Release Day Blitz - Bound by Prophecy

Title Announcement: Bound Series Book 3 by Stormy Smith

Today, Stormy Smith released the name of the third book in her highly anticipated Bound series and we’ve got the scoop!


Introducing….



If you haven’t picked up Bound by Duty or Bound by Spells, you’re going to want to jump on those now!


Book one – Bound by Duty

Nominated for Best Book hangover in the UtopYA 2015 awards!


Amelia grew up in a world of half-truths. She knows she's an Elder, but has no idea what that means. Her father reminds her daily that she must maintain control, but he refuses to explain why. Even worse, she's betrothed to the prince of the Immortals and doesn't even know his name.

Finally breaking free to live a few normal years at a community college, the last thing Amelia expects is to find her best friend in a cheeky southern girl, or fall for a self-assured human who sees her for who she is, not what she will become.

As she learns more about herself, Amelia realizes the line between love and duty is a thin one. As her power continues to increase exponentially and her questions are slowly answered, Amelia must make the ultimate choice. The question is, will her head win the battle, or her heart?





Book two – Bound by Spells


Bound by Spells released March 19, 2015 and has been consistently praised for the dual point of view storytelling, as being better than Bound by Duty, and a book no one can put down! In lieu of potential spoilers in the description, take a look at what fans and bloggers are saying:

Serena Chase, from USA Today’s Happy Ever After blog said, "Featuring a cast of mages and shapeshifters with unique magical abilities, one destiny-shaping prophecy, a genocidal megalomaniac, and a budding, heated romance (or two!), this book is paranormal gold! Read the first book in the series first, of course, but once you finish this one you're sure to be salivating for the next release in this not-to-be-missed romantic paranormal series."

Megsandherbooks said, “I absolutely could not put this down...the lies, the deception, and the never ending struggle to find the truth had me on the edge of my seat eagerly flipping (er... tapping) to get to the next page…If you are a lover of unique stories filled with magic, shifters, action, suspense, friendship, and delusional power hungry villains you MUST one-click this baby!!!”

Fan Jolene Buchheit said, “There were moments when I had chills and moments where my heart was racing. When I turned the last page I was angry, because I can't wait for book 3!”




About the author: Stormy Smith is the author of the Amazon best seller, Bound by Duty, and Bound by Spells. She calls Iowa’s capital home now, but was raised in a tiny town in the Southeast corner of the state. She grew to love books honestly, having a mom that read voraciously and instilled that same love in her. She knew quickly stories of fantasy were her favorite, and even as an adult gravitates toward paranormal stories in any form. Writing a book had never been an aspiration, but suddenly the story was there and couldn't be stopped. When she isn't working on, or thinking about, her books, Stormy’s favorite places include bar patios, live music shows, her yoga mat or anywhere she can relax with her husband or girlfriends.

Connect with Stormy:

Facebook ** Twitter ** Instagram ** GoodReads
Get teasers and sneak peeks on her website

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After a Fashion

After a Fashion is a historical fiction novel by Jen Turano.

Though her dreams are to someday open a dress shop where she can refurbish gowns for working women like herself, Harriet Peabody currently spends her days in a hat shop in New York City 1882.

Beggars can’t be choosers, though – because once a millinery errand to a high-strung customer goes terribly wrong she finds herself without even that position.

Mr. Oliver Addleshaw witnesses the event in question – in fact, he has a role. The aforementioned high-strung lady was under the belief that they were soon to be wed, when in fact all he had been hoping for was a feminine companion on one of his biggest business deals yet.

Seeing Miss Peabody’s precarious situation, he decides to offer her that position – especially as he quickly realizes her personality is far different than most simpering, wedding-obsessed ladies he’s dealt with prior.

Unable to turn down such a lucrative offer, despite its oddness, Harriet decides to go through with it, if only because the funds could potentially help her dream come to pass. Yet she realizes soon enough that having an eye for fashion does not make her fashionable amidst this set – and just when she starts to think she should give up trying to act like something she’s not at sophisticated balls and extravagant feasts, a threat from her past shows up to damage everything…

Jen Turano is swiftly becoming another one of my preferred Christian historical fiction writers!

After a Fashion is amusing, clever and fun to read. Avoiding the romantic clichés that I can’t stand – such as numerous descriptions of the other party’s attractiveness – we get a refreshingly entertaining historical story.

Neither of our main characters are overly sentimental, emotional or romantically inclined. They just, quite simply, work! Their personalities bring out the best in each other and I enjoyed the generally straight forward plot that veered away from the overdramatic.

