Everblaze by Shannon Messenger

Everblaze

Keeper of the Lost Cities 3

Author: Shannon Messenger 
Pages: 624 pgs
Genre: MG, Fantasy
Release Date: November 4th 2014

Sophie Foster is ready to fight back.

Her talents are getting stronger, and with the elusive Black Swan group ignoring her calls for help, she’s determined to find her kidnappers—before they come after her again.

But a daring mistake leaves her world teetering on the edge of war, and causes many to fear that she has finally gone too far. And the deeper Sophie searches, the farther the conspiracy stretches, proving that her most dangerous enemy might be closer than she realizes.

In this nail-biting third book in the Keeper of the Lost Cities series, Sophie must fight the flames of rebellion, before they destroy everyone and everything she loves.

Yay! Another book in this adorable series and it's still not over! So much took place in book, I can barely catch my breath. Shannon outdid herself and I can't wait for more.

We definitely get to know our favorite characters even more in Everblaze, especially Keefe and Fitz, which I really enjoyed. They each have a great relationship with Sophie and I love that she doesn't take advantage of that. She cherishes each of her friendships, even if some of them do drive her crazy.

Things were definitely amped up in this book and I'm not kidding. Cute moments, sad moments, crazy moments, and even UGH moments. I don't want to give anything away for those who haven't read it yet, but just know that you will be in for a wild ride.

Sophie is one of my favorite characters. She's come a long way in these books, but still has quite a bit of growing up to do. I can't even imagine what will be in store for her and us in the next book and I can only cross my fingers that there might be more after that.

Hurry and get your hands on this book/series, you won't be sorry! 

Defy by Sara B. Larson

Defy

Defy 1

Author: Sara B. Larson 
Pages: 336 pgs
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Release Date: January 7th 2014


A lush and gorgeously written debut, packed with action, intrigue, and heart-racing romance.

Alexa Hollen is a fighter. Forced to disguise herself as a boy and serve in the king's army, Alex uses her quick wit and fierce sword-fighting skills to earn a spot on the elite prince's guard. But when a powerful sorcerer sneaks into the palace in the dead of night, even Alex, who is virtually unbeatable, can't prevent him from abducting her, her fellow guard and friend Rylan, and Prince Damian, taking them through the treacherous wilds of the jungle and deep into enemy territory.

The longer Alex is held captive with both Rylan and the prince, the more she realizes that she is not the only one who has been keeping dangerous secrets. And suddenly, after her own secret is revealed, Alex finds herself confronted with two men vying for her heart: the safe and steady Rylan, who has always cared for her, and the dark, intriguing Damian. With hidden foes lurking around every corner, is Alex strong enough to save herself and the kingdom she's sworn to protect?

This was a fun debut for me to read. Not only had I been excited for it before it's release, but I also just loved the cover and the detail they were able to show of the dagger. Beautiful.

Since this was a high fantasy, I really enjoyed the fact that the main character was a girl, Alexa or Alex, who was a part of the prince's elite guard. Even though she was able to because she was pretending to be a boy, she still had the skill and fortitude to rise through the ranks and get to the position she had when the story started.

Yet she was still a girl, and I loved how Sara brought out and showed the struggles that Alexa had to deal throughout.

I also really loved the world that Sara created for this series. The land itself was rich and so different as they traveled, it felt like its own character. It felt like we only got a small taste of what else there was, and it left me wanting to know and explore more of this fascinating world.

And with book 2, Ignite, coming out soon I can't wait to delve back into this world!

Blog Tour: Blocked by Jennifer Lane

 

Blocked

Author: Jennifer Lane 
Pages: 300 pgs
Genre: NA, Contemporary, Romance, Sports
Release Date: October 21st 2014
Review Source: Tour

College freshman Lucia Ramirez has a secret crush on Dane Monroe. He’s a tall drink of water — blond, brash, and one hell of a volleyball player. ¡Híjole! Lucia hopes her volleyball scholarship to his school will make him notice her.

Too bad what’s noticeable is Dane’s obvious hatred for Lucia. Her family’s politics contradict everything he stands for. And politics are front and center in both their families. Dane’s mother is about to face Lucia’s father in the race for US President.

