1.18.2017

[Cover Reveal] Wolves & Roses by Christina Bauer



Wolves & Roses
Christina Bauer

(Fairy Tales of the Magicorum #1)
Published by: Monster House Books
Publication date: March 28th 2017
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult
Seventeen-year-old Bryar Rose has a problem. She’s descended from one of the three magical races—shifters, fairies, or witches. That makes her one of the Magicorum, and Magicorum always follow a fairy tale life template. In Bryar’s case, that template should be Sleeping Beauty.
“Should” being the key word.
Trouble is, Bryar is nowhere near the sleeping beauty life template. Not even close. She doesn’t like birds or woodland creatures. She can’t sing. And she certainly can’t stand Prince Philpot, the so-called “His Highness of Hedge Funds” that her aunties want her to marry. Even worse, Bryar’s having recurring dreams of a bad boy hottie and is obsessed with finding papyri from ancient Egypt. What’s up with that?
All Bryar wants is to attend a regular high school with normal humans and forget all about shifters, fairies, witches, and the curse that Colonel Mallory the Magnificent placed on her. And she might be able to do just that–if only she can just keep her head down until her eighteenth birthday when the spell that’s ruined her life goes buh-bye.
But that plan gets turned upside down when Bryar Rose meets Knox, the bad boy who’s literally from her dreams. Knox is a powerful werewolf, and his presence in her life changes everything, and not just because he makes her knees turn into Jell-O. If Bryar can’t figure out who—or what—she really is, it might cost both her and Knox their lives… as well as jeopardize the very nature of magic itself.


Author Bio:
Christina graduated from Syracuse University's Newhouse School with BA's in English as well as Television, Radio, and Film Production. Her day job is in marketing for companies like Microsoft, Cisco, and Zerto. Back in the go-go 90′s, she founded her own software start-up, Mindful Technologies. Christina believes that, upon close examination of Tolkien's text, it's entirely possible that the Balrog was wearing fuzzy bunny slippers.

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[Review] The Feeling of Forever By Jamie Howard

The Feeling of Forever
By Jamie Howard
(Love Unplugged #2)
Publisher: Swerve
Published: February 7th 2017

Juliet St. Clair has spent her life under Hollywood's spotlight. While being America's favorite girl next door has had its perks, having to testify against her stalker to put him behind bars certainly wasn't one of them. But when she thinks about walking away from it all, she can't help remembering the enormous pile of medical bills her family is drowning under. Bills that just keep on coming.

Felix Donovan had it all--stunning good looks, gorgeous women, and a spot as the drummer to a band that's sitting pretty at the top of the charts. Until one life-altering decision left him paralyzed from the waist down. He doesn't know whether to laugh or cry when he wins this year's Sexiest Man award, but the one thing he immediately does is send out a Non-disclosure agreement. Hiding his condition from the public is hard as hell, but he's not ready to face the world while he's still struggling to accept his new reality.

Except this year's Sexiest Woman--Juliet St. Clair--never looks at him with pity, only desire. But falling for Juliet means a permanent spot in the tabloids, a decision Felix isn't sure he's ready to make. And when Juliet's stalker re-emerges from her past, Felix's secret isn't the only thing at stake, it could cost Juliet her life.

I recieved an arc of this book in exchange of an honest review

Four words: I. Love. This. Book!

Ok I lied, I have so many things to say about this book. The moment I saw it on Netgalley, I just knew that I need to have it. And words cannot begin to explain how excited I got when it got approved. I was worried that I was too excited and it somehow pushed my expectations too high, but boy I'm glad to find that The Feeling of Forever does not disappoint. I simply love every word and I just can't stop grinning like a fool for every banter between the main protagonists.

Our Hero, Felix Donovan, drummer of a famous band, was forced to change everything that he knew due to his injury that left his legs paralyzed. When he won the Hottest Man Alive, the last thing he probably expected was to find his half in America's sweetheart and all time famous actress, Juliet St. Clair.

I simply can't get over the character and relationship development, everything just flows so naturally, nothing forced nothing unnecessary. The writing style had sucked me in directly from the first chapter, and the plot are totally five star worthy.

