Fighting Fate by Linda Kage

 

Thanks to AToMR for hosting this tour. Go HERE for the rest of the schedule. 

Fighting Fate

Granton University 1

Author: Linda Kage
Pages: 286 pgs
Genre: NA, Romance, Contemporary
Release Date: July 16th 2013
Review Source: Publisher

 *New Adult Romance*
**Minor explicit scenes and language**

Forgiving your brother's murderer may be noble, but falling in love with him borders on betrayal.

When Paige Zukowski enrolls at Granton University in honor of her dead brother, she has no idea fate will land her on the same campus with the very guy who killed him. But Logan Xander isn't quite the murderer she's always believed him to be.

A day hasn't passed since the tragedy that Logan doesn't wish he could go back and undo everything. It doesn't take Paige long to realize he's suffered as much as she has. Forgiving him for ruining her life might not be so impossible after all. But when she actually starts to like him and realizes he likes her in return, their true anguish begins.

Like most of the more contemporary stories I've been reading lately, I really didn't know what to expect with this one. The description, while setting the stage, really doesn't give this novel, or the author, justice. I am so glad that I gave this one a chance.

Linda dealt with some pretty tough issues in her debut novel. I enjoyed the fact that none of it was glossed over or pushed aside as though it didn't matter. In fact, nearly the entire time I read this I was either crying or tearing up. It was almost impossible to clearly read some of this pages, but I managed to make it through. It was worth it.

Paige and Logan were the main characters, and we got to hear from both of them in alternating points of view. Linda did a beautiful job of showing their struggles and how hard they worked to get past what had happened to them.. I loved their journey's, being able to watch them grow throughout and hated that it had to come to an end.

I can't even imagine what will be in store for us in book 2, but I can say that I'm looking forward to finding out.

Waiting on Wednesday: The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, which spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

(Coming November 2013)

In The Indigo Spell, Sydney was torn between the Alchemist way of life and what her heart and gut were telling her to do. And in one breathtaking moment that Richelle Mead fans will never forget, she made a decision that shocked even her. . . .

But the struggle isn't over for Sydney. As she navigates the aftermath of her life-changing decision, she still finds herself pulled in too many directions at once. Her sister Zoe has arrived, and while Sydney longs to grow closer to her, there's still so much she must keep secret. Working with Marcus has changed the way she views the Alchemists, and Sydney must tread a careful path as she harnesses her profound magical ability to undermine the way of life she was raised to defend. Consumed by passion and vengeance, Sydney struggles to keep her secret life under wraps as the threat of exposure—and re-education—looms larger than ever.

Pulses will race throughout this thrilling fourth installment in the New York Times bestselling Bloodlines series, where no secret is safe.

I have absolutely loved this spin off series to Vampire Academy. Sydney is probably one of my favorite female main characters and then there's Adrian Ivashkov. I can't wait for this latest installment! Especially now that the Vampire Academy movie is coming out next February.

What are you waiting on? 

New Cover & Title for The Mephisto Mark

 

Summary: Orphaned at six and sent to live with abusive relatives in Bucharest, Mariah learned early in life to box up violent, agonizing memories and put them in permanent mental storage. Now almost nineteen, she has a paying job, a tiny apartment, and a plan to attend university. She loves her independence and is steadily overcoming her past, but when an enigmatic stranger walks into the pub where she works and the trajectory of her life changes yet again, she begins to wonder if she’ll run out of mental shelf space.


The only females unafraid of the Mephisto brothers are the extremely rare Anabo, born without Original Sin. Over one hundred years ago, Phoenix was first to find one, but he made a fatal mistake and she was murdered by his oldest brother and enemy, Eryx. Phoenix soldiered through the next century wrapped up in grief and guilt, his only outlet planning takedowns of those who pledged their souls to Eryx. When one of his brothers brings Mariah to Mephisto Mountain, he’s torn between his instinctive, powerful need to pursue her, and his certainty that he can never have her. 

Drawn into the world of the Mephisto, Mariah sees the pain and misery Eryx unleashes on humanity, and the boxes in her mind begin to fly open, one by one. All that keeps her from slipping off the edge is her unlikely, sexually charged friendship with Phoenix. He’s incredibly screwed up; she’s completely broken. It would take a miracle for them to find happiness. Then Eryx brings the war for Hell to a whole new level, forcing Mariah and Phoenix to make a choice that will bind them together for all eternity, or rip them apart forever.
 

Blog Tour: Endless by Jessica Shirvington

Endless

The Violet Eden Chapters 4

Author: Jessica Shirvington 
Pages: 466 pgs
Genre: YA, Fantsay
Release Date: October 1st 2013
Review Source: Netgalley, Publisher

LOVE WILL KILL US ALL

Violet Eden thought she was getting things under control. Then all hell breaks loose—literally. In the war between angels and exiles, she's about to face the biggest baddie of all time. Except she's not nearly ready.

The dark exile Phoenix is still messing with her head—not to mention her heart. And her undeniable attraction to Lincoln has gotten downright dangerous. When Hell unleashes its worst, Violet must embrace every facet of her angel self to save the people she cares about and the world as she knows it. But death is not the worst thing she will face...

I have loved every book in this series so far, but I have to say that Endless was probably my favorite! Jessica has maintained such a great momentum throughout and only seems to get better with each new book.

