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Sunday, March 31, 2013

{REVIEW and GIVEAWAY} MY EX FROM HELL by TELLULAH DARLING

My Ex From Hell (The Blooming Goddess Trilogy, #1) Series: The Blooming Goddess Trilogy #1
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Publisher: Te Da Media
Publication Date: 4/1/13
Format: eARC
Source: Received from publisher for review

Sixteen-year-old Sophie Bloom wishes she’d been taught the following:

a) Bad boy’s presence (TrOuBlE) + teen girl’s brain (DraMa) = TrAuMa (Highly unstable and very volatile.)
b) The Genus Greekulum Godissimus is notable for three traits: 1) awesome abilities, 2) grudges, and 3) hook-ups, break-ups, and in-fighting that puts cable to shame.

Prior to the Halloween dance, Sophie figures her worst problems involve adolescent theatrics, bitchy yoga girls, and being on probation at her boarding school for mouthy behaviour. Then she meets bad boy Kai and gets the kiss that rocks her world.

Literally.

This breath stealing lip lock reawakens Sophie’s true identity: Persephone, Goddess of Spring. She’s key to saving humanity in the war between the Underworld and Olympus, target numero uno of Hades and Zeus, and totally screwed.

Plus there’s also the little issue that Sophie’s last memory as Persephone was just before someone tried to murder her.

Big picture: master her powers, get her memories back, defeat Persephone’s would be assassin, and save the world. Also, sneak into the Underworld to retrieve stolen property, battle the minions of Hades and Zeus, outwit psycho nymphs, slay a dragon, rescue a classmate, keep from getting her butt expelled from the one place designed to keep her safe …

… and stop kissing Kai, Prince of the Underworld.

My Ex From Hell is a romantic comedy/Greek mythology smackdown. Romeo and Juliet had it easy.

With a fun take on Greek Mythology and a winsome heroine leading the way, My Ex From Hell is a story that is sure to please Young Adult Fantasy lovers.

As someone who'd read the author's first book, Sam Cruz's Infallible Guide to Getting Girls, I knew Tellulah Darling could tell a fun story. But with it being realistic fiction and this being fantasy, I did wonder if I would like My Ex From Hell as well. But with the story's interesting spin on Greek Mythology and cast of fun characters, I did enjoy the story.

Like a lot of readers, I enjoy a book set at a boarding school. Close quarters leads to a lot of drama typically, but when you add the fact that a lot of the characters are gods and godessess, well, that makes for some extra drama, danger, and excitement.

Sophie Bloom (great name!) was a great Young Adult heroine. She is a girl who'd always managed to fit in at her school, though she's not the most popular. She has great friends, Hannah and Theo, and despite an unloving mother, she is a happy girl. Her sense of humor is what really won me over. And that held true even as Sophie's world began to change in unimaginable ways. Learning that you are Persephone will throw you for a loop, or two. The girl managed to answer every insane situation with a bit of lively self-deprecation and snark.

Of course, there's a guy, or god, it would seem. And this one is a doozy. Kai is possibly the love of Sophie's past life. He's gorgeous, powerful, sometimes charming, and she often can't even stand him. It doesn't help matters that Kai is the son of Hades, who as you know, has a complicated history with Persephone. In this version of the myth, it's his son, Kai, who has the relationship with Persephone, but still, he can't be trusted.

My Ex From Hell was pure fun. The story was clever, exciting and fast-paced. The characters were hilarious and endearing. The ending was full of action and surprise, and definitely left me ready for the next story in the series. This is a great story for teens that is sure to win their imagination.  There are so many re-imaginings of Greek Myths out there, but this one should not be overlooked.



Favorite Quote:

  "Our story starts back on Mt. Olympus sixteen years ago," he began.
  "Nice try," Hannah interrupted. "I may only know Mythology 101 but those gods predated New Kids on the Block."  ~eARC, 23%



Purchase My Ex From Hell at:

 
GIVEAWAY
Author Tellulah Darling is giving away three copies of My Ex From Hell.
Fill out the Rafflecopter form.