Overall, if it wasn't clear from all the compliments that I uttered above, yes. I am absolutely recommending this book to all of you romance book lovers out there! Now, I need to find more books like this. It's safe to say that I'm definitely picking up more novels from Jamie Howard.

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1.16.2017

[Review] Diablo Lake: Protected By Lauren Dane

Diablo Lake:
Protected
By Lauren Dane
(Diablo Lake #2)
Publisher: Carina Press
Published: February 23rd 2017

New York Times bestselling author Lauren Dane welcomes you back to Diablo Lake, Tennessee: a town founded by witches, governed by werewolves and full of secrets

Tensions are building in Diablo Lake as the two main rival Packs vie for control, and the town is divided along lines of Pack loyalty. Aimee Benton and Mac Pembry are on opposite sides and he seems to find excuses to spar with her daily. He's infuriating—not to mention charming, gorgeous and oh-so-lickable.

Mac can't resist pushing Aimee's buttons. She's always been incredibly sexy, and the wolf in him craves a female with fire in her belly. When a heated argument ends with a sizzling kiss and Mac gets a taste of her, he craves more—and she can't seem to get enough of him, either. The forbidden nature of their attraction stokes their desires until they're secretly hooking up whenever they can.

But then Mac's clan goes too far, and Aimee shuts him out. She's hurt and angry—but that's nothing compared to the rage Mac is feeling toward his own Pack. A fight is brewing that will plunge the whole town into chaos, and someone will have to cross Pack lines to keep the town's fragile peace from breaking apart for good.

I recieved an arc of this book in exchange of an honest review.
I almost never end up loving a sequel more than the initial instalment, but guess what? it just happened. Laura Dane did it again. Although I loved the first book, Diablo Lake: Protected had been even more of a delight!

I just can’t get over how much I loved the Hero and heroine of this book. As an empathic witch, Aimee had been greatly involved with the citizens of Diablo Lake. Making her one of the most caring and awesome person in the city, but the fact that she is also this majorly badass, weird, sassy and powerful witch had just pushed herself higher in my shortlist of all time favourite fictional characters. Paired with her not less amazing hunk of a man, Mac Pembry, (despite him being in the opposing pack) the chemistry went over the charts. They are just perfect for each other!

”You’re very strange and it totally turns me on.”

To be honest, the writing style had felt like it wasn’t enough to engage me at the beginning and I was quite worried then. It had felt stretched as if there was just so many unnecessary things being told, but fortunately it doesn’t stay that way long. A few chapters in, the plot evolved into something that you can’t simply put down, so the writing style cease to become an issue at the end.

Overall, GREAT! totally recommended for y’all paranormal romance lovers out there.

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1.12.2017

[Book Blitz] #Blur by Cambria Hebert


#Blur
Cambria Hebert

(GearShark, #4)
Publication date: January 10th 2017
Genres: M/M Contemporary Romance
Nothing but a #blur…
There’s a new kid in town, and he’s hell on wheels.

From what we’ve heard, it may be because

he knows exactly what hell’s like.

Lonely.

Scorching.

Unforgiving.

You may know his brother, the NRR hotshot

(and former GearShark cover model)

Lorhaven.

It’s only natural a driver with his background and family connections

has sped his racecar into the newest, hottest division.

But that’s not all.

Arrow may be following in big bro’s tread marks,

but he doesn’t plan to stay there.

He’s swerving onto the road less traveled…

and a lot more controversial.

He’s opening up about his private struggles with sexuality

to tell a story that’s gone unheard until now.

One thing’s for sure; Arrow may have a painful past,

but his foot is heavy on the accelerator.

