sister, Aster, into the spotlight.

Not that Aster needed help with becoming a media favorite. She managed that on her own by running over a wanted mobster. She told the police it was self-defense, because she couldn’t tell them the truth—the truth would make her sister look bad.

Locked in an Indiana jail to await her trial, Aster watches Ivy on the small TV hanging in the dayroom. It’s the highlight of her day, until she finds out what her sister truly thinks of her. Then, observing her sister becomes a punishment far crueler than imprisonment.

About the Author

Olivia Wildenstein grew up in New York City, the daughter of a French father with a great sense of humor, and a Swedish mother whom she speaks to at least three times a day. She chose Brown University to complete her undergraduate studies and earned a bachelor’s in comparative literature. After designing jewelry for a few years, Wildenstein traded in her tools for a laptop computer and a very comfortable chair. This line of work made more sense, considering her college degree.

When she’s not writing, she’s psychoanalyzing everyone she meets (Yes. Everyone), eavesdropping on conversations to gather material for her next book, baking up a storm (that she actually eats), going to the gym (because she eats), and attempting not to be late at her children’s school (like she is 4 out of 5 mornings, on good weeks).

Wildenstein lives with her husband and three children in Geneva, Switzerland, where she’s an active member of the writing community.

Author Links:

Book Blitz: Enchanted: The Fairy Revels Collection by Various Authors

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan @ Literati Book Reviews) — Wed, 13 Apr 2016 13:00:00 +0000

Enchanted: The Fairy Revels Collection
by Various Authors
Release Date: April 2016

Summary from Goodreads

Enchanted: The Fairy Revels Collection

9 Faerie Romance & Fantasy Fairy Tales

Urban Fantasy, YA Fairies, Fractured Fairy Tales, Sweet Fae Romance, and Paranormal Boxed Set

One spellbound night, nine award-winning and Amazon best-selling authors joined together to bring you an enchanting collection of tales featuring our favorite otherworldly creatures, fairies. Enchanted: The Fairy Revels Collection will seduce you into the wondrous world of the fae with magic, romance, fantasy, adventure, fairy tales, and folklore. Get ready to be beguiled by a unique boxed set with fractured fairy tales, contemporary romance, paranormal romance, sci-fi adventure, and more. This captivating collection is certain to please anyone who loves magical realism and fairy stories.

Our Books & Authors

THE BEE CHARMER by Poppy Lawless

Rayne moved to Chancellor on a mission to help Alice find true love. That is, after all, his job as her fairy godfather. What Rayne didn’t expect was to find a love of his own. All Viola wants is to pursue her dream of becoming a perfumer. She doesn’t have time to fall in love. Viola and Rayne will soon find that when your heart makes a wish, even impossible dreams can come true.

I DO BELIEVE IN FAERIES by Erin Hayes

Even though she grew up in a family of witches, Abby is normal. When faeries offer her a wish, she wishes for magick of her own, without realizing the consequences. Now she has to travel to the land of faeries to save her friend's baby and undo the wish, even if it means losing her magick forever.

WOE FOR A FAERIE by B. Brumley

When I chose retribution, it got me got kicked out of the spiritual realm and banished to mortality. Now I've got to choose between Jason, the priest who’s hiding something, and Arún, the handsome off-world Fae that believes I’m his prophesied queen... But first, I've got to survive New York City.

FLIGHTLESS by Margo Bond Collins

Josh Bevington doesn't know how to survive living in Fairy, Texas without his wings; Laney Harris doesn’t know how to survive without Josh. When Laney's biological father shows up in Fairy, determined to steal his daughter's newfound powers, Josh and Laney will have to overcome work together—or risk losing everything they care about.

ROSE PETAL GRAVES by Olivia Wildenstein

I thought losing my mother would be the greatest shock of my life, but the real surprise came after her death. Dad said she suffered a stroke after she dug up one of the ancient graves in our backyard, which happens to be the town cemetery. Creepy, I know. Creepier still, there was no corpse inside the old coffin, only fresh rose petals.

FAIRLY NORMAL by Carrie L. Wells

Violet Abernathy has spent more than 20 years in the human realm, but this is the year that everything changes. Potentially her last stint among the humans, her "senior" year in high school teaches her more than she ever guessed it would about friendship, love, and support. Maybe what they say is true, change is the only thing that ever stays the same.

FAE CAME ON THE PLANE! by Elizabeth Watasin

At Jifk Spaceport, something every creature and person feared came in on a plane: faeries. When the spaceport goes down, it’s any survivor of the fae incursion on her or his own, and Nico’s not going to let Darqueworld’s most feared boogeymen, the faerie kind, stop her from getting to her lover’s arrival gate.

THE FAE AND THE FARMGIRL by Pauline Creeden

A Fae princess in jeans and paddock shoes--could any of this be real? Daisy Adams was an orphan raised on her uncle's farm, but a tractor accident suddenly forces her uncle to reveal the lie she's been living. Her mother's still alive and she's a queen of the Fae... and to make matters worse, Daisy is hunted and the center of a war that is just beginning

THE FAIRY BARGAIN by Blaire Edens

When FayeLynn Roberts finds herself pregnant by Drake, The Folk’s most dangerous man, she relies on Alvin Fairchild, the exiled prince of The Folk to carry her back to The Realm in order to save her child. Alvin wants to protect the child and save The Realm, but can the two of them band together and defeat Drake without losing their hearts?

The Authors

Carrie Wells B. Brumley Elizabeth Watasin Margo Bond Collins

Poppy Lawless Blaire Edens Erin Hayes

Olivia Wildenstein Pauline Creeden

Excerpt from The Bee Charmer by Poppy Lawless:

The sound of the honey bees buzzing all around me was sweeter than any Vivaldi concerto I’d ever heard. I sat lotus style in the apple orchard, inhaling the sweet scent of the apple blossoms. My eyes closed, I could feel the white petals falling on me as a soft wind sent them spiraling. The warm spring sunlight shone down on my face. It must have been almost noon. The rays of sun felt warm on my skin. I listened to the bees hum as they danced from flower to flower. Perfection. I inhaled deeply, and with each exhale, set my enchantments on the wind:

Bring a love for Alice.

Now is the time.

Bring a love for Alice.

One that’s finer than wine.

Wine? Not a very good enchantment, and not a very good rhyme. No wonder Alice was no closer to meeting the man of her dreams than she’d been the day I met her three years ago when I’d gotten my assignment.

Wine…of course it would be wine. Ever since I’d set eyes on Viola Hunter, the dark-haired wine heiress who just happened to be the sister of my best friend, I’d been distracted. I imagined her skipping nymph-like through the apple orchard under the spring sun. Imaging, however, was as far as I’d ever taken anything. Viola Hunter, whose family’s vineyard sided my small country farmhouse, had already friend-zoned me. There was little use pining over a woman who just wasn’t into me. After all, Alice was supposed to be my focus. I needed to shake Viola from my thoughts. Poor Alice. I was doing my best, but she still wasn’t where she was supposed to be. I needed to try harder.

I shut out all thoughts of Viola Hunter and set my mind on Alice once more. I tuned into the sounds of nature: the humming of the bees, the rustling of the new leaves, and the feel of the warm sunlight on my skin. This time, I lifted the willow wand sitting in my lap and gave it a wave as I intoned:

Over hill, over dale,

Through brush, through brier,

Over park, over pale,

Through flood, through fire

Bring Alice her love!

This time when I said the enchantment, I could feel the magic. A little sound, like the chiming of a hundred small bells, told me that the spell had worked. I could almost see my words glimmering like gold on the wind, twisting and turning upward toward the sky in search of the one who would bring Alice’s heart joy.