Keep in mind that I do feel that Harriet’s character was given some great backstory with a rather sad upbringing, yet it didn’t pull down the book or immerse her in self-pity at all. She’s a strong, faith-filled character that has principles. Yay!

With humor, romance and a little dose of drama and surprise, After a Fashion was a fast paced, truly pleasant diversion. I will definitely want to read the next book in this interweaved trio!

*I received a copy of After a Fashion from the Bethany House Book Reviewers program. Their generosity in no way influenced, nor sought to influence, my opinion of the novel.

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Release Day Blitz - Stolen Art

Title: Stolen Art

Author: Ruth Silver

Publisher: Lazy Day Publishing

Release Date: April 28, 2015

Genre: Young Adult, Sci-Fi Romance

Sixteen-year-old Madeline has been living on the streets, biding her time until she's eighteen. With little to no money, she takes on a heist in hopes of making ends meet. What could possibly go wrong?

Everything.

Getting caught is just the beginning of Madeline's adventure as she meets Weston and discovers the secret of where she came from.



Fans of Orphan Black, The X-Files, and Fringe will fall head over heels for STOLEN ART.

Recommended: 15+

Add to Goodreads

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Excerpt

I rush back up the dark stairwell, shoving the key into the doorknob. It takes a minute for the lock to click and I push myself inside the apartment, securing every lock and deadbolt. I can’t stay here in Hutchinson, Kansas any longer. Pulling my phone from my purse, I text Weston.

Tatiana is here. It’s not safe for me.

I grab the few belongings that have any value to me, sentimental or otherwise, and shove it into my shoulder bag, including the stolen silver necklace. It has value and if I’m forced on the run, I’ll need money to survive.

I know.

What did Weston mean he knew Tatiana is at the bar? Had he seen her? Is he there?

What do you mean, you know? I type into the phone. If he saw her, why didn’t he warn me? I can’t go down out the front door and it’s only a matter of time until she finds me just a few feet away. I grow restless waiting for an answer.

The phone buzzes and displays an incoming call from Weston. "Wes, tell me you’re here." The only thing to do is hop in his car and drive into the night, far from Kansas.

A female’s voice bubbles with laughter. "Oh he’s coming darling, but you should know he won’t get here in time. Amazing how easy it is to clone a phone number and steal his service. The advancements Stem Tech has made is encouraging."

About the Author

Ruth Silver is the best-selling author of the Aberrant trilogy. With a passion for writing and a love of story-telling, Ruth is actively writing multiple series under her name as well as the pen name Ravyn Rayne. Her interests include traveling, reading, and photography. Her favorite vacation destination is Australia. Ruth currently resides in Plainfield, Illinois.

Follow Ruth here

Blog- http://writeawaybliss.com

Facebook- http://facebook.com/writeawaybliss

Twitter- http://twitter.com/writeawaybliss

Looking for a steamier read? Check her out here

Blog- http://ravynrayne.com

Facebook- http://facebook.com/ravynraynereads

Twitter- http://twitter.com/blushingravyn

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Release Day Blitz - Forget Me Knot

Forget Me Knot (Royal Reaper 2)

by Ruth Silver

Publisher: Booktrope

Published: June 23, 2015

Don’t mess with death.

When Wynter explores his newly developed dark angel powers, regret soon fills his heart and mind. Saving a soul isn’t what he imagined it to be, and it puts the grim reaper he loves in grave danger.

Obligated to take the throne as Queen, Mara must face the truth and unravel secrets she may not be ready to accept.

The second book in the Royal Reaper saga takes you on a paranormal fantasy adventure into a world of grim reapers, dark angels, and undead trucidators.

Add to Goodreads

Amazon

Also available on Barnes & Noble and iBooks

Excerpt

Death crept into the castle. Mara could feel its darkness pressing her down. As she walked to her father's bedchamber, the thought of marrying a man she did not love weighed heavily on her. All the invitations had been sent out months ago. Just as her life was beginning to almost feel normal, her father, King Philip, had fallen ill along with the court of Casmerelda and much of the kingdom. The second wave of the plague violently spread, leaving a trail of death and burning corpses for the living to clean up.

Her father had been bedridden for three days. His fever spiked and his skin glistened. He grew delirious, falling in and out of consciousness. As much as she despised him for what he’d done to her sister’s boyfriend, he was still her father. She didn’t want to be left alone.

“You must marry Astin at once.”

Mara cringed. “I can’t.” Her lips hidden as she wore a piece of ivory cloth against her nose and mouth, the slightest bit of protection from the disease that had taken over the kingdom. “I don’t love him. Please don’t do this to me.”

