Tour Review: Meant to Be by Lauren Morrill

Synopsis:
Meant to be or not meant to be . . . that is the question.

It's one thing to fall head over heels into a puddle of hazelnut coffee, and quite another to fall for the—gasp—wrong guy. Straight-A junior Julia may be accident prone, but she's queen of following rules and being prepared. That's why she keeps a pencil sharpener in her purse and a pocket Shakespeare in her, well, pocket. And that's also why she's chosen Mark Bixford, her childhood crush, as her MTB ("meant to be").

But this spring break, Julia's rules are about to get defenestrated (SAT word: to be thrown from a window) when she's partnered with her personal nemesis, class-clown Jason, on a school trip to London. After one wild party, Julia starts receiving romantic texts . . . from an unknown number! Jason promises to help discover the identity of her mysterious new suitor if she agrees to break a few rules along the way. And thus begins a wild goose chase through London, leading Julia closer and closer to the biggest surprise of all: true love.

Because sometimes the things you least expect are the most meant to be

Publication Date: November 13, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction
Source: Thanks to the Souther Book Bloggers for allowing me to be a part of this book tour!



Review:
The only way I can describe this book is: Adorable. It is simply sweet and scrumptiously adorable. I had a good idea of where the book was going, but there are enough little twists to keep you feeling satisfied with the story.

This book has one of my favorite personality combinations to read: uptight, rule-folllower type of girl and the free-spirited, life-loving dude that inspires her to just be herself. Julia and Jason's relationship is so sweet and progresses so honestly throughout the book. I also loved how Jason isn't exactly what he appears to be on the outside. He can be really deep and considerate and sweet. I keep using that word, but if you read the book you'll see why :)

If you love contemporary fiction that keeps you hooked in, but the subject matter isn't too dark then this is the perfect book to read. It's a quick book to go through, but leaves you feeling warm and happy with how it ends. A good weekend type of book to read :)

Tour Review: The Assassin's Curse by Cassandra Rose Clarke

Synopsis:
Ananna of the Tanarau abandons ship when her parents try to marry her off to an allying pirate clan: she wants to captain her own boat, not serve as second-in-command to her handsome yet clueless fiance. But her escape has dire consequences when she learns the scorned clan has sent an assassin after her.

And when the assassin, Naji, finally catches up with her, things get even worse. Ananna inadvertently triggers a nasty curse — with a life-altering result. Now Ananna and Naji are forced to become uneasy allies as they work together to break the curse and return their lives back to normal. Or at least as normal as the lives of a pirate and an assassin can be.

Publication Date: October 2, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Adventure
Source: Thanks to Southern Book Bloggers for letting me be a part of this tour!

Review:
I was so excited to read this book because it sounded so original in comparison to a lot of the things I've been reading lately. Not to say that being original automatically makes something better, of course, but I was really eager to get started.

I have to say I wasn't completely sold at the beginning, but the characters really pull this story along and make it into something really special. I loved that Ananna is an independent chick. She's a seriously skilled pirate, and she can push past her fear. I think those are admirable qualities in a female main character. Plus, she has those traits while still maintaining her emotions and the things that make her feminine as well. I think that's a hard balance to strike.

Another thing I really loved about The Assassin's Curse is that Ananna and Naji's relationship is so very subtle. I'm all about a deep, angsty love story, but this book really proves that it's not necessary to still be wrapped up in the interaction between the characters. Ananna builds a wary friendship with Naji after he tries to kill her, and they end up with their futures bound up together. Their journey to break this bond and be rid of each other is the very thing that begins to bring them together.

I think this book sets the stage for a wonderful new series, and I'm really looking forward to the next book.

Review: The Mephisto Kiss by Trinity Faegen

Synopsis:
The eyes never lie. No one’s eyes are darker than Eryx. Not even the Devil’s.

When Jax and Sasha first see Jordan Ellis, they know she is no ordinary teenager. She’s the daughter of the President after all, but she’s also Anabo – a descendant of Eve.

What they don’t know is that Eryx plans to kidnap Jordan and force President Ellis to pledge his soul. If Eryx’s plot succeeds, the consequences would be catastrophic.