I opened my eyes and looked down at the wand. For a moment, I wished I could just give it a wave and have everything I wanted. But that wasn’t how this worked. Whatever I wanted, I was going to have to work for it. Good thing I didn’t need much. But the moment I thought it, Viola came to mind once more.

My phone, lying in the grass beside me, buzzed. I picked it up to see I’d received a text from Alice. So soon? When I opened the message, however, I was perplexed.

Crisis, she’d written.

What’s wrong? I answered back.

Dumped again. Bring chocolate.

I sighed heavily. When Alice started dating Tom, Chancellor’s local sheriff, I knew it wasn’t meant to be. He wasn’t a bad guy, but they were completely wrong for one another. And I also knew that uniting Alice with her true love meant that Tom would have to go away. But that fast? Wow, maybe I was getting better at this than I thought. Or maybe, it was just time.

On my way into town now. I replied.

There was no answer. It was the midday lunch rush at Alice’s bagel shop. No doubt that would keep her busy, her mind occupied. I frowned. Also, it was the worst time of day to get dumped.

“Time to get to work,” I told the bees. They stopped their tasks then and swarmed, making a passing spiral around me, from my feet to my head. I could sense their questions, their excitement.

“Help me?” I asked. “Help me find the one for Alice?”

With an excited buzz, they flew off happily. I had no doubt they’d do everything they could.

“Thank you,” I called behind them then headed out of the orchard.

My old pick-up sat waiting near the barn. Shielding my eyes with my hand, I gazed across the horizon at the row after row of vines owned by Viola’s family’s business, Blushing Grape Vineyards. I could just make out the roof of the Hunter family’s elaborate mansion sitting along the shore of Lake Erie. So close, but so far away. I sighed and looked out at the lake; the waves were dark blue that morning. The wind blowing off the lake was still cold, even though it was April, but I could feel the earth coming back to life. Spring had come again.

I picked up the cases of honey I’d packed up earlier that day and set them in the back of my truck. Sliding into the driver’s seat, I glanced once more at the Hunter family mansion. Where was Viola today? Working at the estate? Was she busy at the family restaurant downtown? Or was she over at the college where she’d started taking classes once more? The image of her laughing and running through the orchard played through my mind once more.

Alice. I needed to focus on Alice.

I lifted my phone again. Still no reply from Alice.

“Sorry, Alice. I’ll try to do better. Looks like you’re stuck with the worst fairy godfather ever.”

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Book Tour: Little Flame Series Box Set by Melissa Lummis

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan @ Literati Book Reviews) — Tue, 12 Apr 2016 23:35:00 +0000

Little Flame Series Box Set

Books 1 - 5

Melissa Lummis

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Peacepipe Productions

Date of Publication: September 30, 2014

ASIN: B00MY7IY00

Number of pages: 495

Word Count: 155K

Cover Artist: Stephanie Nelson

Book Description:

Fiamette Jurato is on a mission: to fix her broken past. She’s teamed up with the world famous DJ, Maximillian, to search for the ex lover who can help her put all the pieces back together. There’s only one problem: he’s been dead for over two hundred years.

As a healer to the supernatural, she’s no stranger to navigating the impossible maze of magical complications. But getting lost in the magic isn’t the problem; finding her way back home is.

Book Trailers:

Nine30 https://youtu.be/Zqat7v5zIbs

Electric https://youtu.be/CgkuKV5MVWQ

StarLand https://youtu.be/t052wNfyth0

LimeLight https://youtu.be/og2lFXAp_8w

Amazon

Excerpt:

The club lights blinked out, and in the humming dark an amplified voice yelled, “Give it up for Maximillian!”

Laser lights flashed around the smoky stage, revealing human-shaped shadows and a DJ setup.

“Make some noise,” the DJ yelled.

A spotlight strobed across the scene, then snapped back to the DJ. I stopped adjusting my white go-go boots and squinted, trying to get a good look at him. The crowd roared as he leaned over to a beanie-wearing guy on his right, a cigarette dangling from his lips. Beanie-guy cupped the end of the cig and flicked a lighter. Smoke obscured the DJ’s face and I sighed. I wanted to see him, dang it. I’d been running late tonight and missed the usual meet-and-greet. Story of my life.

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” the DJ mumbled into the mic as he twisted knobs and pushed buttons, puffing smoke and music into the air.

Even with the spotlights, the details of his face were buried under swirling smoke and pulsing laser beams looping the hazy club. The first high notes picked like an electric guitar sample, and words I couldn’t make out repeated in jittery bursts over a subdued bass. Black lights flipped on, turning teeth and all things white into glow-in-the-dark neon. The fog machines bellowed clouds of dry ice that burned my nose. Damn, shouldn’t I be immune to it after so many shows?

Rising up from my kneeling squat, boots finally tied, I dropped my hula hoops onto the platform, then set one thigh-high boot at a time inside the circles. Jutting a white-sequined hip, I waited for the music to build to that explosion of bass and high-pitched alarms that had been driving me deaf the past two months. Yet, I couldn’t say I hated the job. I’d tried different settings, but this was definitely the best fishing spot. The catch I was after liked the nightlife and large crowds.

And this club was packed to the gills. Good. Better pickins. I bent with deliberate flare, popping my ass into the air and giving it a shake as I scooped up one of the glowing hoops and spun it around my hips. I gyrated and dipped, swinging the hoop higher around my exposed midsection, my arms swaying to the music. I didn’t have to think about my next move. It poured out of me like the music from the DJ’s hands. I turned in lazy circles, taking in the jumping crowd as one living, breathing beast. Individual faces surfaced in rare glimpses.

When I completed a 360-degree turn, the bright eyes of the DJ arrested me. I sucked in a breath. He was the hottest thing in L.A. at the moment, exploding all over the music scene. His lips twisted in a sideways Popeye grin, and holding my gaze with penetrating eyes, he flipped black hair over his shoulder and winked. Damn! Heat flushed through me in a prickly flood, followed by a startling surge of disappointment when he returned his attention to the MIDI boards.

He bobbed up and down, one hand constantly flickering as it tweaked the boards in front of him. Everything about him moved to the music, even the occasional finger jabbing his black-rimmed glasses back.

The music decelerated as he pulled the cigarette from his mouth and raised it to the sky, granting the crowd a huge smile that said something mind-blowing was about to happen. The mass of bodies bayed in anticipation. He tucked his smoke back between his lips, and his shoulders rocked as he worked at bringing the music. He raised his palms to the crowd, encouraging them to take it up a notch, and they obliged with glee.

Suddenly, he lifted his euphoric face to the sky, swaying back and forth in focused ecstasy. One arm shot up, an index finger pointing the way to heaven, as he squeezed his eyes shut.

A synthesized female voice cried out, “OOOH MY GOD – god – god – god - god!”

Music burst in a sizzling shower over the DJ and crowd as they leaped together to its driving beat. It got to me. He got to me. I licked the heavy gloss I’d applied preshow before I realized what I was doing, and pressed my lips together trying to fix it. Things lower clenched. Too bad he’s so young. I sighed. And not a vampire.

A tingling on the back of my legs dragged my attention back to my goal for the evening. Peeking over my shoulder, I drove the hoop around my hips, the LEDs smearing white and seven-colored orbits over my mostly bare body. Turning toward a pair of crimson eyes, I dropped my Day-Glo-painted eyelids to half-mast as his burning gaze slid over my boy-shorted backside.

My white halter top glowed in the black light as the strobes made the sequins flash like Christmas lights. The music paused unexpectedly and the DJ mumbled into the mic, “I just finished this song half an hour ago on the tour bus.”