“Don’t be selfish.” The words struggled to reach his lips. He coughed and heaved, his chest rising and falling quickly as his pulse raced. “I’ll be with your mother soon…”

“You’ll be dead.”

Taking in several deep breaths, he opened his mouth, his words coming out as a whisper. “You will be reigning queen. Mara, you must act the part. Marry Astin and forge an alliance with the country of Morro, for the sake of Casmerelda. Your people need you.”

“I need you,” Mara said, gripping her father’s hand. She frowned, studying the tips of his fingers, a blackened hue lacing his skin.

“You shouldn’t touch me.” He tried to pull away, unsuccessfully. Her grip remained tight, but more significantly, he’d grown weak from the disease ravaging his body.

“I haven’t been infected, and I’ve been at your bedside every night.” Mara ordered the servants to bring more water and rags. It had done little good to break his fever or alleviate the discomfort he must have been experiencing, but it was all she could think of to help.

“Marry Astin.” His words were rough slipping past his lips. He wheezed, trying to speak, but Mara rested a hand upon his chest.

“Don’t.” She didn’t want to have this conversation again.

“For the sake of the kingdom,” he said, pleading with her.

Mara refused to answer. Marrying Astin wasn’t what she wanted. “I have no desire to be queen so young. You will pull through, do you hear me?”

He’d fallen into a deep slumber, unable to answer her.

About the Author

Ruth Silver is the best-selling author of the Aberrant trilogy. With a passion for writing and a love of story-telling, Ruth is actively writing two series: Royal Reaper and Orenda. She also writes The Federal Agent Chronicles and Palace Secrets, both of which are adult romance under the name Ravyn Rayne for Blushing Books. Her interests include traveling, reading, and photography. Her favorite vacation destination is Australia. Ruth currently resides in Plainfield, Illinois.

Follow Ruth here:

Blog- http://writeawaybliss.com

Facebook- http://facebook.com/writeawaybliss

Twitter- http://twitter.com/writeawaybliss

Looking for a steamier read? Check her out here:

Blog- http://ravynrayne.com

Facebook- http://facebook.com/ravynraynereads

Twitter- http://twitter.com/blushingravyn

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How to Destroy the New Girl's Killer Robot Army

How to Destroy the New Girl’s Killer Robot Army is a middle grade, humor horror novel by Mick Bogerman and the third in the Slug Pie series.

Again, I think it’s not necessary to read these books in order but it could certainly enhance the fun!

After zombies and ugly mermaids, you wouldn’t think much would faze Mick Bogerman.

Until the new girl.

She gets on his nerves – using her Big Words and her Big Brain to mess with him. She’s even spending time at his Mr. Gee’s comic shop – pushing him out of his own territory!

So… maybe he does something about it.

But that doesn’t excuse her creating a robot army that is dead-set on terrorizing Mick and his friends and family!!!

Another strong entry in the Slug Pie series, this was a whole lot of FUN!

Again we get more of Mick’s personal life – all fairly quick as these books are so short they could practically be called novellas, but it’s effective nonetheless – and his mom, brother and friends. Score!

Truly an entertaining riot as we follow Mick’s battle against the dangerous, determined robots attempting to enact revenge on him!

I hope to see more Slug Pie stories coming out soon – they are a light-hearted, engaging pleasure to read and sure to utterly GOBBLED UP by young boys and girls.

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How to Rid Your Swimming Pool of a Bloodthirsty Mermaid

How to Rid Your Swimming Pool of a Bloodthirsty Mermaid is a middle grade humorous horror novel by Mick Bogerman, and the second book in the Slug Pie Series.

Though I think you would enjoy reading these books in order, these are ones I can honestly say should be just fine not to – if needed.

All Mick wanted was to fulfill his promise to his little brother – teach him how to swim. To do so, he agreed to do wealthy PJ’s lawn moving in exchange for access to his pool.

But there’s a mermaid in there.

And not a gorgeous, sweet, innocent mermaid.

Oh, no.

A bloodthirsty, man-eating, red-scaled monstrosity!

Well, Mick is just going to have to figure out how to rid the pool of it.

After all, how else will his little brother learn to swim?

Now, I felt that How to Rid Your Swimming Pool of a Bloodthirsty Mermaid was a great improvement on the first book, How to Navigate Zombie Cave and Defeat Pirate Pete, for a few different reasons.

Reason One: Far more setup – thank you!!! Instead of jumping into the midst of action, we actually get to see Mick in a normal life for a little bit, get the build-up of how the heck he gets involved in mermaid eradication and get a chance to feel like we are learning along with Mick.