But the Mephisto brothers do know about Jordan’s secret identity. And for one of them, she could be the match that leads to their soul’s salvation.

Now it’s a desperate race against time to save Jordan and prevent Eryx’s haunting eyes from discovering her true identity.

Publication Date: September 25, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Source: I won this ARC via the cover reveal giveaway for the book :D

Review:
My initial reaction to having the book focus on a different Mephisto brother was mildly pouty, maybe a bit whiney as well.  I wanted my Jax...and Sasha too.  A great pair, and I loved their story in Mephisto Covenant (my review for that one here). It didn't take long for me to become just as wrapped up in one of the other brother's (I won't spill any secrets...I won't spill any secrets *bites lip*) relationship with Jordan.

The Mephisto brothers are a complicated and intriguing lot. They each have their own hangups and issues which makes for great reading. Getting into this second book gives an even greater look into the vast history spread out behind each of them. Their struggles, strengths and screaming good looks *ahem* showcase them as distinct individuals. And this is only Book two!

I have to say that I loved the character development of Eryx. He is black-as-coal evil, no light to be seen. But we get to see some deeper glimpses of him as character, for good or bad I won't say. But it's awesome! Jordan is a great character as well. She is totally different from Sasha, but because Jordan is Anabo too they share some of the same traits.

I stand by comparing Trinity's books to candy. You can't just have one piece of candy, just like you can't read only one chapter of this book. It gets into your system and makes you keep reading :) I believe I might become a bit repetitive, but everything I love in a good, angsty, paranormal romance is what this entire book is made of. There's nothing I don't like about it.

Review: Blood Zero Sky by J. Gabriel Gates

Synopsis:
Unprofitables are banished to work camps to pay off their credit. Other tie-men and women look on apathetically. "Fair is fair. Everyone knows you shouldn't use more credit than you are worth to the Company. "They turn their attention to the next repackaged but highly coveted N-Corp product on the market, creatively advertised on the imager screens that adorn virtually every available flat surface. All the while, their mandatory cross-implants and wrist-worn "ICs" keep them focused on the endless cycle of work and consumption to which they are enslaved.

May Fields the CEO's daughter would like to believe she is above all that. Head of N-Corp's marketing team, the young woman who has almost everything anyone could want spends her days dreaming up ingenious ways to make workers buy more of what they already have and don't need. Even before May discovers that the Company is headed for its first loss in thirty years, she is feeling the stirrings of dissatisfaction with the system that has given her everything she's ever wanted . . . except the freedom to be herself.

When she is kidnapped by a member of the Protectorate a secret order dating back to the American Revolution May is suddenly faced with the frightening truth of what the Company's greed has done to our most basic human rights. Will she embrace who she is and join the battle to restore America's democratic freedom, or put her blinders back on and return to her safe and passionless life?

More prediction than fiction, "Blood Zero Sky "is a riveting, nonstop, and suspenseful gaze into the looking glass, destined to rise with the zeitgeist of our times to become the anthem of a generation.

Publication Date: October 1, 2012
Genre: Dystopia, Sci-Fi, Young Adult
Source: Thanks to the author, Mr. Gates, for providing me with a review copy!

Review:
I hate to admit that I was a bit turned off by the cover of this book, but on the flip side I'm pleased to say that Blood Zero Sky is amazing. Period.  I'm sure I won't be the only one to compare it to George Orwell's 1984 because it shares a lot of those same themes of totalitarianism, psychological control through filtering information and propaganda and an overall sense of helplessness at the all-consuming reach of, in this book, The Company.

What is awesome about this book is that no matter how many comparisons can be made to 1984 it stands completely on its own merit.  The cautionary tale it tells is all the more frightening because the technology we have today isn't far off from that used in the book. And it's not too big a stretch to picture a large powerful entity sneaking its way into monopolizing every industry in the country. It's totally believable.

And I haven't even mentioned the characters yet :) May Fields is the MC, but she's not your typical girl.  The CEO of The Company is her dad, and she's living the high life compared to a lot of people.  She's got everything she could want, but she still feels as if something is missing in her life. May is a strong female character and the fact that she's gay isn't what defines her, nor is it what the book is about.  She does have to hide the fact that she's a lesbian because that doesn't line up with The Company's religious policies. The whole Company controlled religion was another factor that added to the feeling of power un-checked when it comes to how the people live their lives.