The horde screamed its ridiculous approval. When he turned the music back on, I kicked the second hoop into play. It was all improvised, of course. I had no idea what the DJ was going to do during the show, and he apparently hadn’t known either, considering I never got a playlist. So, to prepare, I’d practiced to all his music all week. This song sounded familiar, but if he’d just created it, I guess it had to do with absorbing his style.

The blipping sample of a laser blast penetrated my sternum, my heart tripping with it. As a quiet drum calmed the moment, I returned the hot stare of my quarry. I couldn’t make out the details of his features, but when I blurred my gaze and tapped into what most healers referred to as their “third eye”, I could see the subtle energy pulse of his aura: definitely vampire. Anticipation bubbled up my spine.

About the Author:

Melissa Lummis writes new age suspense in a fantasy setting, but her stories are also straight up, steamy adult romance. The Love and Light Series is currently available at Amazon exclusively, as well as the Little Flame Series, a spin off focusing on the character Fiamette from the Love and Light world.

Melissa considers herself a truth seeker and a peaceful warrior, in addition to a paranormal and fantasy author. With too many interests for her own good, she has rarely been content with one vocation. Her first professional life was as a high school English teacher, which led to another incarnation as a wife and an instructional designer /technical writer. After starting a family, she found herself reincarnated yet again as a mother, yoga instructor, and personal trainer.

While all her past lives have contributed to who she is today, yoga has become a part of how she gives back, maintaining her Registered Yoga Teacher status with Yoga Alliance so she can help people one-on-one to overcome physical limitations and heal themselves. But she has always been and always will be a writer. She’s authored dozens of wellness articles for various publications, as well as maintains a blog focusing on wellness, healing, and living a life on purpose.

A Yankee by birth and a Penn State graduate, she lives in rural Virginia with her husband, two children, an Alaskan Malamute, and a myriad of forest creatures. Melissa believes the universe conspires to help an adventurer, and if we live our lives as if it is a daring escapade (and it is!), then everything we need will find its way to us.

www.melissalummis.com

https://twitter.com/melissalummis

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMelissaLummis

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6566484.Melissa_Lummis

https://www.instagram.com/melissalummis/

https://www.pinterest.com/mblummis/

Tour giveaway

3 signed paperback sets Little Flame Series: books 1 – 5

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Feature & Follow Friday #10

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan @ Literati Book Reviews) — Sat, 09 Apr 2016 05:36:00 +0000

Feature & Follow Friday is a fun event hosted by Alison Can Read & Parajunkee. The purpose is to gain more followers and make new friends throughout the book blogging community. Keep in mind, though, the point is to follow other blogs also. I follow you, you follow me. :)

Post Prompt: Describe the plots of your 10 favorite books in 7 words each

Answer:

1. Kids fight to the death, start revolution

2. Girls take a trip, one gets murdered

3. Student jumps and a mystery is solved

4. A psychotic wife fakes her own death

5. Siblings murdered to pay off mother's debts

6. Fallen angel must protect his forbidden love

7. Woman disappears, town folk agendas are revealed

8. New college students make really bad decisions

9. Suicide mixtape uncovers a heart wrenching story

10. Boarding school club goes after bad guys

Ok, so that was seriously fun. Thanks for making me think, ya'll! It was slightly intimidating yet exciting to think of ways to describe my favorite books.

Can you guess what some of them are? Leave a comment below describing your favorite book in 7 words - let's see if I can guess it! :)

HOW DOES THE #FF WORK?

The goal is to increase blog followers, make friends and have something to post.
You create your own post using the post prompt.
You leave your link and thumbnail in the linky list that links back to your post prompt.
Once you have your post up and linked, visit other posts and tell them hi. The point is to FOLLOW them not just comment.
If you see a post that just hit it to the moon, or just want to show appreciation to a fellow blogger friend, to a fellow blogger friend, COME BACK AND VOTE for them on the linky list to show some appreciation.
The person with the most VOTES gets chosen as the next Feature (you can be chosen every 90 days unless we are in need of Features).
It is required that if you participate that you have to follow the FEATURE. It is a big no-no to participate and ignore the future. They are the special snowflake in this little blizzard.
As a participant it is up to your discretion on how you want people to follow. Please post RSS, GFC etc if you have a follow of choice.

SPECIFIC RULES

Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say "hi" in your comments and that they are now following you.
If you are using Wordpress or another CMS that doesn't have GFC (Google Friends Connect) say in your posts how you would like to be followed.
Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don't just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might now know you are a new follower if you don't say "HI".
If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love…and the followers.

An InLinkz Link-up

Cover Reveal: Tuned Into You by Cindy Dorminy

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan @ Literati Book Reviews) — Fri, 08 Apr 2016 05:00:00 +0000

Today is the cover reveal for Tuned Into You by Cindy Dorminy. This cover reveal is organized by Lola's Blog Tours.

Tuned Into You
By Cindy Dorminy
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Age category: Young Adult
Publisher: BookFish Books

Blurb:
A summer party is the last place Lydia Flowers wants to be. Beer pong? Stupid, foot-wrecking shoes? Random hookups? No thanks. Lydia would rather be in her cleats practicing her bat handling skills.

Enter Abe Fischer, the Nashville Teen Idol superstar. He’s a lip-syncing party animal with a short fuse; or at least that’s what the tabloids say. Except, Abe turns out to be nothing like the guy Lydia’s read about online. He’s sweet, and the way he talks to his horse…sigh.

Then life throws Lydia and Abe a curveball. They are wrongfully arrested for destruction of property. Their choices? Either work on the Fischer Farm for the summer earning nothing more than blisters and a sunburn, or have the arrest go on their records, which would ruin Lydia’s shot at a softball scholarship. It’s a no-brainer. Lydia picks up a pitchfork, pulls out the SPF 40, and prepares for the worst two months of her life.

When the press gets wind of a big secret Abe’s family has been keeping, things become even more complicated. Now Lydia has another choice to make: stick around for Abe’s messed-up life in the spotlight, or go for the scholarship of her dreams.

You can find Tuned Into You on Goodreads

About the Author:
Cindy Dorminy grew up on a steady diet of popcorn (the kind you pop in a sauce pan), Tab (pre-Diet Coke), and movies for teenagers. She can’t let a day go by without quoting a line from one of her favorite films, so quirky dialogue is a must in her stories.

When she’s not at her research coordinator day job, Cindy is writing funny love stories, walking her dog, or slinging iron the old-fashioned way. She shares her house with her musician husband, her awesome daughter, and a cool, four-footed child that would eat all the cheese if she could figure out how to open the refrigerator.

Cindy is a member of Romance Writers of America and Music City Romance Writers. She resides in Nashville, TN where live music can be heard everywhere, even at the grocery store.

You can find and contact Cindy Dorminy here:
- Website
- Twitter
- Goodreads

There is a cover reveal wide giveaway for the cover reveal of Tuned Into You. One winner will win a 25$ iTunes gift card.

For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:
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Book Release Blitz: The Glittering Court by Richelle Mead

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan @ Literati Book Reviews) — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 23:40:00 +0000

I am SO excited that THE GLITTERING COURT by Richelle Mead released YESTERDAY and that I get to share the news, along with a special giveaway! WOO-HOO!!

If you haven’t yet heard about this wonderful book by author Richelle Mead, be sure to check out all the details below.

This blitz also includes a giveaway for a signed copy of the book and a $25 Sephora Gift Card courtesy of Richelle, Penguin Teen, and Rockstar Book Tours. So if you’d like a chance to win, enter in the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post!