Violet is a great female main character. She's strong, a warrior, but also willing to have moments of vulnerability. Jessica has explored that through the series, allowing us to watch her grow and learn more about who she is. In fact, each character we've come to know and love from Embrace has had amazing transformations as the series has progressed.

The pacing of this latest installment was just right, building up the intensity to the point that you wouldn't want to put your book down for a moment. Everyone's part, from the Grigori to the exiles to the humans, came in to play. The world Jessica created and explored was fascinating and I enjoyed getting to see the Grigori Academy and meeting even more fascinating characters.

Oh, and can I just say that I think the cover for Endless is my favorite as well. Look at how gorgeous it is! I definitely want my own copy just so that I can have that amazing cover.


I hated when this book came to an end, not wanting to leave these characters behind, but was at least satisfied to know that it wasn't the end. I can't even imagine what will be in store for them, and us. The wait for the final book, Empower, will seem like forever, but I know that it will be worth it.

Cover Reveal: My Beautiful by Alicia Rae

Title:  My Beautiful (The Beautiful Series #2)

Author:  Alicia Rae

Genre:  Contemporary Romance 18+

Publication Date:  October 29, 2013

Cover Design:  Okay Creations

Event Organized by:  Literati Author Services, Inc.

Synopsis

Still trying to recover from a tragic loss, Lily’s worst fear is falling in love. Distancing herself from everyone is the only way she can keep heartache away.

Deep down though, Lily realizes that living without Kyle is too painful. She finds strength in Kyle’s arms, and he gives her the courage to face her past. With every step forward, Lily continues to nurture and mend her damaged heart.

Just when Lily feels closure within her grasp, secrets from the past finally catch up with her, and Lily will discover that more than her heart is on the line.  

Will love be enough to save Lily?

Add to Goodreads

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18157126-my-beautiful

About the Author

Alicia Rae is a Contemporary Romance Author who lives in Dekalb, Illinois, with her husband and three beautiful boys. Alicia has a passion for reading all types of romance, writing to bring a story to life, and photography.

Thank you to my dear sister, Kels, who showed me a few years ago how much I truly missed reading. And to my loving husband, for not throwing away my Nook, and planting the seed of writing into my mind. I am forever grateful. Xo

Readers, words cannot thank you enough for supporting me along this incredible journey. I hope you enjoy my novels as much as I do writing them. I thank each and every one of you.

Believe in yourself and follow your dreams...

 
 Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
 

Waiting on Wednesday: All that Glows by Ryan Graudin

Waiting on Wednesday is a meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, which spotlights upcoming releases we are eagerly anticipating.

(Coming February 2014)

 Emrys—a fiery, red-headed Fae—always embraced her life in the Highlands, far from the city’s draining technology, until she’s sent to London to rejoin the Faery Guard. But this isn’t any normal assignment—she’s sent to guard Prince Richard: Britain’s notorious, partying bad boy and soon-to-be King. The prince’s careless ways and royal blood make him the irresistible for the dark spirits that feed on mortals. Sweet, disheveled, and alive with adventure—Richard is one charge who will put Emrys’s magic and heart to the test.

When an ancient force begins preying on the monarchy, Emrys must hunt through the London’s magical underworld, facing down Banshees, Black Dogs and Green Women to find the one who threatens Richard’s life. In this chaos of dark magic, palace murders and paparazzi, Emrys finds herself facing an impossible choice. For despite all her powers, Emrys has discovered a force that burns brighter than magic: love.

Not only is this cover gorgeous, but the story sounds like a lot of fun. Faeries weren't always my thing, but I've slowly begun to really enjoy the different stories coming out. I definitely can't wait to read Ryan's!

Cover Reveal: Just Once by Julianna Keyes

COVER REVEAL

by Julianna Keyes and Omnific Publishing

Adult Contemporary Romance

Releasing October 29, 13

Kate Burke is done making bad decisions. Thirty years old and belatedly determined to grow up, the successful travel writer and one-time party girl returns to work at the remote Ponderosa Pines Ranch to reassess her life. Although her kitchen/cabin staff is lacking and the workload never relents, Kate’s main challenge is Shane Maddox, the ruggedly handsome and doggedly stubborn ranch foreman. Instantly at odds, they battle over everything from ceiling fans to bothersome bats—studiously ignoring the sparks they generate with each confrontation. They can’t explain their explosive physical chemistry, but after a few frustrated weeks they can’t deny it either. Their solution? Just once. They’ll get past their inconvenient lust and move on. Kate’s been trying to think with her head instead of her hormones, but is this just another bad decision in a lifetime of careless choices? Has she really changed at all? Set in the striking and serene hills of southern Colorado, Julianna Keyes’ debut novel offers a sizzling and satisfying tale of unexpected chemistry and the power of second chances. Her characters will get under your skin and into your heart. Just once may not be enough for you either.

 
   
About the Author

Julianna Keyes is a Canadian writer who has lived on both coasts and several places in between. She’s been skydiving, bungee jumping, and white water rafting, but nothing thrills—or terrifies—her as much as the blank page. She has volunteered in Zambia, taught English in China, and dreams of seeing pink dolphins in the Amazon. This is her first book. Website | Twitter