With speed like this, he’s bound to leave everything behind in

nothing but a #blur.
Check out the full feature article inside…


Author Bio:
Cambria Hebert is an award winning, bestselling novelist of more than twenty books. She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair.
Besides writing, Cambria loves a caramel latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching movies. She considers math human torture and has an irrational fear of chickens (yes, chickens). You can often find her running on the treadmill (she’d rather be eating a donut), painting her toenails (because she bites her fingernails), or walking her chorkie (the real boss of the house).
Cambria has written within the young adult and new adult genres, penning many paranormal and contemporary titles. Her favorite genre to read and write is romantic suspense. A few of her most recognized titles are: The Hashtag Series, Text, Torch, and Tattoo.
Cambria Hebert owns and operates Cambria Hebert Books, LLC.

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1.09.2017

[Book Blitz] Trillionaire Boys’ Club: The Clothing Mogul by Aubrey Parker



Trillionaire Boys’ Club: The Clothing Mogul
Aubrey Parker

Publication date: December 6th 2016
Genres: New Adult, Romance
“You have to fall in love,” Alyssa suggests. And then, because she’s my publicist, she adds the key word: “Publicly.”
My name is Ashton Moran, and I’m CEO of the $2.2 billion Hurricane Apparel company. You’d think that’d be enough, but it’s not. Not for Alyssa. She says my public image sucks. She says my being a womanizer is hurting Hurricane’s brand.
So she found this girl, Jenna, who I’m supposed to pretend I’m in love with for the press. I’m not supposed to sleep with any other women for as long as this farce goes on. Only with Jenna — if she’s into it, which she will be.
I understand what Alyssa is trying to do by making Hurricane more “family friendly,” but … Me? In love? With only one woman?
There’s no way this is going to work.
The Clothing Mogul is part of the Trillionaire Boys’ Club series by Aubrey Parker. Each book tells the story of one of the Club’s powerful members … and you’re going to want to collect them all.
EXCERPT:
“Ashton? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong.” He slides closer. “Not anymore.”
I turn to look at him. “What’s gotten into you?”
“Nothing’s gotten into me.”
But it’s too much. Too weird. I sit up straighter. I watch his dark eyes in the sparse light filtering up from the street. “Don’t you want to …?”
“What?”
“Don’t you want to have sex?” For a second I’m embarrassed — ridiculous, given the things we’ve done.
“Very much.”
“Well?”
“I just wanted to take a moment.”
“Why?”
“To do without. As if you’ve denied me.”
“I’m not denying you.” The words stir something. My hair against my shoulder, bare but for the straps of my nightshirt, is like the brush of my lover’s fingers. I forget why I was put off by the idea that he’d come here and simply expect to fuck me.
This change is even stranger than the one at dinner. Stranger than the one I saw when he spoke to my father, deferring to the older man’s authority like a proper suitor. His lack of action is making me more aroused, not less. I want to be the aggressor. I want to take him all without asking.
“I know,” he says. “But you could.”
“Anyone can. What’s so special about denial?”
“You don’t know, Jenna. You can’t know what it’s like to be me. Everything is so hard at first, but at a certain point everything gets too easy. You’re the only person who challenges me, who pushes back, who made me work to have you.”
“I’m yours.” I lick my lips, finding control harder to summon. “You don’t have to work to have me anymore. We have a deal.”
“Don’t mention it. Don’t talk about our deal.”
“Why not?” I don’t understand. I’m uneasy, nervous.
“Because I’m sorry we made it. Too many lies to keep track of.”
“You mean the lies about us being together?”
“I mean the lies about how we’re not.”
I look down at him. He can’t mean what he seems to. His hand is at my breast. He’s stroking it idly, almost as if he doesn’t realize what it does to me. “What are you saying?”
“I don’t really know who I am anymore, Jenna. I thought I did, but tonight I found I was wrong. The old me would have been different. He would have lapped it all up. But I didn’t want to. It just made me angry. All I could think about, the entire time, was coming here.”
To my house? It’s so ridiculous.
“You’re Ashton Moran.” It’s such an empty thing to say, but some of the disorientation and confusion leave his expression. I don’t know if it’s what he honestly needs to hear, or if it’s more that he needs me, of all people, to say it.
“Am I? We’ve lied so much, I’m not sure. There’s the old story of Ashton Moran, and now there’s this new one. I’ve been in the new story for months now, but tonight I re-entered the old one. I didn’t feel comfortable in it, like I don’t know or like the old Ashton anymore. But that’s the problem, isn’t it? Because if I don’t like the old Ashton, it means I like being the new one instead. But the new one is a lie. The new Ashton doesn’t exist.”
“How can you say that?”
“Because it’s all bullshit. Everything we’ve said in those interviews … bullshit.”
I look down. I don’t know what to say.
“Tell me it wasn’t all bullshit, Jenna.”
“I … I don’t know.”
“All I know is that tonight, I didn’t feel like myself. I didn’t like me or who I’d become. I only like myself these days when I’m here, in the belly of the lie.”
He raises my shirt and bares my breasts. He kisses them sweetly, one by one. His hand his on my leg, moving slowly, warming me.
Then his hand goes to the center of my chest. To my heart. It’s ironic — he made his billions manufacturing clothing that monitors vital signs, relaying them to an app. But right now the great clothing titan is feeling my vitals using only the biometric device of flesh and bone offered by God. A connection born not of Bluetooth, but skin to skin.
He comes to my lips and kisses them.
“Don’t deny me now.”
teaser-one-copy