About The Book:

Title: THE GLITTERING COURT

Author: Richelle Mead

Pub. Date: April 5, 2016

Publisher: Razorbill

Format: Hardcover, eBook, & audiobook

Find it: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Goodreads

The Selection meets Reign in this dazzling trilogy of interwoven novels about three girls on a quest for freedom and true love from #1 internationally bestselling author Richelle Mead.

"Brilliant and original, Mead’s new series starts off with a bang and will leave readers on the edge of their seats until the very end."

—School Library Journal

For a select group of girls, the Glittering Court offers a shot at a life they’ve only ever dreamed of, one of luxury, glamour, and leisure. To high-born Adelaide, whose wealthy family is forcing her into a loveless marriage, the Glittering Court represents something else: the chance to chart her own destiny, and adventure in an unspoiled, prosperous new land across the sea.

After a chance meeting with the dazzling Cedric Thorn, Adelaide poses as a servant to join the crop of impoverished girls he promises to transform into proper ladies. But her familiarity with upper class life comes with a price: she must hide her identity from her new friends, mysterious refugee Mira and fiery former laundress Tamsin, and most importantly, from Cedric himself—even though she’s falling in love with him.

Everything begins to crumble when Cedric discovers Adelaide’s ruse, and she catches the eye of a powerful young governor, who wants her for a wife. She didn’t leave the gilded cage of her old life behind just to become someone else's property. But nothing is as daunting—or as wonderful—as the potent, forbidden attraction simmering between Adelaide and Cedric. One that, if acted on, would make them both outcasts in a wild, dangerous, uncharted world, and possibly lead them to their deaths.

Exclusive Excerpt:

About Richelle:

Richelle Mead has written over twenty-five novels for teens and adults. She is the author of the international #1 bestselling Vampire Academy series and its spinoff series, Bloodlines. Her recent standalone novel, Soundless, draws upon Chinese mythology and history, and her forthcoming series, The Glittering Court, follows the adventures of girls destined for arranged marriages in a fantasy world inspired by colonial America. A lifelong reader, Richelle has always had a particular fascination with mythology and folklore. When she can actually tear herself away from books (either reading or writing them), she enjoys bad reality TV, traveling, trying interesting cocktails, and shopping for dresses to wear on tour. She is a self-professed coffee addict, works in her pajamas, and has a passion for all things wacky and humorous. Originally from Michigan, Richelle now lives in Seattle, Washington, where she is hard at work on her next novel.

Website| Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a hardcover of THE GLITTERING COURT & a $25 Sephora Gift Card. US Only.

Ends on April 15th at Midnight EST!

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Book Tour: Ren Crown

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan @ Literati Book Reviews) — Tue, 29 Mar 2016 02:10:00 +0000

.

Rising Up with Ren Crown

Read and Excerpt from

The Awakening of Ren Crown by Anne Zoelle

Here's an excerpt from The Awakening of Ren Crown by Anne Zoelle we know you'll enjoy!

Devastated by the loss of her twin–and consumed by the realization that magic actually exists–art student Ren Crown illegally enrolls in a fantastical university determined to bring her brother back to life. But caught in a time of war, and as a mage with abilities that both sides want to harness and use, Ren finds herself an unwitting pawn in a larger game.

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.

Chapter Nine: Olivia Price

I awakened early and began the arduous climb up the mountain. Alone on the path, I had ample time to think. Equal amounts of apprehension, excitement, and terror flowed through me, and I began to second-guess my decision. A soft, comforting whisper wrapped around me. “You can do this, Ren. You’re strong and capable.” Hearing Christian spurred me on. The journey suddenly seemed less lonely. And before I knew it, stretching across the flat grass of the fifth band near the top of the mountain—and encircling the entire mountainside—was the mammoth nine-story structure straight out of Ancient Rome that was referred to in the administration packet as the Magiaduct, or more informally, Dormitory Circle. A stone-columned arcade lined the lower level, providing coverage for students walking from door to door. Symmetrically spaced between the entrance doors were gateways, allowing a tunneled path to the other side of the building. From the second floor skyward, the building was an unbroken wall of ancient multicolored stone and glass. In the morning light the façade glowed and shimmered, alive with color. If I survived the day, I would lovingly admire its classic architectural magnificence tomorrow. With a cocktail of emotions stirring inside, I walked beneath the nearest arcade arch, passed a group of students laughing together, and approached a door. Apprehension. Excitement. Terror. The number thirty-two was carved into the stone above the wooden door, bright in the rising sun. I continued on to the right—hoping that walking counter-clockwise decreased the number count—past another stone gateway and to the next door. Thirty-one. It was a hike between doorways. The administration packet had mentioned thirty-six, nine-story “dorms” each housing four hundred students, solidly ringing this level of the mountain. People were running on top of the Magiaduct. Some of the workout gear was rather strange looking, even from this distance. But the evidence of a track indicated you could at least move from one dorm section to the next at the topmost level. I continued on until I reached the heavy wooden door beneath the stone-carved number Twenty-five. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I swallowed hard and opened the door. I had expected the interior to be stark and medieval, but the lower-level meeting and study area was fresh and bright with white slate floors and cream walls. Rich walnut furniture and comfortable sofas and lounge chairs upholstered in rich burgundy and forest green were scattered about in conversational pods, giving the room a warm and inviting feel. The area was a bustle of activity, with students entering, loitering, and exiting. I climbed the nearest staircase and found room fifty-two on the second floor. I took a deep breath, hoisting my papers more firmly in the crook of my arm, and knocked. No answer. I knocked again, then leaned casually against the wall and inserted one of Marsgrove’s straightened paperclips into the lock to see if a chomper engaged. No answer, no chomp. Relief nearly unbalanced me. No one was inside and the lock was completely standard, thank God. I could have it scrubbed open in ten seconds. Two students engaged in a hot debate passed me. “Social theory is important,” the girl said. The boy shook his head. “Brute force will always win. Magic is might.” I knocked on the door again, trying to look like I wasn't loitering, and discreetly pulled out my favorite rake and torque wrench from my brother's set, using my knee to press my papers against the wall so that I could use both hands. The door yanked open and a chilly voice said, “Yes?” My papers spilled to the floor as I jumped away in surprise. I quickly bent my fingers around the pick and wrench, shoving them back along my wrist and up into my shirt’s sleeve. I cleared my throat nervously. Potential new roommate Olivia Price was dressed in a tailored black and gray dress that looked very severe on her tall, thin frame. I couldn't help glancing at my own clothing, feeling more than a little out of place. But other students had been dressed in a wide variety of styles, especially the students whose clothing continuously changed form. More than a few people had been informally dressed in First Layer fashion. I was fine. Normal looking and totally as if I belonged, I tried to assure myself. I bent to collect my papers, then pasted on a bright smile and held up my forged documents. “I'm your new roommate.” Her hair was pulled tightly into a bun as severe as her clothing, and rectangular black glasses perched on the bridge of her very straight nose. She smiled down at me, but there was no humor in her eyes. “Are you?” This now clearly qualified as a complete introduction failure. I tried desperately to keep my face calm and smiling. It had been a stupid plan. Thoughts tumbled through my head on how to nonchalantly extricate myself. I'd figure out something else. I had six thousand vertical feet of space to work with. “Come in, then.” She stepped back, a clear invitation to enter, despite the cold amusement decorating her features. I hesitated over the threshold, then walked inside. The feel of a net descended and I lashed out with my arms, thinking that I had once more let myself be captured. But the magic gently pushed my limbs back to my sides. It swirled inside me and pushed against the cuff encircling my wrist. The net stroked me, then gently dissipated. I squirmed, feeling suddenly like I was in the right place, then realized the austere girl standing silently in front of me had to think I was certifiable. The skin around her eyes tightened, loosened, then tightened again, as if she were surprised, then displeased by something. I cleared my throat. “Hi.” I tried to remember my cover story, as well as how I could admit to having gotten the room wrong. “Sorry. I just transferred from—” “That is your side.” She pointed to the empty bed and desk on the window side of the room. My thoughts and words all crashed together. “What? Really? I mean, yes, great!” The feeling that I was in the right place intensified, then slowly dissipated. There was a curiously blank look to her expression, all tightness gone. As if she had no emotional reaction to me at all any longer. “You stay on your side, I'll stay on mine.” And with that, she turned to her desk and an enormous tome that was placed there. “Oh. Er, thanks.” She hadn't even asked me my name. I quietly walked to the empty desk on the far side of the room. The energy that had been capped by Marsgrove's cuff was restless now, pushing and leaking, as if it had tasted freedom for a moment and now refused to be denied. The room's magic hummed around me.