When Secret Service throws them together, Dane can’t deny his frustrating attraction to Lucia’s athletic curves and sweet faith in the world. Amid the intense pressure of college athletics and presidential politics, can opposites not just attract, but overcome overwhelming odds to be together? Or do their differences block their match from the start?

I have enjoyed reading Jennifer Lane's work since With Good Behavior, the first book of her CONduct series, came out. When the chance came to read and review her latest novel, I jumped at the opportunity, and I'm so glad that I did.

Jen delves into the topics, that most would rather avoid, with sensitivity and depth. You feel for her characters and their struggles, just hoping that they'll find a way to move past whatever it is. And she did an excellent job of that in this book with her main duo Lucia and Dane, both dealing with things I think we can all relate to. And in that, their struggles didn't push them further away from each other, after all this a romance.

Blocked not only had sports and romance, but it also had plenty of politics. Jen handled it I think pretty fairly, showing both sides of the coin with each character and how they affected them on a daily basis. Politics is a pretty touchy subject for so many and again Jen didn't shy away from showing that.

She left things pretty open to continue with these characters and series, which I think would be fun. But, whether she continues with them or not, I definitely can't wait to read more from Jen. I know that it will be interesting and fun!

*GIVEAWAY TIME*

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

About the Author

Get psyched for romance with psychologist/author (psycho author) Jennifer Lane! By day she witnesses growth in her psychotherapy clients, and by night she wrangles misbehaving fictional characters as she writes sports romance and romantic suspense with a psychological twist. She can’t decide which is more fun.

A swimmer and volleyball player in college, Jen wove some of her own experiences into Streamline—a military mystery about swimmers. And readers can dip their toes into Jen’s world of swimming romance by sampling her free New Adult novella Swim Recruit.

College volleyball romance Blocked is Jen’s newest release, launching 10-21-14. Peek inside big-time college sports and even bigger national politics when the offspring of two presidential candidates find out whether opposites really do attract, or their match is blocked from the start.

Stories of redemption interest Jen the most, especially the healing power of love. She is also the author of The Conduct Series, a romantic suspense trilogy that includes With Good Behavior, Bad Behavior, and On Best Behavior. Ultimately, whether writing or reading, Jen loves stories that make her laugh and cry.

In her spare time she enjoys exercising, attending book club, hanging out with her plus-size, “I’m not fat, I’m big-boned” Izzie cat, and visiting her sisters and their families in Chicago and Hilton Head.

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter 

Tied by Emma Chase

Tied

Tangled 4

Author: Emma Chase 
Pages: 256 pgs
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Release Date: October 7th 2014
Review Source: NetGalley

In the fourth sexy romance by the New York Times bestselling author of Tangled and Twisted, Drew and Kate can’t wait to tie the knot—if they can survive the pre-wedding festivities.

For most of my life, I never imagined I’d get married. But Kate did the impossible: she changed me. I think we can all agree I was pretty frigging awesome before, but now I’m even better.

The road to this day wasn’t all rainbows and boners. There were mistakes and misunderstandings worthy of a Greek tragedy. But Kate and I made it through with our inexhaustible lust, boundless admiration, and everlasting love for one another intact.

That being said, there were some unexpected incidents in Vegas last weekend that could have been a problem. It was kind of... my final test.

I know what you’re thinking—what the hell did you do this time? Relax. Let’s not judge, or call for my castration, until you've heard the whole story.

And hold on tight, because you’re in for a wild ride. Did you expect anything less?

I started this series a little while back and I wasn't sure what to expect exactly, but I'm so glad that I did. Emma has all of these characters down to perfection, even from the very first book and it carried through to the last. And now I'm sad that it's come to an end.

First, Drew is hilarious. I love his voice and how confident he is as a character. Getting his thoughts is quite possibly the best thing about these books and I enjoyed it the whole way through. His narration is set up like your watching it all play out on a big screen which I haven't seen very often and added something a little different to the story.

Also, I loved Kate and Drew's journey to this point. They'd been through so much and getting to see how it all played out in this last book was wonderful. Even the last minute drama from friends and family seemed to be just the right touch to bring everything to a close.