Reason Two: More of Finley, Mick’s little brother. He’s a great compliment to Mick’s more reckless character and a hilarious, clever little guy that acts way older than he is. He, I felt, was underutilized in the first book.

Reason Three: Humor!!! Not that How to Navigate Zombie Cave and Defeat Pirate Pete wasn’t funny – it was – but How to Rid Your Swimming Pool of a Bloodthirsty Mermaid felt far more that gross-out, gory humor and more clever, smart silliness – which I prefer.

This was a really fun story that I really enjoyed! The characters were more developed – in a comical way of course, but still – and the plot had some meat to it!

It’s appropriate for all ages with enough scare factor to not make it too wimpy of a read.

On to book three!

For National Poetry Month, I'd like to share a fun quiz with you, brought to you by the folks at Grammarly.com Grammar Check! Who is your Poet BFF?

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Infographic: Who Writes Better?

For your Hump Day bibliophile pleasure, here's an Grammarly's Grammar Checker infographic about just who writes better - men or women?!??

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Book Promo - Sophomore Year is Greek To Me

Meet Zona Lowell. She’s fifteen. She lives in New York City. And just like that... her life is being turned upside-down.

What would YOU do?
 

High school sophomore Zona Lowell has lived in NYC her whole life, happily hanging out with her two best friends and planning to follow in the footsteps
of her renowned-journalist father, David. But when he announces
they’re moving to Athens for the remainder of the school year so
he can work on an important new story, she’s devastated— he must have an ulterior motive. See, when Zona’s mother married an American, her huge Greek family cut off contact. But Zona never knew her mom, and now she’s supposed to uproot her entire life and meet possibly hostile relatives on their turf? Thanks... but no thanks.
Author Meredith Zeitlin is ecstatic to announce the upcoming release of her second young adult novel,
SOPHOMORE YEAR IS GREEK TO ME,
a follow-up to 2012’s Freshman Year and Other Unnatural Disasters. Coming April 2015 and published by G.P. Putnam’s Sons, SOPHOMORE YEAR follows a girl on an adventure she doesn’t want to take... that ends up changing her life in ways she never imagined.
You can watch the glorious book trailer for SOPHOMORE YEAR IS GREEK TO ME here: https://vimeo.com/118188167.
There’s also a shiny new website with oodles of info: www.mzwrites.com.


 

SOPHOMORE YEAR Links:
Book Website: http://www.mzwrites.com/

Book Trailer: https://vimeo.com/118188167
 Amazon Listing: http://mzwrit.es/1789mlj 

Barnes and Noble Listing: http://mzwrit.es/1BpHB0J
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MZeitlinAuthor Twitter: @zeitlingeist

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Book Review - Gone Girl

Title: Gone Girl
Author: Gillian Flynn
Publisher: W&N
Release Date: 3 Jan. 2013
ISBN-13: 978-0753827666 
Audio CD 
Publisher: Orion (25 Sept. 2014) 
ISBN-13: 978-1409158493
Read by Julia Whelan and Kirby Heyborne

Synopsis
Who are you?
What have we done to each other?

These are the questions Nick Dunne finds himself asking on the morning of his fifth wedding anniversary, when his wife Amy suddenly disappears. The police suspect Nick. Amy's friends reveal that she was afraid of him, that she kept secrets from him. He swears it isn't true. A police examination of his computer shows strange searches. He says they weren't made by him. And then there are the persistent calls on his mobile phone.

So what did happen to Nick's beautiful wife?

My Review
I had heard so many good things about this book and one of my colleagues has been nagging me to read it for years, I've had the book in my locker for many months and just never got around to picking it up. Then the Spoken word CD was returned to the library I work in and I thought I might as well give it a go. I always have a book on CD in my car and this seemed like a great opportunity. I have to say that the readers did an amazing job, they brought the characters to life and really gave them a voice you could believe in.
THe rest of my review will be on the story itself not the audio recording. 
The book starts of right in the action and pulls up a number of questions and mysteries that you want answers to, for the first part of teh story I was hooked, I wanted to know what had happened to Amy, whether Nick was involved and just how and why Amy disappeared.
I couldn't have been more invested in the story and I could see why so many people hyped it up, but then we moved on to part 2 and immediately I was like 'What!?', but I was willing to go with it, I didn't like the new development of characters but I kept going. After a while I started to get into the story again and found myself enjoying the storyline once more. There were still things I just had to know and there were some things that really piqued my interest. 
And then part 3 started and I couldn't believe where the author was going with the story, I didn't like the direction it took and I found myself just wishing the story would end. I began to get bored, in fact at one point I turned the CD off and listened to the radio again just to get away from it. But I still had that bit of interest and I had to know how it would end. I kept hoping Flynn would flip the storyline again and come up with a really fulfilling and satisfying ending. She didn't!
This book actually made me really angry, I was gobsmacked by that ending, it was the most disappointing ending I have ever read and i couldn't believe that it would finish that way. I literally threw the CD box across my car seat (not so it would damage it, but enough to make me feel better) I can't even describe how much this ending really bothered me. I just expected and wanted so much more, and there seemed to be quite a few plot holes that were totally overlooked, details that I'm sure would have solved the truth behind the 'crime' easily that no one picks up just because Amy says differently. 
So this book is amazing for the first part, really good story and build up and suspense and then it all goes downhill. 
I know my colleague at work felt differently, she quite liked the ending, but she could see why it annoyed me. It's one of those things you will have to decide for yourself, but I have to say I wouldn't recommend it.