Read the first two chapters of The Awakening of Ren Crown on Anne's website!

Don't forget!

About the Books

A world that exists right on top of ours–in every nook and cranny…a world that modifies the memories of anyone not yet awakened to magic…a world at war… Devastated by the loss of her twin–and consumed by the realization that magic actually exists–art student Ren Crown illegally enrolls in a fantastical university determined to bring her brother back to life. But caught in a time of war, and as a mage with abilities that both sides want to harness and use, Ren finds herself an unwitting pawn in a larger game. Needing to hide from those who wish to enslave her, Ren gambles everything on her determination to succeed, putting herself in plain sight of those who could capture her. Constantly needing to figure out who to trust–a cold, powerful roommate, a genius magical engineer, the most powerful combat mage of their age, a mysterious muse, a cunning and brilliant tactician, a charming terrorist, an influential politician, or the voice of her brother…the hardest thing may be trusting her own heart. Barely surviving her first term at college, all Ren wants to do over break is relax and bond with her roommate—not get eaten by a sentient building or attacked on the street. But with increasingly open warfare brewing between the magical factions and Layers of the world, this time, Ren will not fail in making sure everyone she loves stays safe and protected. That includes doing things like filling her parents' house with personal art heavily embedded with wards, bubble-wrapping her increasingly imperiled roommate, and even making sure that a certain sexy thorn-in-her-side continues to breathe free air. Finding herself on duty protecting the entire university alongside campus god Alexander Dare...was not what she'd had in mind. But this time it's not only her life on the line. And Ren will do anything to protect those she loves. Reeling from what the students at Excelsine University are calling "Bloody Tuesday," Ren is determined to regather her magical family. But the events of the attack were not without multiple costs. Magically broken and exposed, Ren is ripe pickings for multiple factions that want to use and chain her, and the Department is the scariest of the pack. With only a limited amount of time to save her friend, and confined with the rest of the student body awaiting their fate, Ren stands a mere hairsbreadth from losing her freedom completely with each and every decision she makes. Anne Zoelle has loved books about fantasy, magic, math, wit, and imagination since devouring A Wrinkle in Time, Phantom Tollbooth, Alice in Wonderland, and the Chronicles of Narnia as a child. Split between the midwest and west coast, she writes books for all ages, as well as for furry monsters, sentient libraries, and adventuring aliens. Anne Zoelle is the pseudonym of a USA Today Bestselling Author. She is currently working on the fourth book in the Ren Crown series. Connect with Anne on her website, Facebook, or Twitter. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal: Never Letting Go by Christina Channelle

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan @ Literati Book Reviews) — Wed, 23 Mar 2016 02:24:00 +0000

Today is the cover reveal for Never Letting Go by Christina Channelle. This cover reveal is organized by Lola's Blog Tours.

Never Letting Go (Delphian Series #1)
By Christina Channelle
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Age category: Mature Young Adult
Release Date: April 26, 2016

Blurb: It’s hard piecing things together after waking up in a random apartment with no memory of who you are, surrounded by mostly welcoming strangers. The only thing remaining of her past is the tattooed name imprinted on her skin. But with no place to go, these strangers decide to take her in and name her Mia.

Inexplicable things start happening to Mia within the four walls of her confinement, including her presently mute status, strange abilities, and secretive roommates harboring their own hidden agendas. With a serial killer on the loose, this apartment is her only place of refuge.

But when she finally remembers who she really is, her refuge is no longer safe. Mia wakes up to find out her name isn’t Mia at all, and that her life is nothing but a walking tragedy. Her previous actions of refusing to let go of the only person with the power to break her heart leaves dire consequences.

Especially since it involved striking a deal with the devil.

You can find Never Letting Go on Goodreads

Excerpt:
I NEVER BELIEVED in it, love at first sight. It seemed foolish, like something you’d see in a romantic comedy or read in a book. Those standard happily-ever-afters that leave you crying yet grinning ear to ear as the “love interest” of the day declares his deep and undying devotion to the heroine of the story—the sun setting, a burst of doves flying above their heads at that precise moment when the director yells, “Cut!”
Or maybe it was butterflies.
I thought love was something you had to nurture, to grow. Falling in love with your best friend would be a prime example. So I looked to my parents as a model to what love truly was, being childhood sweethearts and all. What else was I supposed to do? Mom and Dad had been gaga over each other: whispering sweet nothings in each other’s ears day and night; writing love letters back and forth, and leaving them in secret places for the other to find around the house. Or simply holding hands as they strolled side by side in the middle of a park, me trailing after them from behind. All this was my inspiration for true love. That is, before each of my parent’s untimely deaths.
Tragic, I’ve been told.
My goal when it came to love was to mirror what Mom and Dad had. I thought that one day, I, too, would fall in love with my best friend—with Liam. Only this time, we would both live until our children and grandchildren stared back at us in awe.
So no, I didn’t believe in love at first sight. That is, not until I met him. After that, I would have believed anything—hand to God. And I would have followed him anywhere, even straight to Hell.

You can pre-order Never Letting Go here:
- Amazon
- B&N
- Kobo
- iTunes
- Smashwords

About the Author:
Christina Channelle is the author of Young Adult and New Adult Fiction, her series including Four Letters and Blood Crave. She’s happily addicted to coffee, the colour green, and Netflix. She’s also partial to writing about angsty girls who may or may not have a potty mouth.

Christina was born and raised in the Greater Toronto Area, graduating with both Bachelor of Arts and doctorate degrees. She is currently enrolled in a post-graduate television writing and producing program where she looks forward to being buried in scripts and producing awesome web series.

For more information on upcoming books and other book-related fun, visit Christina at:
www.ChristinaChannelle.com

You can find and contact Christina here:
- Website
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Goodreads
- Instagram
- Pinterest
- Newsletter

There is a cover reveal wide giveaway for the cover reveal of Never Letting Go. You can win 1 paperback ARC of Never Letting Go by Christina Channelle (Canada and US only)

For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:

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Release Day Blitz: Deliverance by Kristy Centeno

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan @ Literati Book Reviews) — Sun, 20 Mar 2016 04:40:00 +0000

Welcome to the Release Day Blitz for Deliverance by Kristy Centeno!

Deliverance

By Kristy Centeno

Genre: NA/Paranormal

Publication Date: March 19, 2016

ISBN: 978-1-939590-78-7

ISBN: 978-1-939590-79-4

ASIN: B01BUIBA7C

Number of pages: 327

Word Count: 119,000

Cover Artist: Nagla Qamber

Book Description:
He’s been locked away his entire life.