 
 
About the author

Tellulah Darling
noun

1. YA Novelist
2. Alter ego of former screenwriter and instructor
3. Sassy minx

Geeks out over: cool tech.
Squees for: great storytelling.
Delights in: fabulous conversation.
Writes about: where love meets comedy, flavored with pop culture. Awkwardness ensues.

Connect with Tellulah at:
Website  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  GoodReads  |  Blog  |  Pinterest


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FRIENDS AND LOVERS TRILOGY CELEBRATION ~ NOOK GIVEAWAY

 
 
To promote the release of the Friends & Lovers Trilogy, Bethany Lopez is giving away a Nook, an autographed skin for the Nook, and an autographed paperback of Friends & Lovers. Enter through the Rafflecopter, and earn more chances to win by following everyone who is participating in the promo on Twitter!
 
Friends & Lovers is Make it Last, I Choose You, and Trust in Me, and includes a bonus ending for each couple.
 
Check out the Awesome cover by  
 
 
You can buy Friends & Lovers here:


 
Bethany Lopez
Friends & Lovers Trilogy/Stories About Melissa Series
IAN  |  Webpage  |  Twitter  |  Facebook  |  Pinterest  |  My Books
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COVER REVEAL: BAD BOY SERIES by M. LEIGHTON + EXCERPT from EVERYTHING FOR US

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I am thrilled today to be involved in the cover reveals for the paperback version of M. Leighton's Bad Boys series! I adore Michelle and am so happy for her success. I also have an excerpt from the third book in the series, Everything For Us.
 
 
Down to YouSeries: Bad Boys #1
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Publication Date: 7/2/13
 
One girl. Twin brothers. An uncommon triangle.

When college student Olivia Townsend returned home to help her father run his business, she never imagined a complication like Cash and Nash Davenport—twin brothers different in so many ways but with one thing in common: an uncontrollable desire for Olivia.

Cash is dangerous, sexy, and bad to the bone—a man whose kisses make Olivia forget she is playing with fire. Nash is successful, reliable and intensely passionate—and already taken. But all it takes is one soft stroke to make Olivia forget he belongs to someone else.

However, Olivia is in for a surprise. These boys have a secret that should make her run away as far and as fast as she can. If only it wasn’t too late. A sensual game between three players has begun, and it’s about to spin deliriously out of control.




Up to MeSeries: Bad Boys #2
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Publication Date: 8/6/13


M. Leighton’s Down to You was just the beginning. �Up to Me has even more shockers in store!” (Examiner.com)

For Olivia, romantic bliss has never felt so right as it does with Cash. Unpredictable, except when it comes to satisfying her desires, Cash’s �bad boy’ reputation is well-earned, but he’s turning his life around with the one woman who accepts him for who he is.

Until strangers from the past turn Olivia and Cash’s world upside down. What they want is something only Cash can give them. And if he doesn’t deliver, then they’re taking the one thing that Cash values the most.

Olivia always knew that in falling for Cash she was likely to get burned. But this new threat is beyond anything she imagined. Now she has to trust Cash with her life—and for Olivia that’s much easier than letting go, and trusting him with her heart.

Everything For Us (The Bad Boys, #3)Series: Bad Boys #3
Publisher: Berkley Trade
Publication Date: 9/3/13

When it comes to passion this hot, it’s all or nothing.

Olivia Townsend’s wealthy cousin Marissa had everything a girl could ask for—a great job, a privileged life, and all the friends she wanted. Or, at least, all the friends money could buy. But one case of mistaken identity has turned her privileged world upside down.

An abduction gone wrong lands her right in the lap of the sexiest, most dangerous man she’s ever met. To Marissa, he’s an enigma, but one to whom she’s irresistibly, inexplicably drawn.

With him comes a new world of freedom and passion, of dark shadows and dangerous secrets, a world where nothing is what it seems—except for the blind passion that Marissa can’t escape—or maybe even survive.



Excerpt from Everything for Us 
 


“They’re just parts, like any other woman’s,” she replies breathlessly, trying to be casual.