Author Bio:
I love to write stories with characters that feel real enough to friend on Facebook, or slap across the face. I write to make you feel, think, and burn with the thrill that can only come from getting lost in the pages. I love to write unforgettable characters who wrestle with life's largest problems. My books may always end with a Happily Ever After, but there will always be drama on the way there.

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1.07.2017

[Review] Hello Me, It's You by Anonymous, Hannah Todd

Hello Me, 
It's You
By Anonymous, Edited by 
Hannah Todd
Publisher: Hello Me, It's You
Published: October 10th 2016

“Keep smiling and being you. Don’t let the world change you”

Hello Me, it’s You is a collection of letters by young adults aged 17-24 about their experiences with mental health issues. The letters are written to their 16-year-old selves, giving beautifully honest advice, insight and encouragement for all that lays ahead of them.

This book was produced by the Hello Me, it’s You charity, set up by the editor, Hannah. Hannah was diagnosed with depression and anxiety whilst at university and found comfort in talking to friends about their experiences, realising she was not alone in her situation. This inspired the idea for the charity and book. Through the creation of materials such as this, the charity aims to provide reassurance for young adults (and their families) who are experiencing mental health issues and give a voice to young adults on such an important topic. The result of that will hopefully be a reduction in the negative stigma surrounding mental health and an increase in awareness of young people’s experiences. All profits go the Hello Me, it’s You charity, for the production of future supportive books.

Trigger warning: Due to it’s nature, the content of this book may be triggering. Contains personal experiences of depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, trichotillomania and other mental health issues, as well as issues such as assault.

“…both beautiful and necessary” Sarah Franklin

I would never thought that I actually picked up something that does not involve fictional creatures and romance, and I couldn't be more glad that I did. When I saw this book on Netgalley, I just know that I need to give it a chance. Having to suffer through a (not-so-mild) social anxiety when I was growing up, to the point that I wouldn't dare to talk to anyone that is not my parents, this book allows me to look back at the experience with a smile. The fact that I am doing a lot better now doesn't change the fact that it's always a comfort to know that what you went through before is bad yet completely normal. That you're actually not alone.

Written as a compilation of letters from anonymous subjects to their past selves who was struggling all kinds of mental health problems, Hello Me, It's You is a great uplifting read for those who just crave that support yet not brave enough to ask for it. Or even for those who just wanted to understand and help their loved ones.

I recieved a copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

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1.03.2017

[Review] Talon by Carian Cole

Talon
by Carian Cole
Publisher: CreateSpace
Published: November 23rd 2015

DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL PARTNER:

Caring. Hard-working. A devoted family man, loves kids.
Clean cut, funny, smart, quiet, but a good communicator.

~ Asia Jenson

DESCRIBE YOUR IDEAL PARTNER:

Independent. Tall, blonde, sexy. Outgoing. Intelligent,
neat. Unslutty. Confident. Loves to travel. Committed.

~ Talon Valentine

A SOCIAL EXPERIMENT.