It'll be fun and exciting to read more from Emma and to see a new batch of characters and their antics in her next series. Are you just as excited as I am?  

Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas

Heir of Fire

Throne of Glass 3

Author: Sarah J. Maas 
Pages: 565 pgs
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Release Date: September 2nd 2014
Review Source: Publisher

Lost and broken, Celaena Sardothien’s only thought is to avenge the savage death of her dearest friend: as the King of Adarlan’s Assassin, she is bound to serve this tyrant, but he will pay for what he did. Any hope Celaena has of destroying the king lies in answers to be found in Wendlyn. Sacrificing his future, Chaol, the Captain of the King’s Guard, has sent Celaena there to protect her, but her darkest demons lay in that same place. If she can overcome them, she will be Adarlan’s biggest threat – and his own toughest enemy.

While Celaena learns of her true destiny, and the eyes of Erilea are on Wendlyn, a brutal and beastly force is preparing to take to the skies. Will Celaena find the strength not only to win her own battles, but to fight a war that could pit her loyalties to her own people against those she has grown to love?

I can't even begin to tell you how much I squeed when I got a copy of this book in the mail, and to see how long it was! This was probably my favorite book this year, bar none, and I hate that it will be another year before book 4 comes out.

Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight were both brilliant. They set the stage for this amazing series and introduced our main characters. Even the prequel stories in the bound copy, The Assassin's Blade, were great because we got to see what led Celaena to Endovier.

But, in my opinion, I think Heir of Fire is the best book in this series so far. Not only did we get to follow our main favorites (Celaena, Chaol, and Dorian) but we were also introduced to some pretty awesome new characters as well: Manon Blackbeak, Rowan Whitehorn, and Aedion Ashryver. Each added a bit more to the story and made me love the world Sarah has created even more.

Oh! And the wyverns. Just wait...

Celaena grows so much in this book, and for those who've read Crown of Midnight you'll know what I'm referring to, as well as Dorian and Chaol. I don't want to give anything away, but I will say that things have definitely taken an interesting turn for each of them.

Waiting for book 4 won't be easy, especially after getting to read Heir of Fire so soon, but I know that it will be worth the wait. And Sarah will be coming to my neck of the woods in October for the Texas Teen Book Festival in Austin. I'm so excited.

 There is also a New Adult series that will come out next May by Sarah that I can't wait to get my hands on: A Court of Thorns and Roses. I will just leave you with this, it's a retelling of the fairytales "Beauty and the Beast", "Tam Lin", and "East of the Sun, West of the Moon".

Blog Tour: One Smart Cookie by Kym Brunner + Giveaway

 Thanks to AToMR for hosting this tour. To check out the others stops click HERE.

One Smart Cookie

Author: Kym Brunner 
Pages: 204 pgs
Genre: YA, Contemporary
Release Date: July 15th 2014
Review Source: Publisher

Sixteen year old Sophie Dumbrowski, is an adorably inept teen living above her family-owned Polish bakery with her man-hungry mother and her spirit-conjuring grandmother, who together, are determined to find Sophie the perfect boyfriend.

But when Sophie meets two hot guys on the same day, she wonders if this a blessing or a curse. And is Sophie's inability to choose part of the reason the bakery business is failing miserably? The three generations of women need to use their heads, along with their hearts, to figure things out...before it's too late.

I'm so glad that I got the chance to read this, it was so much fun and an absolutely adorable read. I felt like I was back in high school, reading characters that I loved and wished I could be.

Kym really pulled me into Sophie's world and I loved that. We got her perspective of life as a sixteen year old just hoping to get a boyfriend for the summer and to have the best time. I felt like I was going back in time, experiencing those things and remembering how important they felt. It made me feel giggly just reading it again and it was great.

We also got to see Sophie's life growing up in a Polish household. Her mother and grandmother brought a great dynamic to the story and I loved their parts throughout. They offered great comic relief and were just right for Sophie's home.

This was a fun summer read with sweet romance, cute boys, and family. A little bit of everything all wrapped up in teen package. What more could you ask for?  