My Rating

 
   

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Don't Judge a Girl by Her Cover

Don’t Judge a Girl by Her Cover is the third book in the YA contemporary spy school series Gallagher Girls by Ally Carter.

If you haven’t read the first two books, I strongly recommend not reading this review to avoid inevitable spoilers.

Got it?!?

A visit to Boston to visit one of her best friends Macey during her summer vacation sounds like fun to Cammie.

After all, it’s not every girl that gets to watch their best friend’s father campaign to be the next vice president of the United States!

Yet what was believed to be a friendly visit turns deadly – not necessarily surprising considering the line of business Cammie and Macey are being groomed for.

But this time it is not a test. It’s not a practical exam.

It’s real.

When a kidnapping attempt leaves Cammie and Macey battered – their best friends Liz and Bex join them to try and figure out who is after Macey and why.

Even if the Secret Service wants them nowhere near the investigation…

Don’t Judge a Girl by Her Cover was yet another fun entry – but this one grew up a little, shall we say.

Instead of staying only in the romance/frothy fun genre, this third book provided more dramatic, twisty turns, giving the series more weight.

I have to admit that as much as I have enjoyed being entertained by the Gallagher Girls, I am more intrigued by things turning a bit more serious.

There were some truly life-threatening moments and some deeper character development here. Romance took a much smaller role – though I’m sure it’ll be back full-fledged soon – and the girls’ friendship and their spy training was just as great, but based in actual stakes.

All of this made me very much look forward to book four.

Sadly, I purchased the three book set and do not know when I’ll be able to grab up book four. But it’ll happen eventually!!!

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How to Navigate Zombie Cave and Defeat Pirate Pete

How to Navigate Zombie Cave and Defeat Pirate Pete is a middle grade humorous horror novel by Mick Bogerman.

Mick Bogerman is a typical 12-year-old boy.

That is, the kind that is determined to fight off zombies with a pitchfork and locate long-lost pirate gold, all the while doing everything he can to avoid gagging on the smell.

And if this is an endeavor that interests you, Mick is happy to provide this “how to”, which regales his experience and the tips he’d provide.

Time to get some pirate gold!

How to Navigate Zombie Cave and Defeat Pirate Pete is the first in Slug Pie Story series narrated by Mick Bogerman.

It’s a fast paced, gory, gross, funny debut that made me wince and laugh at the same time. I can see 12-year-old boys loving it, or anyone with a penchant for middle grade horror, such as the Goosebumps series.

This first outing is not as substantial or story driven as I prefer and ended up feeling a bit forgettable, but I am happy to say that I personally feel the next two books in the series improve greatly.

You’ll see those reviews in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, How to Navigate Zombie Cave and Defeat Pirate Pete is a fun, if insubstantial, diversion.

If you like description of zombies falling apart, dying in various manners or the search for pirate gold in general – this could be the perfect short novel for you!

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Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy

Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy is the second book in the YA teen spies-in-training series Gallagher Girls by Ally Carter.

To avoid any spoilers, you’ll want to have read the first book I’d Tell You I Love You, But Then I’d Have to Kill You before you read this review.

Deal?

Returning to school after having to give up her civilian boyfriend, Josh, Cammie is hoping to be fully distracted by her spy skills training to think of him – or that he is just outside the highly secure walls of the Gallagher Academy.

Alas, her troubles with the male gender have not ended it seems.

For a long time, there has been supposition that there must be a boy-version of the Gallagher Academy out there somewhere…

Then the code name Blackthorne starts being thrown around – during some innocent eavesdropping on her mother the headmistress, ahem – and a wing of the Academy is being prepped for guests – determined after some just-as-innocent reconnaissance.

Blamed for security breaches that – this time – she did not cause, Cammie finds herself in a position where she needs to clear her name.