The concept was scary but exciting...

Marry a total stranger.

Live together for six months.

Journal everything. (Feelings. Fights. All of it.)

After six months, we each get $50K in trade for our journals, whether we stay married or not. But the goal is to commit to the experience and see if the relationship experts could put together the perfect matches.

I have never been lucky in love. This was my chance to find my soulmate.

I couldn’t wait to meet the man the experts felt was perfect for me.

My hopes were immediately dashed when I saw him at the altar.

Shit. I married my worst nightmare.

Right?!

** can be read as a stand-alone! **

[This review were originally uploaded in Goodreads on December 2015]
Ok let me start by saying how I am totally recommending this book to you guys who loved contemporary romance. I finished reading this book a few hours ago and I'm still not over it.

The whole concept of the novel itself was really interesting for me. When I found this on Goodreads I was like HELLS YEAH. I've been craving for these page turners for I don't even know how long and when I finally started reading one chapter of this book I am completely hooked. Our protagonists didn't meet under normal circumstances, Asia is this beautiful lavender-eyed girl who is struggling with intense abandonment issues, and on top of that she had to survive living in a ghetto due to money issues. And then there's our guy Talon. He was basically a slut (emphasis on was), so bad that he's actually branded #cockstar. Yes, I'm not making it up. Talon is the guitarist of Ashes & Embers. Known to be super hot with his long mane and tats all over his delicious body, but of course despite his exterior he's actually really sweet. Like seriously, I need my own Talon. And as you would probably know from the blurb, they are set to be together for this social experiment. Get married to a total stranger for six months, note down all of your feelings and everything, live as if you are really married and earn crapload of money by the end of it, either you get divorced or stay married by the end that's your choice. If that doesn't pique your interest I don't know what will.

The whole story had been so amazing! loved every second of it. Despite their differences Asia and Talon had always have that chemistry. They are just so friggin cute together. I wouldn't say any of those insta-love thing happening here since I do feel how the romance had smoothly grew between them. And the writing style, I don't even know where to start, everything is just so smooth to me. Nothing is forced, nothing is overly talked about, hell I'm even a fan of the conflict and how they solved it. And by the end of the book? the story about the real Talon and Asia (the author's cats) simply breaks my heart. So thank you Carian Cole, for both making me happy and leaving me in this teary and snotty mess. You earned another superfan here.

I might sound as if I'm exaggerating this but that's simply how I felt. I've come through some of those novels that I simply can't let go and just wished I could reverse time just to read it again, and Talon is one of them. Totally. Recommended. I haven't read the other books in the series but now there's no question that I will.


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1.02.2017

[Review] Punk 57 by Penelope Douglas

Punk 57
by Penelope Douglas
Publisher: CreateSpace
Published: October 18th 2016

“We were perfect together. Until we met.”

Misha


I can’t help but smile at the words in her letter. She misses me.

In fifth grade, my teacher set us up with pen pals from a different school. Thinking I was a girl, with a name like Misha, the other teacher paired me up with her student, Ryen. My teacher, believing Ryen was a boy like me, agreed.

It didn’t take long for us to figure out the mistake. And in no time at all, we were arguing about everything. The best take-out pizza. Android vs. iPhone. Whether or not Eminem is the greatest rapper ever…

And that was the start. For the next seven years, it was us.

Her letters are always on black paper with silver writing. Sometimes there’s one a week or three in a day, but I need them. She’s the only one who keeps me on track, talks me down, and accepts everything I am.

We only had three rules. No social media, no phone numbers, no pictures. We had a good thing going. Why ruin it?

Until I run across a photo of a girl online. Name’s Ryen, loves Gallo’s pizza, and worships her iPhone. What are the chances?

F*ck it. I need to meet her.

I just don’t expect to hate what I find.

Ryen

He hasn’t written in three months. Something’s wrong. Did he die? Get arrested? Knowing Misha, neither would be a stretch.

Without him around, I’m going crazy. I need to know someone is listening. It’s my own fault. I should’ve gotten his number or picture or something.

He could be gone forever.