“I’d be willing to bet your parts are exceptional. In fact, now might be a good time to warn you that if we come back to this library, I’ll find out for myself. In this very spot. I’ll push you up against the books in the corner and I’ll put my hands on you. I’ll do things to you. In the quiet. And you won’t be able to make a sound. Not a whimper, not a moan. You’ll have to bite your lip to keep it all inside. And you know what?” I ask, reaching up to trace my index finger along her full, trembling lower lip.

“What?” she whispers, her pupils two dilated dots of excitement.

“You’ll love every second of it.”

With a wicked grin, I take the books from her arms and turn to walk back the way I came.

EEEEE!!! I can't wait to read Everything for Us!!! Be sure to add the books to your to-read list.
 
 
Preorder Down to You at:
 
Preorder Up to Me at:
 
Preorder Everything for Us at:



 About the author:
I was born and raised in the United States, and I’ve lived in several of the fabulous fifty. Though I currently live in the deep South, I spent much of my childhood up North and hope to return there one day. A few other things about me: I believe that sometimes you have to look really, REALLY hard to find the good in people, but it's there. I believe that I'm shrinking (I swear five years ago I was two inches taller). I believe my husband is quite possibly one of the most amazing men in the entire world (I can't be sure because I haven't met all of them). I believe coffee and chocolate, when combined, could be the basis for world peace. I believe that Jesus rocks and communism doesn’t. I believe that white makes me look fat and black collects lint. I believe summer's too hot, winter's too cold and fall was made for football. I like dogs better than cats and the first movie in a trilogy is invariably the best. But most of all, I believe that love conquers all.

Connect with author M. Leighton at:
her website | Twitter | GoodReads page | Facebook

 
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FOOL FOR BOOKS GIVEAWAY HOP

 
Welcome to the Fool For Books Giveway Hop!
There are tons of blogs linked together, offering great giveaways. Find the entire list here.
 
 
My Giveaway
For some reason, I'm going with a zombie theme. *shrugs*
 
Something Strange and Deadly (Something Strange and Deadly, #1)Dearly, Departed (Gone With the Respiration, #1)
(click covers for GoodReads page)
 
 
  
 
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{REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY} EVE OF CHAOS (MARKED #3) by SYLVIA DAY

Eve of Chaos (Marked, #3)Series: Marked #3
Genre: Adult Urban Fantasy
Publisher: Tor Books
Publication Date: 2/26/13
Format: Paperback
Pages: 384
Source: Received from publisher for review

How do you tell Satan that you ran over his hellhound? Evangeline Hollis has no idea and she doesn't want to find out. Living with the Mark of Cain -- and the two sexy brothers who come with it -- is trouble enough. She doesn't need to borrow more. Too bad Satan is too pissed to oblige her. Incensed at the loss of his pet, Satan has put a bounty on Eve's head, and Hell's denizens are converging en masse. The proliferation of Infernals is complicating Eve's hunts and creating chaos in her once orderly life. They've also brought her to the attention of an overzealous reverend who is certain she's Jezebel reincarnate.
How can a Mark drafted by God strike a bargain with the Devil? Eve's about to find out...


Wow. At this point, it is so hard to review this series without spoilers for those who either haven't started or aren't caught up in the Marked series. But let me just say, I freaking love these books!

In the Marked series, Sylvia Day has basically taken the story of Adam and Eve, Cain and Abel... and has created this insanely imaginative and intense series. I love that I have a basic knowledge to reference these characters and their backgrounds on. I love that Day has forced me to stop, take a step back, and look at the oldest story ever through new eyes.  And maybe I'm over thinking things, but I love that I am seeing these characters and their stories, their pains and frustrations, and their choices, through a whole new perspective. 

Now for the characters. Eve is a badass. I love how pragmatic she is. I know that it would be completely realistic and understandable if she was a character who hated her life and whined about it all the time; I know I would. But I love how she has mostly accepted that the insanity is her life, for now, and she has gotten busy with getting the job done. Of course, the insanity is an easier pill to swallow when you have both Cain and Abel willing to lend a hand...