I thought this was a great book for a variety of reasons. It definitely makes you think and speaks to a lot of things that are currently going on in our world today. It's also just a plain good read!

Review: Timepiece by Myra McEntire

Synopsis:
A threat from the past could destroy the future. And the clock is ticking...

Kaleb Ballard's relentless flirting is interrupted when Jack Landers, the man who tried to murder his father, timeslips in and attacks before disappearing just as quickly. But Kaleb has never before been able to see time travelers, unlike many of his friends associated with the mysterious Hourglass organization. Are Kaleb's powers expanding, or is something very wrong?

Then the Hourglass is issued an ultimatum. Either they find Jack and the research he's stolen on the time gene, or time will be altered with devastating results.

Now Kaleb, Emerson, Michael, and the other Hourglass recruits have no choice but to use their unusual powers to find Jack. But where do they even start? And when? And even if they succeed, it may not be enough...

Publication Date: June 12, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Source: Thanks to EgmontUSA for making this title available on Netgalley!

Review:
I just recently read the first book in this series, Hourglass. I pretty much died over it :) So I've been really excited to dig into this one. It met alot of my expectations and missed a few as well. Overall I'd say it was a satisfying read and I'll be eagerly awaiting the next book.

Kaleb was probably (definitely) my favorite character in Hourglass. He's not in it nearly as much as Michael or Emerson, but he makes an impact :) I was surprised to start reading and have Kaleb be the narrator in Timepiece as a opposed to Emerson. I really liked Kaleb as narrator for the most part. It gave me a greater insight into his character and his motivations and whatnot. But it also took away some of the mystery and excitement. And I know this is going to sound wishy-washy, but he was almost too much of a stand-up guy in this book. It totally makes sense why he is, but still :)

The plot in Timepiece is superbly twisty and turny. But not so much so that you fry your brain trying to keep up with time traveling jargon and whatnot. I really love that these are 'time travel' books without all the hurt-your-brain time travel stuff. Does that make sense? Anyway, the story is really fast-paced and action-y. I also got a better understanding of the Hourglass organization within the story and there is plenty of character development across the board. I read this one almost as fast as I read Hourglass.

I think this is a solid second book. I'll be waiting impatiently for Book 3!

Blog Tour Review: Unbreak My Heart by Melissa C. Walker

Synopsis:
Sophomore year broke Clementine Williams’ heart. She fell for her best friend’s boyfriend and long story short: he’s excused, but Clem is vilified and she heads into summer with zero social life.

Enter her parents’ plan to spend the summer on their sailboat. Normally the idea of being stuck on a tiny boat with her parents and little sister would make Clem break out in hives, but floating away sounds pretty good right now.

Then she meets James at one of their first stops along the river. He and his dad are sailing for the summer and he’s just the distraction Clem needs. Can he break down Clem’s walls and heal her broken heart?

Told in alternating chapters that chronicle the year that broke Clem’s heart and the summer that healed it, Unbreak My Heart is a wonderful dual love story that fans of Sarah Dessen, Deb Caletti, and Susane Colasanti will flock to.

Publication Date: May 22, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Coming of Age, Realistic Fiction
Source: Thanks so much to Bloomsbury and Walker for letting me be a part of this tour!


Review:
Contemporary greatness strikes again. I always think of myself as a 'paranormal' type of gal, but these contemp books just strike at my heart. This one is no exception. The emotions hit and then keep piling up as you read further into the pages. Whether or not you can relate to this exact situation, I think the feelings that saturate the MC are so relatable.

Clementine is a girl stuck on a boat with her family for the summer. She's been blacklisted from her best friend and bad-mouthed by the entire school. Her family boating trip comes at the perfect time to let her figure out who she really is and separate it from what everyone says she is. She's a girl with a lot of baggage and it has crushed her self-worth. I was railing at the injustice of how she was made to shoulder the full blame for what happened, especially the more I knew about it.