Or right under my nose, and I wouldn’t even know it.

I don't even know where to start. This is the first time I read anything from Penelope Douglas and I just can't get enough. The book is about two pen pals, Ryen and Misha, who got paired at school in fifth grade, as an exercise when they mistakenly thought Misha is a girl and Ryen is a boy. Finding a great connection that they never had with anyone else in real life, they kept on writing to each other for seven years. That is until Misha found out who Ryen really is in real life.

"We're all ugly, Ryen. The only difference is, some hide it and some wear it."

The first thing I noticed about this book before I read it (through reviews) is that the heroine, Ryen, is the Regina type, basically the main B of high school. This may be a turn off to some people, but if anything it actually convinced me that I really need this book. Call me crazy, but I am just so sick of the typical heroine who are sweet, innocent, and all kind of good who later got paired with this popular jock (input eye roll). Because guess what? being selfish makes you real. I believe even the nicest people out there have at least one or two things that they did that they're not proud of. And as much as I want to hate Ryen for what she did, I can't help but understand where she's coming from. It was a really bold move to set Ryen into someone that is not easy to love (she said that in her notes), and I love it. There was just something special to be able to delve into a villain's head for once, and to see that you don't have to be perfect to earn your happy ending. And Misha. To be honest there are time where I just want to kick him in the shin but I just can't stop myself for loving him! The way Penelope had developed the characters are simply amazing.

The plot sequence are definitely perfect. There wasn't a single paragraph that felt stretched or unnecessary. Pair it with the unique plot, great characters and writing style, this book is an easy five star for me. Overall, even though it can be hard for some people to understand the heroine's point of view, and get through the whole book without any lingering hatred for her, I am totally and absolutely recommending this. If I can forget and read this all over again, I would, that's how much it had made an impact to me.

Note this though, don't repeat my mistake. If you do decide to pick this book up, don't read it when you're PMS ing. You'll find yourself confused for crying and laughing in the span of five minutes, and the next thing you know, you have an empty bottle of wine in your right hand. Don't judge. But yeah, this book is so great, I don't know what to do with myself now.

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1.01.2017

[Review] A Long Walk Home by Piper Landen

A Long Walk Home
by Piper Landen
Series: Happawly Ever After #1
Publisher: Patchwork Press
Published: December 27 2016

It’s going to take more than a little luck and a lost dog to bring two lost souls together. 

When a crooked-eared dog with a big heart and no owner to be found sprinted across Casey’s path, she had no way of knowing just how much her life would change. After agreeing to temporarily foster the lost mutt, she finds a new purpose in working with a local rescue—despite having no idea how to take care of a dog. She can barely take care of herself. 

A lost dog isn't the only chance encounter Casey will have at her local park. 

Charlie may have known a lot more about dogs than Casey, but it was his green eyes and relentless smile that first drew her to him. But, as the two of them connect and sparks fly, Charlie’s past comes back for him. They will both have to decide whether to face their secrets or let their pasts hold them back from finding happiness together.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange of an honest review.
A Long Walk Home is a really sweet and short read, perfect for those who are looking for something less heavy and emotionally consuming compared to most of the contemporary novels out there.

Piper Landen had succeeded in serving a great and engaging writing style that complimented the characters and plot. Despite all that, I regret to say that other than the heroine, Casey, I fail to have a 'connection' with the other characters. As a reader who are used to romance novels with tortured souls, the Hero, Charlie, had felt too perfect somehow. He did end up with a couple of personal conflicts that was mentioned to be "secrets", but I feel a tad disappointed that it wasn't quite explored or explained at the end. And for something that could potentially be the main conflict (since it's labeled contemporary romance) the "secrets" didn't seem as significant as it was promised. I get that the novel focus more about the rescue of the adorable Husky mix, Baloo, but I would have thought that exploring the romance could advantage the plot even more.

On the other hand, those tiny issues did not lessen the pleasure of reading this book. The plot is great, the puppy was adorable, and the writing style was just two thumbs up. The fact that I devoured it in a day or less means that I will still undoubtedly recommending this book.

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