And seriously, these two are just about the sexiest heroes I've ever read. For all of Eve of Darkness and most of Eve of Destruction, I was firmly on Team Cain. He and Eve have a long sexy history and I love them together. The way they "interact" both in and out of the bedroom is steamy and fun. But something BIG came between them in Eve of Destruction, and it pushed her and Abel closer together. Now, don't get me wrong, I wouldn't kick Abel out of my bed (or stairwell) but he's not Cain! He's aloof, well-polished, and doesn't seem to care about Eve... until this book. And now that Eve has gotten to know him better, I'm torn. Both brothers are gorgeous, seductive, protective, smart and dangerous. Both hold a piece of Eve's heart, but only one can win. Who. Will. It. Be?!?

Eve of Chaos was a great addition to the series. There were so many crazy intense scenes, twist and turns in the plot, and insane revelations in the story. This is the ultimate story of Good vs. Evil, with some brilliant shades of grey thrown in. I can't wait to continue this brilliant series.


Favorite Quote:

  "....I should be listening to your body language and not the crap coming out of your mouth. I should toss your ass over the arm of the couch and nail you. Then you'd know this brush-off sh*t doesn't work with me."
  "I wouldn't f*#k you if you were the last man on earth."
  Reed held a hand to his ear. "Did you hear that? That was the sound of the gloves coming off."
  ~pg 80


  He was spurred by the knowledge that this was Eve, the woman he wanted for reasons unrelated to sex. Now she was right where he wanted her--spread and willing, mewling with helpless pleasure. They were in the moment together, connected body and mind. He hadn't known he was alone--an angel who stood apart--until he wasn't alone any longer.  ~pg 135

The Marked Series
(click on cover for GoodReads page)
Eve of Darkness (Marked, #1)Eve of Destruction (Marked, #2)Eve of Chaos (Marked, #3)

 
 
Purchase the books at:
 
 
About the author
Sylvia Day (aka S. J. Day and Livia Dare) is the #1 New York Times and #1 international bestselling author of more than a dozen award-winning novels translated into over three dozen languages. She has been nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award for Best Author and her work has been honored as Amazon's Best of the Year in Romance. She has won the RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award and been nominated for Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA® award twice.
Connect with Sylvia at her website
 
 
 
GIVEAWAY
 
I have a giveaway for you, courtesy of Tor Books. One winner will win their choice of Eve of  Darkness, Eve of Destruction, or Eve of Chaos.
Open US Only
Must be 17+ years of age to enter.
 
 
 


 
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Saturday, March 30, 2013

THE WEEKLY REWIND, #45




THE WEEKLY REWIND is a weekly post in which I recap the bookish awesomeness from the past week, and post a book haul. Warning: I tend to ramble in my vlogs. Sometimes I get excited about things and I flail. Enjoy.

Book Haul

 

 

For Review:

Billion Dollar CowboyA Wedding in Springtime (Marriage Mart, #1)Just for the Summer (Lake Bliss, #1)If He Had Been With MePossession (Possession, #1)Surrender (Possession, #2)ReboundNocover-blank-133x176Wrecked (Clayton Falls, #3)Locked (The Alpha Group, #1)A Taste of You

Bought:

Great Exploitations (Mischief in Miami, #1)Down for the Count (Dare Me Series, #1)Down and Dirty (Dare Me, #2)The Sweetest Torture (Sexy Shifter Shorts #1)Playing AlongEve of Sin City (Marked, #3.5)Eve of Warfare (Marked, #3.25)Letting Go (Mitchell Family, #1)Happy Hour (Racing on the Edge, #1)


Thanks to:
 
 
Blog Rewind
 
 
 
In other news: 
I am so happy to say that my book-obsessed cousin Courtney is going to be reviewing here! Courtney has just started her own blog with a friend, but still offered to help me keep up with reviews. I can't tell you how relieved, and excited, I am!