Surrounded by her family and senior citizens it is most fortunate that she meets James. He helps her see past her sadness and guilt to what is REAL. He is a sweet, flame-haired love interest for Clem . . . even if she doesn't want him to be :)

This is a poignant story with a beautiful message about love and forgiveness. A perfect summer read!

Review: The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa

Synopsis:
In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.

Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for.

Publication Date: April 24, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Vampire
Source: Thanks very much to Harlequin Teen for making this title available on Netgalley.


Review:

I had very mixed feelings about this book and that made it hard to decide on the rating. It was very love/meh for me. I thought the beginning was amazing! The world is awesome, the vampires are scary and there is plenty of action. The middle really dragged for me...and it being a long book, there was a lot of middle. Then the end gears back up and is also awesome and amazing. As far as the characters go, I really liked Allie. She's a decisive fighter type girl when she is first introduced. As her...moreI had very mixed feelings about this book. It was very love/meh for me. I thought the beginning was amazing! The world is awesome, the vampires are scary and there is plenty of action. The middle really dragged for me...and it being a long book, there was a lot of middle. Then the end gears back up and is also awesome and amazing. As far as the characters go, I really liked Allie. She's a decisive fighter type girl when she is first introduced. As her character evolves she is less sure of her path, but still holds to her core values. And she's still very . . . fighter-y :) Her mentor, Kanin, was one of the more interesting characters to me. He's not in the book a whole lot, but he makes an impact. Then there's Zeke. I liked Zeke. Zeke's a good guy. BUT, especially compared to Allie, he came off kind of wimpy to me. I think this is a book a lot of people will love. It's a very cool vampire book with a unique story. For me there were just a lot of slow parts. Of course like I mentioned before, the last 50 pages of the book made sure I'll be reading the next one.

SBB Tour Review: Masque of the Red Death by Bethany Griffin

Synopsis:
Everything is in ruins.

A devastating plague has decimated the population. And those who are left live in fear of catching it as the city crumbles to pieces around them.

So what does Araby Worth have to live for?

Nights in the Debauchery Club, beautiful dresses, glittery make-up . . . and tantalizing ways to forget it all.

But in the depths of the club—in the depths of her own despair—Araby will find more than oblivion. She will find Will, the terribly handsome proprietor of the club. And Elliott, the wickedly smart aristocrat. Neither boy is what he seems. Both have secrets. Everyone does.

And Araby may find something not just to live for, but to fight for—no matter what it costs her.

Publication Date: April 24, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Steampunk, Dystopian
Source: Thanks so much to Southern Book Bloggers for letting me be a part of this tour :-D


Review:
I had been dying to read this book and was hoping it would be amazing. And IT IS! This is one of those books that grabbed me from the very first paragraph. I got it in the mail and was just going to peruse the first page (as I love to do with books) before going about my business until I had more time to read it (i.e. until my kids were in bed). Well, that turned out to be a torturous decision because I kept laser eyeing that thing from across the room all day :)

I'll try to be a bit more specific as to why I loved it. Right from those first few paragraphs when you are introduced to Araby you instantly feel intrigued by her thoughts and actions. She hides her thoughts and emotions behind a mask of make-up, clothes and drugs. The author chose the perfect point in Araby's life to drop us into because we know about her illicit ways, but we see her changing, looking for more. I loved seeing the mystery of her family and past unfold by increments as I was reading.

The two men in her life, Elliott and Will, didn't quite share the same spotlight for me. I was all about Will. Elliott has these moments where his true essence shines through, but we don't see alot of that, nor does Araby, because he doesn't want to get too close to anybody. Will is one of those heart-on-his-sleeve kind of guys . . .with tattoos. Yum. The look of a bad boy and the heart of a puppy. Seeing him care for his siblings pulled on my heartstrings.

As for the Steampunk element in this book, I was so pleased with how it was done. The crucial necessity of  having to wear masks to keep the ongoing plague at bay was felt throughout the novel. All the world-building was seamlessly done and perfect.

I couldn't have loved this book more. I read it in a matter of hours once I finally got to sit down with it :)      

Review: Latter-Day of the Dead by Kevin Krohn

Synopsis:
Harrowing cries escaped the contorted faces of our flock. End of Days was a known truth but never a faced reality. Once the madness broke...we feared it would never subside.