Well, she and her fellow spies-in-training best friends are more than up that challenge.

But mix in too many Y chromosomes and will Cammie’s skills still be victorious?

Cross My Heart and Hope to Spy really won me over on the Gallagher Girls series.

Primarily because Ally Carter truly begins to flesh out this slightly realistic/slightly ridiculous world with more proof of it’s fun, eccentric, creative plot.

Venturing out of the Gallagher Academy a little more provides more opportunities to see this spy world beyond the training grounds and was really quite entertaining!

Then mixing in more romance, action and humor – it was another easy read!

And, in my opinion, even better than the first!

I will be continuing on to book three!!!

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Shadow Scale

Shadow Scale is a YA fantasy novel, and the long awaited follow-up to Seraphina, by Rachel Hartman.

Though it is said you could read Shadow Scale without having read Seraphina, I strongly believe you will get far more impact from the sequel if you read the books in order. For my part, I actually re-read Seraphina before reading Shadow Scale – and I’m glad I did!

To read my review of Seraphina, click here. Consider avoiding the below review for inevitable spoilers of the first book.

Final warning!

Seraphina’s secret – that she is half-dragon, half-human – is now known to the kingdom of Goredd at large. It’s something she never expected – but has become an advantage now, as the potential victory in the brewing war may lie in her kind.

And she can find them.

Locating all of the grotesques from her mind garden appeals to Seraphina – she thinks of them as a family, wants to gather everyone together to be happy and free from the shame that has dogged them since birth.

Yet it is not a straightforward task – and her travels throughout the realms do not garner the reaction she expects. There are roadblocks, revelations and struggles that she had not foreseen.

And someone is working against her.

How can Seraphina broker peace if her own kind is not on her side?

I feel my re-read of Seraphina was necessary – as the wait for Shadow Scale was a long one, and I needed to get reacquainted with these characters. It was a wonderful re-read, reminding me of the superb writing!

Shadow Scale is an exquisite sequel – providing that same quiet intensity and nobility of characters that I love! We get intriguing depth in the dragon lore and the gripping psychological, character-driven fantasy that gets you invested.

With some truly chilling twists, I found Shadow Scale to be suspenseful and frightening on an intellectual level. Book Two really upped the scare factor and a character that I will not name – for fear of causing a spoiler – was honestly scary to me.

Spellbinding in an unusual manner, Shadow Scale is an epic fantasy with emotion, romance, strength and a unique, graceful voice.

Worth the wait!

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Book Review - Dance of Shadows

Title: Dance of Shadows
Author: Yelena Black
Series: Dance of Shadows (Book 1)
Publisher: Bloomsbury Childrens
Release Date: 12 Feb. 2013
ISBN-13: 978-1408829974

Synopsis
Vanessa doesn’t believe that her sister is a runaway. She wouldn’t leave her family behind without saying a word. The only way Vanessa can discover the truth behind her mysterious disappearance is to follow in Margaret’s footsteps, but to do so she risks her sanity and maybe even her life . . .

Vanessa Adler is one of the talented few to get a place at the acclaimed New York Ballet Academy. Between backbreaking rehearsals for the school’s production of The Firebird she desperately tries to find out what happened to her sister before she vanished. There are rumors that the pressure of performing the lead role, the same role Vanessa is now rehearsing for, drove her mad. Other girls have gone missing too. Can the role be cursed? Vanessa’s new relationship with leading-man Zep only seems to complicate things further. What is he hiding from her and can she really trust him?

My Review
This book has caught my eye a number of times over the years but I never fully picked it up, but last week I was out on the mobile library and when we stopped for lunch in the middle of the countryside I realised I had forgotten my book so I searched the shelves and this was there. I decided to pull it down and give it a go. I've always rather liked dance themed books, for some reason ballet especially appeals (I have never done ballet but i like to read about it), So I settled down with my sandwich and this book and decided to give it a go.
Within the first five or six pages I was intrigued and interested in knowing more and that feeling only grew the more I read. In that 1 hour break I managed to read almost 100 pages, and I couldn't wait to read more. I brought it home with me and finished it that evening and the next morning (neglecting coursework I probably should have been doing, hehe)
I just could not put this book down I had to know what was going on, where Vanessa's sister was and who was really on her side. I kept changing my mind and just couldn't decide. However I did figure out who would betray her before it was revealed so my intuition is still working right. 
All the way through this book has the feel of a paranormal mystery without actually involving monsters or demons etc. I really like that with a book, those that can feel abnormal and create that atmosphere without having to shove it down your throat. It just adds to the feel of the book. But then it's like someone flipped a switch and in the last 70 or so pages the book goes totally paranormal, like off the chart crazy. We have legends of a dance that can summon demons and then suddenly we have students being possessed, teachers summoning spirits, and all at once everything is about the idea of the 'necrodancers', which whilst a slightly cool idea seemed a little bit forced and I didn't really agree with it. The ending just felt a little rushed and mixed up. 
Overall though the book was very good and I am intrigued enough to read the next book (in fact I've already ordered it at the library, asking them to by a copy for their stock) and I want to find out if Vanessa can finally find her sister and what will happen to them all next, but it wasn't the ending I was expecting.
Overall a very addictive read with some very good moments that will just keep you flicking the pages, but it wasn't quite what I was expecting.