*GIVEAWAY TIME*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour: Innocents by Mary Elizabeth and Sarah Elizabeth

 

Innocents

Dusty 1

Author: Mary Elizabeth, Sarah Elizabeth 

Genre: NA, YA, Contemporary, Romance
Release Date: July 14th 2014
Review Source: Author/Tour

The girl with an innocent heart knows all about bad choices, but has yet to make them for herself. Searching for freedom, she finds it in the delinquent down the hall.

The troublemaker with summer-sky blue eyes knows he should stay away, but can’t resist the blissful wonder who makes his house a home.

She’s a hopeless romantic. He’s just hopeless.

She’s his reason, but he might not catch her when she falls.

She loves him. He loves her crazy.

This is what happens when a love made of secrets is kept with rules instead of promises.

I was so excited for the chance to review this book for these ladies and am thrilled to be a part of the blog tour. Both Mary and Sarah bring something beautiful and unique to the table with their writing, and they pulled me in further to this world with each chapter and their wonderful characters. 


Bliss and Dusty's story started out for them as children and I loved how seamlessly these ladies handled that. Everything from the narration to the conversations between the characters felt so accurate to kids that age and I was hooked. We got to watch the two of them grow up throughout the book and see how their different choices would change them.


We also got to see both Bliss and Dusty's perspectives which I really enjoyed. Questions that couldn't get from Bliss were answered by Dusty and vice versa. Both perspectives were clear and easy to distinguish between. They offered different tones to the story as well. Giving you the hopeful innocence of Bliss, and the dark hopelessness of Dusty. Both were so well done.


And with the way this first book has ended, I can honestly say that I cannot wait to get my hands on the next one. Mary and Sarah have hooked me and I am ready for the rest... I hope you are too!

Empower by Jessica Shirvinton

Empower

The Violet Eden Chapters 5

Author: Jessica Shirvington 
Pages: 472 pgs
Genre: YA, Fantasy
Release Date: May 6th 2014
Review Source: Purchase

It has been two years since Violet Eden walked away from the city, her friends, her future and - most importantly - her soulmate, Lincoln. Part angel, part human, Violet is determined to stand by the promises she made to save the one she loves.

Living in the perpetual coldness of a broken soul she survives day to day as a Rogue Grigori in London.

But when an unexpected visitor shows up at her door, the news he bears about someone she swore to protect leaves Violet with no choice.

Even worse, she fears that this might all lead back to the night she tries hardest to forget. And what was taken without her permission.

Violet is going back to New York ... and she knows exactly who is going to be there.

With Phoenix in her dreams and Lincoln in her heart she knows it is only a matter of time before the final choice must be made.

Once again, Jessica has completely blown me away with this last book in her series. Each one has been better than the last and the conclusion was everything that I could have hoped for and more. Even though it's come to an end, I'll be thinking about these characters for a long long time.

Violet is stronger and even fiery than she's been before, and with good reason. Everything that she went through leading up to the point of the last book had been pretty crazy, and left a gaping hole in her. The fact that Jessica was able to pull out the emotions that she did, leaving me as a reader feeling raw right along with her characters just proved to me how phenomenal she was as a writer.

Putting Empower down for even a second was almost impossible, and reaching the end was bittersweet. Not only did we get to meet new characters, but we got visits from old ones and conclusions that will hopefully leave everyone satisfied. I couldn't have asked for a better ending and only wish that we could continue along with Violet, Lincoln, Steph, and the rest of the gang on their journey.

I've said it before, but I definitely can't wait to read more from Jessica and I hope you guys will join along with me!

Blog Tour: Burn Me by Shelley Watters

 

An Adult Contemporary Romance

Releasing April 29, 2014

Published by Swoon Romance

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

After her twin brother dies in a house fire, firefighter Katrina Hale is determined to prove she’s stronger than the flames. But while her focus on her career leaves little room in her life for romance and her current relationship fizzles, she soon discovers fighting fires is nothing compared to the scorching desire she feels in fellow firefighter Greyson Neal's arms. Firefighter Greyson Neal is the type of guy girls dream about when they want their knight in shining armor to wear bunker gear. But he’s not interested in fulfilling every girl’s fantasies. Now he wants the one woman he can never have, and she seems hell-bent on getting herself killed to prove that she’s worthy of her job. Kat must choose between her career and her heart, and fight to keep them both when an arsonist threatens to take it all away.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20526279-burn-me

I've watched several TV shows and movies with firefighters in them, so it was a nice change of pace to try reading a story about them instead. And it was so much fun!