He dreams of freedom.

The only way he can accomplish his goals is by breaking free of the chains tying him to a dark past and gloomy existence. But there’s one catch. He’s not human.

And he’s never set foot outside his jail.

Devoted to saving his peers as well as his own life, he sets out to find the one person that can help him achieve his objectives. He knows where she will be and what she will look like, but what he doesn’t anticipate is the fact he finds himself caring for the girl whose life he’s put at risk, more and more each day.

He has no name.

He has only known hatred and violence before her.

However, she will teach him to have faith in humanity, even if she can’t trust him.

Together they will embark on a journey to bring down a corrupt system responsible for the loss of many innocent lives. But when he finds his feelings compromised, can he still move on knowing that doing so will put an end to the life she once knew? How far is he willing to go to be free?

You can buy Deliverance here:

- Amazon

- Kobo
- iTunes

About the Author:

Kristy Centeno is the author of the Secrets of the Moon saga and Keeper Witches series.

She has always had a passion for books and after years of being an avid reader, she decided to transform her desire to write into a reality and thus, her first novel was born. When she’s not busy taking care of her five children or holding down the fort, she finds time to sit and do what she loves the most: writing.

You can find and contact Kristy here:

- Website

- Blog

- Facebook

- Twitter
- Tsu

- Amazon

- Goodreads

- Google+
- Pinterest

Here are some excerpts from her new book:

Excerpt 1:

The guards run from room to room in an attempt to place the breach in security. They use their radios to contact every floor and ask where the break has occurred. They receive a reply within moments, confirming nothing is amiss. They will not find a breach because there is none. It was set off as a means of distraction. Samuel approaches and lands a hand on my right shoulder. He calls to me, but I ignore him. He pulls on my shoulder. I resist.

Now, Tiger!

I open my eyes, turn slightly to my right, and slam my elbow into his face. Samuel falls on his knees, clutching his bleeding nose. I bolt. Using what little strength my body has managed to retain, I run toward the glass window at the end of the hall. The pain is all but forgotten as adrenaline kicks in.

Bullets whizz past me, hitting the walls, light fixtures, doors, and the tiled floor. Most fly over my head. One grazes my left arm, but I use the momentum I’ve gained to propel my body onward.

Gerard yells to the men to stop me, but it’s too late. I pick up speed, pushing my injured body beyond its current capabilities. My target is in sight. I lock my keen eyesight on the window, and crash into it a few heartbeats later. The glass panel breaks apart instantly. I freefall for about a second before maneuvering my body so I’ll land on my feet. Shards of glass accompany me on my way down.

Excerpt 2:

I pull open the driver’s-side door, only to have it brusquely shut by a rather large, pale hand. Startled by the suddenness of the man’s appearance, I shift to my left and come eye to eye with a bulky-looking individual with dark brown eyes, and a scar that traces a fine line from his upper lip all the way down to his chin.

“Don’t attract attention, missy.” He sneers at me.

I glance down at the feel of something hard poking my ribcage and find, much to my horror, that he’s leveled a gun at my stomach. Most of the weapon is concealed by a khaki trench coat he wears.

“Keep your pretty little mouth shut and all will sail smoothly,” he warns, standing rigidly beside me. He glances briefly over the roof of the truck. “Tiger. Hello there, my dear old friend. Didn’t take you long to make friends, huh?”

I grow stiff. So these are the psychos that are after Tiger.

Sales Blitz: Protecting His Forever by LeAnn Ashers

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan @ Literati Book Reviews) — Tue, 15 Mar 2016 00:53:00 +0000

Download it now!

On sale for 99 Pennies on Amazon US & Amazon UK,

or read for FREE with KU!

Blurb:

Sydney
I always thought soulmates were an illusion dreamed up in fairytales until Kane. He stormed in during the scariest moment of my life, and even though he fights his own demons, he fights harder for me. Together, we have an unbreakable bond.

Kane
I’m ruthless, especially when it comes to Sydney. She has a stalker, and he’s brought company. Sydney is MINE, and I will do whatever it takes to keep her safe. But, when we’re hit with a surprise, our lives are changed forever…

Enjoy some graphic teasers from Protecting His Forever!

Meet LeAnn...

Goodreads | Fan Group | Facebook

LeAnn Asher's is a blogger turned author who lives in a small slice of heaven Kentucky with her dog. She releases her debut novel early 2016, and can't wait to where this new adventure takes her. LeAnn writes about strong minded females and strong protective males who love their women unconditionally.

Sale Blitz hosted by...

Feature & Follow Friday #9

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan @ Literati Book Reviews) — Sat, 05 Mar 2016 03:57:00 +0000

Post Prompt: Write a letter to your favorite author.

Answer:

Dear Suzanne Collins,

Thank you for ruining my life with your exquisite trilogy. I simply cannot live my life the same as I did before I read your books. I just want to know - where was your mind when you wrote them? What were you thinking? Never in my years have I seen or read anything like this. Your books were filled with love, sadness, adventure, death, and everything in between. I felt so many emotions balled into one.

Yours truly,

Morgan

P.S. Why did Rue have to die?

P.P.S. Team Peeta or Team Gale?

HOW DOES THE #FF WORK?

The goal is to increase blog followers, make friends and have something to post.
You create your own post using the post prompt.
You leave your link and thumbnail in the linky list that links back to your post prompt.
Once you have your post up and linked, visit other posts and tell them hi. The point is to FOLLOW them not just comment.
If you see a post that just hit it to the moon, or just want to show appreciation to a fellow blogger friend, to a fellow blogger friend, COME BACK AND VOTE for them on the linky list to show some appreciation.
The person with the most VOTES gets chosen as the next Feature (you can be chosen every 90 days unless we are in need of Features).
It is required that if you participate that you have to follow the FEATURE. It is a big no-no to participate and ignore the future. They are the special snowflake in this little blizzard.
As a participant it is up to your discretion on how you want people to follow. Please post RSS, GFC etc if you have a follow of choice.

SPECIFIC RULES

Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say "hi" in your comments and that they are now following you.
If you are using Wordpress or another CMS that doesn't have GFC (Google Friends Connect) say in your posts how you would like to be followed.
Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don't just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might now know you are a new follower if you don't say "HI".
If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love…and the followers.

An InLinkz Link-up

Cover Reveal: Rock by JA Huss

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan @ Literati Book Reviews) — Mon, 29 Feb 2016 19:27:00 +0000

Rock

by J.A. Huss

Genre: Romantic Suspense

Age category: Adult

Release Date: March 7th, 2016

Welcome to RK’s rock star life.

I was living the dream, I was full throttle, all in, one hundred percent on top of the world. But it’s a hell of a long fall back down when you finally crash and burn.

Welcome to the delusions, the final act, the coming-to-Jesus moment when there’s nothing left to do but look yourself in the mirror and ask… How did I get like this?

I am RK’s living nightmare. I am RK’s empty soul. I am RK’s unchecked fantasy world that makes no sense to anyone.

I only have one thing left. Just one girl holding my broken pieces together.

And even she might be a lie.

Rock is a standalone rock-star romantic suspense by the New York Times bestselling master of twist, JA Huss.