My Rating

      

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New book by C.C Hunter - Cover Reveal

Everybody stop what you are doing! There is a new book by C.C Hunter coming out. Back in the world of "Shadow Falls" but this time we get to read from Miranda's point of view.

I love Miranda, she's so ditzy yet strong. In a way she reminds me of myself.
I cannot wait for this book to come out, it is due for release on 30th June - I shall be counting down!

But the cover has been released and I am sharing it with you today:

Looks so cool.
Here's what C.C says about it:

In Spellbinder you’ll learn:

      1.      When you play with fire, you might find things getting hotter for other reasons.

      2.      It’s possible for a girl to be kissed like she’d never been kissed and not even know who kissed her.    

      3.      Magic moms are ten times worse than soccer moms.

      4.      The only thing better than going to Paris, is going to Paris with your two best friends.  Well, it would be if someone wasn’t trying to kill you.

      5.      Sometimes the people you think you know the best, aren’t at all who you thought they were.

      6 .     Some things are harder to forgive than others.

      7.      Family can work together and overpower dark magic.

      8.      If someone needs help and you ignore them, you may never forgive yourself.

      9.      While a hug doesn’t fix everything, it can be exactly what you need at the moment.

    10.   Some people are willing to kill to win.


ooooohhhh! 
If you haven't read the other Shadow Falls books, then I strongly recommend you do.
I am so excited right now!

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Guest Post - J.A Buckle

I am please to welcome the author of 'Half my Facebook Friends are Ferrets' and 'My Smoky Bacon Crisp Obsession' to my blog today.
J.A. Buckle has written an awesome Guest Post giving you an insight into some of her characters. As a fan of the books I found this to be very interesting and I must agree, we do all seem to have a quirk of our own.






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My Smoky Bacon Crisp Obsession’s cast of characters

Andrea Reece from Books for Keeps recently described the people in My Smoky Bacon Crisp Obsession as “a wonderful cast of slightly eccentric but recognisable characters” This got me thinking that we are probably all a bit eccentric in our own way (I know I am!). But then again, that’s what makes life interesting J

Below I’ve listed the main characters in the book, some of their traits and what I think makes them all that bit different.

Josh

Pros: Sarcastic and funny. Good friend, brother and son. Deep down he’s a hopeless softie.

Cons: Occasionally tactless. Tendency to get obsessed with things. Can be a bit of a jerk.

Actor to play him in up coming film* My daughter’s ex-boyfriend. Failing that Kit Harington (Jon Snow) from Game of Thrones would probably be just about acceptable ;-)

Maddie

Pros: Doesn’t take any nonsense from anyone. Knows how to have fun and loves clubbing – thankfully not clubbing baby seals or that would be in the cons!

Cons: Tends to objectify males. Can be a bit naggy.  Leaves her stilettos in dangerous places.

Actress:  Anyone from TOWIE

Davey

Pros: Really, really nice

Cons: Lacking in self-esteem. Zero fashion sense (wears padded, bright orange cagoule). Bit bumbling. Too nice?

Actor: A young Boris Johnson!

Peter

Pros: Sensitive, ambitious, confident, strong sense of style.

Cons: Infuriatingly optimistic about life.

Actor: My best friend’s son – he’d be great at it.

Ollie

Pros: Always up for a laugh. More laid back than a collapsed deck chair.

Cons: Can be extremely tactless (downright rude). Highly intelligent but occasionally really, really stupid. Complete dosser.

Actor: Jack O’Connell (Skins), or anyone known for playing a cheeky bad boy with a good heart!

Lloyd

Pros: Musically gifted. Smart. Friendly. Very religious.

Cons: Bad taste in girlfriends. Very religious.

Actor: Jaden Smith

Becky

Pros: Kind. Conscientious. Thoughtful.

Cons: Inwardly confused.