Thanks for stopping by. Leave a comment, and I'll come check out your blog. Have a great week!
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Friday, March 29, 2013

{WICKED WINTER SATURDAYS} HONEY RED by LIZ CROWE

 

"Spring is here, and pollen is in the air. While you're sneezing your way towards Summer, pop those Claritin and lose yourself in a Sultry Spring Read."

Sexy Saturdays is a weekly post we started to challenge ourselves to read more steamy books and have a lot of fun. Feel free to join in. (let us know so we can add a link to your post).

The Autumn Review
Sim-Sational Books
Hackaroo's Review
Paranormal and Urban Fantasy Reviews
Insightful Minds Reviews
My Secret Romance
Globug and Hootie Need a Book


**The books featured on SULTRY SPRING SATURDAYS are for adults. If you are under 18 years of age, or do not like smexy books, please stop here. **

Honey RedGenre: Erotic Romance
Publisher: Tri Destiny Publishing
Publication Date: 12/30/13
Format: eARC
Source: Received from publisher for review

Two men suffering from visible and invisible wounds meet by chance circumstance.

Nick Traynor and Ian Donovan spend a lot of time and effort keeping it very hot, only physical, and purely superficial. But when their resolve starts to slip, a woman is tossed into their midst.

Hannah Williams wants nothing more than to do her job until something better comes along, but is forced to own up to her visceral reaction to Ian, her new boss, and later to Nick, his sometimes lover.

Lust has a funny way of turning into companionship, and eventually evolving into a deeper connection. Faced with the internal and external complications of their potential three-way relationship, they begin to heal and trust, to consider that it might work. Then life tosses them a hardball, forcing them back into their respective corners, where each must choose what is most important.

Three people determined not to commit, thrown together by fate and undeniable attraction--their nights heat up and emotions run high in spite of a claimed mutual desire to "keep it simple." In the process of honest self-discovery, can they learn that while love is never simple, it is definitely worth fighting for?
 
Honey Red was a lot more than I expected, and I really liked it.

In this story, you have three people dealing with their own complicated issues. Ian is the center of this unique relationship. He a single father, a former f*ck up, and I seriously liked him. He had this really blunt manner that made me smile, and I loved his personality. Ian is bisexual, and he has fallen in love with a man, Nick.

Nick was heartbreaking. A Vet who lost his love in an attack in the Middle East, the same attack that left him blind, Nick is broken, and understandably angry at the world. He was turned away by his parents when he came out in college, and all he has left is his sister, who is dating Ian's brother Gavin. Nick and Ian are immediately attracted to each other, and quickly act on it. But Nick's issues, both mental and physical, cause his to drive Ian away, into the arms of Hannah...

Hannah is a recent grad school graduate and she needs a job in a bad way. When she lands a job at Gavin and Ian's brewery, she is quick to notice the sexy Ian. But since she's been told that he prefers his own gender, Hannah doesn't think she has a chance with Ian. When she finds out that he indeed does like both men and women, she gives in to the attraction, but believing he can only love Nick, she tries to keep their encounters casual.

Until she meets Nick for herself. Then she understands why Ian is so hung up on him. As a matter of fact, she'd like to partake in Nick herself, and of course Ian is totally on board with that. After some convincing, Nick agrees to become involved with both Ian and Hannah. Things go well, until the dynamics of the relationship are put to the test. A few bumps and surprises occur along the way. Along with some hot hot hot lovin'. Wow, Liz Crowe really brought the steam in Honey Red. And I loved every single moment!

But seriously, besides the fun, complicated, and hot relationship, Honey Red was both sad and inspiring, particularly where Nick is concerned. I quickly became engrossed in the story and could hardly put it down. It was a really, really good story and I will definitely read more from this author in the future.