Add to Goodreads

—

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT: Every day this week JA Huss is giving away FIVE ROCK super swag packs on her Facebook page!
Enter ➔ HERE

—

Author Bio:
JA Huss is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than twenty romances. She likes stories about family, loyalty, and extraordinary characters who struggle with basic human emotions while dealing with bigger than life problems. JA loves writing heroes who make you swoon, heroines who makes you jealous, and the perfect Happily Ever After ending.
You can chat with her on Facebook (www.facebook.com/AuthorJAHuss), Twitter (@jahuss), and her kick-ass romance blog, New Adult Addiction (www.newadultaddiction.com).
If you're interested in getting your hands on an advanced release copy of her upcoming books, sneak peek teasers, or information on her upcoming personal appearances, you can join her newsletter list (http://eepurl.com/JVhAr) and get those details delivered right to your inbox.

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

GIVEAWAY!
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Feature & Follow Friday #8

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan @ Literati Book Reviews) — Fri, 26 Feb 2016 04:21:00 +0000

Post Prompt: Ten Reasons You Read Your Favorite Genre

Answer: My favorite genre is definitely YA. Why do I like it so much? In no particular order:

It makes me feel less crappy about my life. Let's face it, times are tough for teenagers in the book world. The struggle is real.
I have friends who like the same genre, so it's nice to be able to share books with one another, get suggestions, and chat about them.
YA books deal with so many different issues like sexuality, gender issues, etc. so it's nice to be able to read something that encompasses real-world, practical issues.
I was a teenager once, so I can totally relate. The ability for a book to evoke some sort of nostalgia is an amazing thing. I miss my childhood.
They're easy reads. Of course I like challenging books, too, but it's nice to just breeze through a book and be able to move on to one of the other 500 books in my TBR pile.
My son and I can suggest books to one another. He reads mostly YA fantasy or mystery which isn't a huge fave of mine, but I like that we can both read a book and reach a common ground. It's something we can share together.
It's thought-provoking. I love a book where I'm left dumbfounded and spinning and wondering what the heck just happened. It's an amazing feeling!
It's a huge genre, so if I feel like reading Fantasy with a YA twist, or Dystopian but with characters who are close to my age, I can do that. It encompasses so many types of genres within a genre.
It makes me feel like I can overcome anything. For the most part, there's a happy ending that comes from a long struggle. Life is very much like that.
I genuinely enjoy reading them. They're fun and exciting and most of the time I can't put the book down to the point where my husband is yelling at me wondering if I'm ever coming to bed.

So tell me - what's your favorite genre, and why do you read it?

HOW DOES THE #FF WORK?

The goal is to increase blog followers, make friends and have something to post.
You create your own post using the post prompt.
You leave your link and thumbnail in the linky list that links back to your post prompt.
Once you have your post up and linked, visit other posts and tell them hi. The point is to FOLLOW them not just comment.
If you see a post that just hit it to the moon, or just want to show appreciation to a fellow blogger friend, to a fellow blogger friend, COME BACK AND VOTE for them on the linky list to show some appreciation.
The person with the most VOTES gets chosen as the next Feature (you can be chosen every 90 days unless we are in need of Features).
It is required that if you participate that you have to follow the FEATURE. It is a big no-no to participate and ignore the future. They are the special snowflake in this little blizzard.
As a participant it is up to your discretion on how you want people to follow. Please post RSS, GFC etc if you have a follow of choice.

SPECIFIC RULES

Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say "hi" in your comments and that they are now following you.
If you are using Wordpress or another CMS that doesn't have GFC (Google Friends Connect) say in your posts how you would like to be followed.
Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don't just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might now know you are a new follower if you don't say "HI".
If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love…and the followers.

An InLinkz Link-up

What Are You Reading Wednesdays #2

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan @ Literati Book Reviews) — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 05:42:00 +0000

What Are You Reading Wednesday is a weekly meme by It's A Reading Thing. Grab the book you are currently reading and answer the following questions:

1. What's the name of your current read?
2. Go to page 34 in your book or 34% in your ebook and share one complete sentence.
3. Would you like to live in the world that exists within your book? Why or why not?

My current read is:

1. Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

2. "I stuck it in my mouth, and just like that, I was ten again, walking back from Quik-Zip with Peyton after spending my allowance on candy."

3. A world I'd like to live in? Seems like the world I do live in - a world where in one split second things can quickly go downhill and you're left spinning, wondering what happened and how you can bring some normalcy into your life again.

So...what are YOU reading? I need new book suggestions, so drop your reading list below!

Feature & Follow Friday #7

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan @ Literati Book Reviews) — Fri, 19 Feb 2016 03:56:00 +0000

This week's question: Why did you start blogging?

The main reason I started blogging was to network with other people and to make new friends. I've always loved reading, so what could be better than merging my love of books with my love for writing? I love that it takes up my time but in a way that's enjoyable. I'm never like, "Ugh, I have to do a blog post today." (Okay, not yet at least.)

So tell me...why did you start blogging?!

HOW DOES THE #FF WORK?

The goal is to increase blog followers, make friends and have something to post.
You create your own post using the post prompt.
You leave your link and thumbnail in the linky list that links back to your post prompt.
Once you have your post up and linked, visit other posts and tell them hi. The point is to FOLLOW them not just comment.
If you see a post that just hit it to the moon, or just want to show appreciation to a fellow blogger friend, to a fellow blogger friend, COME BACK AND VOTE for them on the linky list to show some appreciation.
The person with the most VOTES gets chosen as the next Feature (you can be chosen every 90 days unless we are in need of Features).
It is required that if you participate that you have to follow the FEATURE. It is a big no-no to participate and ignore the future. They are the special snowflake in this little blizzard.
As a participant it is up to your discretion on how you want people to follow. Please post RSS, GFC etc if you have a follow of choice.

SPECIFIC RULES

Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing. You can also grab the code if you would like to insert it into your posts.
Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say "hi" in your comments and that they are now following you.
If you are using Wordpress or another CMS that doesn't have GFC (Google Friends Connect) say in your posts how you would like to be followed.
Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don't just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might now know you are a new follower if you don't say "HI".
If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love…and the followers.

An InLinkz Link-up

Cover Reveal: Playing Defense (Corrigan Falls Raiders #2) by Cate Cameron by Entangled Teen Crush

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan @ Literati Book Reviews) — Thu, 18 Feb 2016 23:47:00 +0000

Swoony hockey players? SCORE!

Welcome to the Cover Reveal for

Playing Defense (Corrigan Falls Raiders #2) by Cate Cameron

presented by Entanged Teen Crush!

Sounds like the perfect book to snuggle with on a cold, winter eve!

This Entangled Teen Crush book contains adult language, swoon-worthy kisses, and sexy hockey players. It may cause you to watch a hockey game...or ten.
Sixteen-year-old Claudia Waring has never kissed a boy. Never been popular. Never been to a hockey game. All that’s about to change. Assigned to tutor Chris Winslow, a prank-loving, gorgeous hockey player, Claudia’s perfectly planned life immediately veers off course. And she kind of likes it. But as fun as Chris is, she knows she'll never fit in his world. After his latest prank lands him in hot water, Chris has to get serious about school or lose hockey. Not an easy thing for someone as carefree as the defenseman. The biggest problem, though, is how much he wants to help his cute, buttoned-up tutor loosen up a little. But while confidence has never been a problem for him, around Claudia, Chris is all nerves. Why would a girl as smart as her ever fall for a jock like him?

Playing Defense (Corrigan Falls Raiders #2) by Cate Cameron Publication Date: March 14, 2016 Publisher: Entangled Teen Crush

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OTHER BOOK(s) IN THE SERIES:

The hometown hockey hero won’t know what hit him…

Karen Webber is in small-town hell. After her mother’s death, she moved to Corrigan Falls to live with strangers—her dad and his perfect, shiny new family—and there doesn’t seem to be room for a city girl with a chip on her shoulder. The only person who makes her feel like a real human being is Tyler MacDonald.