Shelley didn't hold anything back in introducing readers to what the everyday life of a firefighter is like and that just made the story even better. Not only did we get to see how frightening the fires could be, but we got to see them through a professionals eyes and experience what those situation could be like. It made me even more grateful for those men and women who put their lives on the line for us each day.

Along with that, though, Shelley also brought us romance and intrigue. The relationships between not only Kat's coworkers, but also her love interests were very well done. You could see how she felt about each of them and felt as though you were there right along with her. Add on top of that an arsonist that's doing some pretty scary things and you've got a story for just about anyone.

 *GIVEAWAY TIME*

(1) $10 USD Gift Card to Amazon.com – International

(1) eBook copy of BURN ME (mobi and epub) – International

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

About the Author

Shelley Watters writes romance for young adults and adults. She lives in Arizona with her husband, two kids and two dogs. She loves listening to music, reading good books and letting her imagination go wild as she creates new worlds and torments her characters in delicious ways.

Author’s Social Media Links:

Twitter:@Shelley_Watters; https://twitter.com/Shelley_Watters

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shelley.watters

 

Blog Tour: Just Breathe by Tamara Mataya

 

New Adult Contemporary Romance

Releasing May 6, 2014

Published by Swoon Romance

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Twenty-one-year-old Elle Granger’s boyfriend broke up with her like a coward. He moved to another city without so much as a "goodbye." Devastated and embarrassed, Elle told friends the break-up was mutual and she endured the heartbreaking split without support from the people she's closest with. Instead, she embraced her librarian job as therapy and spent her nights medicated by a thick cloud of pot smoke. With her lungs, and heart, screaming for a break, Elle quits smoking cold turkey. Just when she's about to ask for support from her friends, and let them in on the truth of Jason's humiliating betrayal, her best friend moves to Spain.

Enter sexy-as-hell library patron Dominic, who literally knocks Elle off her feet during a memorable first encounter. Can he help her forget Jason's very existence? He can sure try, and Elle is more than ready to let him. Dominic makes Elle feel wanted and special, and puts effort into coming up with dates that don’t set off her Synaesthesia. Just when Elle is starting to feel whole again, Jason returns, determined to reunite. His effusive apology and reasons for leaving are a balm to her battered ego, but she rebuffs his attention.

But nothing good can last forever, and Elle catches Dominic in a devastating lie. How could she have been so wrong about both Jason and Dominic? Is letting Jason back into her heart a safe bet since he has already proven he can't be trusted? The wrong choice could see Elle's happy ending go up in smoke. But when your only choices are the devils you know, all you can do is JUST BREATHE.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/20561858-just-breathe?from_search=true

This was a rather interesting read for me. The main character, Elle, has Synaesthia and I happen to know a couple of people also have it. So I was curious to see how this was going to play out, and while Elle's was much more intense than those I know with it, I loved how Tamara incorporated the condition into Elle's world and the overall story.

Everything from Elle's enjoyment of books and how they can pull her in, to the feelings of different fabrics and even someone's voice affected her and it was so interesting to see how it played out. Elle was such an interesting character and the Synaethia seemed to enhance those characteristics.

Then there was Elle's love interest, Dominic. He was so sweet and too such care in planning their dates together. I loved getting to see their relationship unfold and hated to see it come to an end. Though I wouldn't mind reading more about them. And Elle's condition made it even more interesting to witness.

*GIVEAWAY TIME*

(1) $10 USD Gift Card to Amazon.com – International

(1) eBook copy of JUST BREATHE (mobi and epub) – International

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the Author

Tamara Mataya is currently a librarian; she lurked there for so long recommending books to patrons and shushing people, that she suspects they only hired her so it would be less creepy. Now she’s armed with a name tag, and a thin veneer of credibility. She’s also a musician with synaesthesia – which isn't an issue until someone plays a wrong note, which makes her want to squirm inside out. It makes for a good live show.

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