Favorite Quote:

  "You know what," Nick muttered into her neck as he trailed a hand up her thigh. "You need to make a beer that tastes like this." His hand went higher, disappearing under her robe.
  Ian laughed and brought the plate of food to the table. "Dude, if I could make a beer that tasted like p***y I would be a zillionaire by now."  ~76%




You can purchase Honey Red at:
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Thursday, March 28, 2013

{REVIEW} THE SUMMER HE CAME HOME (BAD BOYS OF CRYSTAL LAKE #1)


The Summer He Came Home (Bad Boys of Crystal Lake, #1)Series: The Bad Boys of Crystal Lake #1
Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: 4/2/13
Format: ARC
Pages: 360
Source: Received from publisher for review

Sometimes the best place to find love is right back where you started…

Falling asleep in a different bed every night has made it easy for Cain Black to forget his past. It’s been ten years since he packed his guitar and left Crystal Lake to chase his dreams. Now tragedy has forced him home again. And though Cain relishes the freedom of the road, one stolen moment with Maggie O’Rourke makes him wonder if he’s missing out on something bigger than fame.

For Maggie—single mother and newly settled in Crystal Lake—love is a luxury she just can’t afford. Sure, she appreciates the tall, dark and handsome looks of prodigal son Cain Black. But how long can she expect the notorious hellion to stay?

The last thing either of them wants is something complicated. But sometimes love has its own plans.

By now it's no secret that I absolutely love "going home" books. Seriously, I can't get enough of them. What's even better is when it's a rockstar going home. So when The Summer He Came Home was offered to me for review, and I took a glance at the cover, you better believe I was all over that!

The Summer He Came Home is the story of two lost people: Cain Black and Maggie O'Rourke. Cain left home ten years ago to chase his dream of being a rockstar, and never looked back. He's found success, but not happiness. Once again, I have a book with my favorite type of guy, the bad boy who is actually a good guy. Before Cain left Crystal Lake, he was one of the Bad Boys, along with his best friends Jesse, Jake and Mac. I loved how the Bad Boys had this amazing friendship that held true no matter how many years and miles separated them. The kind of friendship that doesn't require words to know what each is going through, and knowing that they'll have each other's backs no matter what. Cain was so freaking easy to read about. He was a straight-up nice guy, good to his family, friends, and Maggie.

Maggie was also easy to like right away. A single mom with a scary past, she's trying to make ends meet and keep her head down. Maggie is a housekeeper to a lot of the citizens of Crystal Lake, and the people have quickly grown to love and accept her and her son as their own. When Maggie meets Cain, she fights to push down the attraction she feels towards him. The last thing she needs is a complication in her life. Knowing that he won't be in town for long, she doesn't want her son or herself to become attach to the handsome and loving Cain. It's a losing battle, though, and Maggie tells herself to keep it casual, and we all know how that works out, right? Yeah, it doesn't take long for Maggie to fall hard for Cain, despite the heartbreak she knows is headed her way. I adored Maggie for her strength, her big heart, and for always putting her son first.

The Summer He Came Home was fun and sweet, but also very sad, and at the end, extremely tense. But it ended in the absolute best way possible I appreciated the slow buildup between Cain and Maggie. I loved seeing them fall in love, to slowly realize that despite the relationship's casual start, there is more at play. The author did a great job at making the characters and their relationship realistic. I loved that the actual town, Crystal Lake, was a character. The buildings and the history they represented, the intermingling people who made up the town, and the history of the Bad Boys, it all combined to create a fantastic story that I could not put down.

There were many hints as to the issues the other Bad Boys were facing, Jake... he has a lot of rage and pain inside him, and rightly so. And Mac, he came across as sort of flippant about his painful past, but his pain is barely contained. I can't wait for these guys to get their own books. The Bad Boys of Crystal Lake is another great series and I am anxiously waiting for the next book.



Favorite Quote ~

  "The things I'm going to do to you, Maggie, just might be illegal in some states."
  Cain turned and headed toward his truck, keys jangling in his hands loosely. "Make sure you get lots of sleep," he tossed over his shoulder. "Because you're sure as hell gonna need it."  ~ARC, pg 171



Purchase The Summer He Came Home at: 
 
 
About the author:
Juliana Stone’s love of the written word and 80s rock, have inspired her in more ways than one. She writes contemporary romance, paranormal romance and will debut a young adult novel in 2014. She spends her days navigating a busy life that includes, a husband, kids, a dog and a cat.
Connect with Juliana at:


 
 


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