Actress: Ramona Marquez from Outnumbered. Not sure why, just think she’d be good. Also, happen to know she likes hamsters and guinea pigs so an instant connection with Becky there.

Ned

Pros: Aging glam rocker and all round helpful, nice guy.

Cons: Owns an extremely aggressive Yorkie.

Actor:  NOT Jeremy Clarkson. Maybe Richard Hammond, as he is quite nice/cute.

Wentworth

Pros: Umm...

Cons: Too many to list but the main one is probably that he can be extremely nasty and mean .

Actor: Anyone known for playing really mean, nasty people.

Ozzy

Pros: Friendly, furry, fun. Excellent taste in music (metal)

Cons: Tendency to wee on important items like Biology projects and Children of Bodom CDs. Issues with body odour. Tendency to press claws sharply into things (Josh’s shoulders) and  to sleep in inappropriate places, (Josh’s face).

Actor: Himself. If Ozzy was not available due to other engagements we could use the Otter from Tarka the Otter with a little bit of face makeup

*There isn’t an up and coming film but I am ever hopeful!


About the Author 

Jackie Buckle has been writing for years, since reading The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler, the book she says, that made her want to write. Half my Facebook Friends are Ferrets was discovered in the slush pile by a Curious Fox editor who immediately recognised its irresistible mix of humour, music and the digital world, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Jackie writes around her day job, as the website manager for a leading drug charity, and her voluntary work as a befriender for an eating disorders charity. She is passionate about animals, playing the acoustic guitar and walking her Finnish lapphund. She has two teenage daughters and lives in Reigate, Surrey.

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Blog Tour - Between Now & Forever

 

Blog Tour Schedule

Between Now and Never by Laura Johnston

Buh boom, buh boom.

My heart thrusts with a force that takes me by surprise. Telling me something I don’t understand. A splitting pain, a longing to slip back under. They tell me I was in a hit-and-run, but I can’t remember what happened that night. All I know is that I woke up with pictures in my pocket, a card from one of those photo booths in the mall. And I’m in the pictures. Cody Rush. Me and…

Julianna.

Her brother was there that night, and my dad, the FBI agent, was the one who put her mom behind bars. What’s the connection? And why won’t Julianna talk to me now? Somehow, she holds the key to it all, and getting close–real close—to her for the answers I need will be no hardship at all…

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo

Praise for Between Now & Never
“A romance that will keep teens turning pages.” ~ Janette Rallison

"This was a lot different than I was expecting and I was honestly surprised with how much I enjoyed it. The cover led me to believe this would be a cute, love story but it was a suspenseful and gripping read." ~ Review from Goodreads

“Best book I read all year! On the edge of your seat suspense, heartwarming romance, and characters to cheer for—Between Now and Never is one you won’t want to miss.” ~Kelly Nelson, author of The Keeper’s Saga

"I had the privilege to read BETWEEN NOW AND NEVER when it was in manuscript form. I loved loved loved it from page one! Laura Johnson is such a talented author -- really looking forward to reading more of her work!" ~Kay Lynn Mangum, author of The Secret Journal of Brett Colton



Author Laura Johnston

Laura Johnston lives in Utah with her husband and two children. Growing up with five siblings, a few horses, peach trees, beehives and gardens, she developed an active imagination and always loved a good story. She fell in love with the young adult genre both through her experience in high school as well as her job later as a high school teacher. Laura enjoys running, playing tennis, sewing, traveling, writing, and above all, spending time with her husband and kids.

Website * Twitter * Facebook

Blog Tour Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 4/26/15

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
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Excerpt —Photo Booth

JULIANNA

We listen to the monotone voice reel off instructions. Four pictures. A light will flash before each picture is taken. Etcetera. How I ended up in this position I’m not sure. We both sit, staring at our reflections on the dark plastic and, no doubt, both stuck on the same thought that crosses everyone’s mind when they’re on this seat.

“Quick,” I say, “what should we do?”

A flash of light. Picture one down. Both of our mouths were hanging open, blank stares straight ahead.

We burst into laughter and can’t stop. A second flash. Picture number two: both of us laughing.

Our gazes meet and we pull ourselves together, his eyes never veering from mine. He leans toward me, coming halfway before pausing, his eyes seeking permission. I regard him with equal parts terror and anticipation, the intimacy of the situation whispering a thrill. He closes the distance between us and glides his nose through my hair. My heart rattles around as though this is the first boy I’ve ever been close to.

“Now smile,” he whispers into my ear. Even if I should be creeped out, forget it. My cheeks burn despite myself and I feel the corners of my lips tugging upward. A flash of light signals the third picture and I am totally seduced.

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