But Karen isn’t interested in starting something with a player. And that’s all she keeps hearing about Tyler.

Corrigan Falls is a hockey town, and Tyler’s the star player. But the viselike pressure from his father and his agent are sending him dangerously close to the edge. All people see is hockey—except Karen. Now they’ve managed to find something in each other that they both desperately need. And for the first time, Tyler is playing for keeps…

Cate Cameron grew up in the city but moved to the country in her mid-twenties and isn’t looking back. Most of her writing deals with people living and loving in small towns or right out in the sticks—when there aren’t entertainment options on every corner, other people get a lot more interesting!

She likes to write stories about real people struggling with real issues. YA, NA, or contemporary romance, her books are connected by their emphasis on subtle humor and characters who are trying to do the right thing, even when it would be a lot easier to do something wrong.

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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Cover Reveal: Conspiracy Boy (Angel Academy, #2) by Cecily White

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan @ Literati Book Reviews) — Wed, 17 Feb 2016 17:00:00 +0000

Let us know what you think of the cover for Conspiracy Boy by Cecily White!

Conspiracy Boy releases on March 7, 2016

About Conspiracy Boy (Angel Academy, #2):

Wraithmaker Amalie is torn between protecting the vampire who saved her life and navigating rebellion, assassination, and political upheaval to save Guardian Jack, the man she loves. As long as Amelie is Luc's Immortal fledgling, she and Jack will never be free to love each other. And if the Guardian Elders discover their forbidden bond, Amelie and Jack might be separated again. Unfortunately, the Guardian war on demonkind, and rebellions threatening both the Peace Tenets and Luc's aristocratic family drive Jack and Amelie farther apart. Amelie struggles to learn how to use her newfound powers as a Wraithmaker. She feels they're the key to discern who her allies are, help Luc survive the Trial to become Sovereign, and prevent the war threatening to destroy her world. She also hopes her powers will help her figure out exactly which side her bondmate, Jack, is on. But she's missing a clue and seeks out Lisa, the sister who tried to kill her, for answers. Instead, Amelie learns her only chance of survival is to leave Luc and Jack behind, escape and defect.

Want to Read More? Pre-order Conspiracy Boy (Angel Academy, #2) Today!

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Did you miss the previous book in the Angel Academy Series? Catch up now...with this gorgeous, brand new cover

About Prophecy Girl (Angel Academy, #1):

Amelie Bennett: Ending the world, one prophecy at a time. I was born to slay Crossworld demons. Big black flappy ones, little green squirmy ones. Unfortunately, the only thing getting slain these days is my social life. With my high school under attack, combat classes intensifying, and Academy instructors dropping right and left, I can barely get my homework done, let alone score a bondmate before prom. Then he shows up. Jackson Smith-Hailey. Unspeakably hot, hopelessly unattainable, and dangerous in all the right ways. Sure, he’s my trainer. And okay, maybe he hates me. Doesn’t mean I’ll ignore the wicked Guardian chemistry between us. It’s crazy! Every time I’m with him, my powers explode. Awesome, right? Wrong. Now my teachers think I’m the murderous Graymason destined to bring down our whole race of angelbloods. Everyone in New Orleans is hunting me. The people I trusted want me dead. Jack and I have five days to solve the murders, prevent a vampire uprising, and thwart the pesky prophecy foretelling his death by my hand. Shouldn’t be too difficult. Getting it done without falling in love? That might take a miracle.

Want to Read More? Buy Prophecy Girl (Angel Academy, #1) Today!

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Blog Tour: Debt by Rachel Dunning

noreply@blogger.com (Morgan @ Literati Book Reviews) — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 04:42:00 +0000

Hello all my lovely readers! It's been a while, but I'M BACK! It's my stop in this blog tour, so I'd like to introduce you all to the newest novel by authoress Rachel Dunning. Check it out!

Debt

By Rachel Dunning

526 Pages/Standalone NovelGenre: New Adult Romance/Sports Romance
Age category: New Adult

Release Date: March 30, 2016

Content Warning: Not intended for readers under the age of 17

Blurb:

The Debt Collector

I pay my debts, and I expect others to.

I was raised in the slums of London, I knew nothing of privilege. My father was murdered when I was seventeen. Morty figured my father's passing meant I would automatically take on dad's debts. I refused.

And I paid for that refusal.

So did my sister.

So now I fight. All I know how to do is fight. The best cash is in the states, so that's where I am now. A big fish called Vito came along offering me a "favor" when I arrived.

Another debt.

I paid for that one too.

I knew Kyla Hensley would be trouble when I met her. But I wanted her. I could see through the falsehood of her wannabe-slutty clothes and her sexy legs. So I chased her.

Besides, trouble is my middle name.

Kyla Hensley
I was brought up in privilege, but I lacked everything else. My father is a business tycoon who buys and sells and doesn't care who gets rolled over in the process.

I never knew my mother, and all I have of her is a photo with a note scrawled on the back in French saying "I'm sorry." The only Female Figure I had growing up is my dad's wife who is a bleach blond with seven boob jobs. We never bonded.

I drink. I party. I meet guys.

But I wasn't always like that.

I've had a string of lovers in the last few years, the worst and most recent of which was Vince Somerset. My best friend Vera was dating a guy called Rory Cansoom who is the opposite of Vince in so many ways, and yet so the same.

She and I hit the road for the summer, getting away from the two college psychos and just trying to have some fun.

But there's a funny thing about trouble, the more you run from it, the more it finds you.

Which is when I met the Debt Collector.

It was only supposed to be sex. He made that clear. I made that clear.

That's all it was supposed to be.

I never expected to fall in love. I never expected to fall so deeply, madly, uncomfortably in love with a man who is wrong, so wrong for me.

And yet...so unbelievably right.

About the Author:
Rachel Dunning hit the scene in August 2013 and is the author of the highly praised Naive Mistakes Series, Truthful Lies Trilogy, Johnny Series and the paranormal romance series, Mind Games.

A prolific writer, she sticks to stories where Alpha Males aren’t pricks and where women have guts.

She’s lived on two different continents, speaks three different languages, and met the love of her life on the internet. In other words, romance is in her blood.

Where Else To Find Rachel:
- Blog/Website
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Amazon
- Barnes & Noble
- iTunes
- Goodreads

Get Rachel's Newsletter:
Sign up for Rachel's newsletter and never miss a release or special!
You can sign up by clicking here.

Reviews:
“He is magnetic and an Alpha to his core.”
Lunaland Books
☆☆☆☆☆ Review

“I was sucked into this book from page one! The Debt Collector is sexy as sin and the ultimate Alpha male!!”
Alpha Book Club
☆☆☆☆☆ Review

Keep reading to see some excerpts from her new book!

Excerpt 1

~Logan~

I have no desire to settle down.

I have no desire to make Kyla be the last woman I’m ever with.

But, damn it, I’d like to be given a chance to do those things. Does she even feel anything for me?

I know I do.

I feel something.

Not love. Something else.

Like I need her.

Like I’d stop breathing without her.

Like the sun would stop being so bright or the sounds of the world so sweet if she disappeared.

Excerpt 2

~Kyla~

He stops. Lifts his head up again, still smiling. “You’re afraid,” he says.

“Yes.”

“Of me.”

“Yes.”

“And yet, you’re here.”

I clear my throat. “Y—yes.”

“Why?”

Because I’m an idiot. And you turn me on. And I’m an idiot. And you turn me on.

So, are you as excited to read it as I am?! Go on...get it now!

You can find Debt on Goodreads

You can buy Debt here:
- Barnes & Noble
- Amazon US
- Smashwords
- iTunes