Publication Date: March 10, 2012
Genre: Adult, Zombie, Horror
Source: Thanks so much to the Author, Kevin Krohn, for my review copy!


Review:
I've been reading a lot of Zombie genre stuff lately. Some have been amazing and others have fallen short of what I had hoped they would be. Latter-Day of the Dead has a very unique premise and delivered on my (high) expectations for this genre.

If I could describe this book in two words I'd use: realistic and...er...um, realistic :) I know some people just can't get into the whole zombie thing, but I can easily dive into the story and believe that part of it (if done well). So to me even that part is realistic, but just assuming you are on board with zombie-ness I'm talking about the realism in the setting and how the characters react to the situation.

A zombie outbreak occurs in a secluded, polygamist community. All of the minute details are there without over-powering the story. It really makes the story what it is. I can't even imagine the amount of research that went into this novel, but it makes a huge impact on the reader.

There is plenty of gore and craziness (loved it), but I really liked the story going on with the community and their leader. I'm excited to see this continue into the next book. The only negative thing I have to say is that it was shorter than I expected. But that just means I loved it and wanted to keep going even after it ended :)


Find out more about this book on Amazon or Goodreads.

Review: The Selection by Kiera Cass

Synopsis:

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in the palace and compete for the heart of the gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn't want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she's made for herself- and realizes that the life she's always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

Publication Date: April 24, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Romance
Source: Thanks to Harper Teen for making this title available at ALA Midwinter! 

Review:
If I'm being honest I was kind of terrified to read this book :) What if I liked it? What if I didn't like it? Turns out it's just a book. And one that I really liked at that.

At first I did see some similarities to The Hunger Games in that the people are labeled by numbers that represent their class in this dystopian world. That's really where the similarities end though. There is a survival element to the novel, but it's fleshed out in a totally different way. Plus, add in the Bachelor-esque (Oh, shut it! You know you watch it too!) element and I had a hard time putting the darn thing down.

America is the main character and I didn't connect with her at the beginning of the story, but by the time she's chosen to participate in The Selection I think her personality and character rise to the surface. She becomes a lot more likeable at that point. The awesome part of the story is that unlike all the other girls in The Selection, she is a reluctant participant. It puts her in a unique position when it comes to vying for the Prince's affection.

That brings me to my next point. I loved how Prince Maxon and America meet for the first time and the way he has such an intense focus on her from that point on. Their relationship centers on friendship and makes for a believable turn towards romance later on. The problem at that point is that America still has feelings for her cheating (supposedly) Ex, Aspen. The end of the book sets up a great scenario for these three to be in a bonafide love triangle. It's my favorite kind too. Nobody is really at fault for it happening . . . circumstances beyond their control and all that :)

Anyway, I'll be looking forward to the next book in this series for sure. I'm glad I finally cracked the pages of this one. And don't forget the killer cover!

SBB Tour Review: The Girl in the Park by Mariah Fredericks

Synopsis:
When Wendy Geller's body is found in Central Park after the night of a rager, newspaper headlines scream,"Death in the Park: Party Girl Found Strangled." But shy Rain, once Wendy's best friend, knows there was more to Wendy than just "party girl." As she struggles to separate the friend she knew from the tangle of gossip and headlines, Rain becomes determined to discover the truth about the murder.

Publication Date: April 24, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Mystery, Contemporary
Source: Thanks so much to Southern Book Bloggers for letting me be a part of this Tour :)

Review:
When I started this book I had an idea in mind as to what I was expecting.  The synopsis actually makes the plot of the story extremely clear, but I guess I thought it would involve more of the struggle to figure out what kind of person her now-deceased friend was.  I thought that would be the sole focus and completely forgot about Rain trying to find out who killed her friend.  It turned out to be a good murder mystery that took me by surprise :)

I really liked Rain in the book.  She is very self-conscious due to a speech problem caused by a cleft palate.  Through therapy over the years she talks normally when we meet her in the story, but she shows glimpses of the painful years growing up and being made fun of.  I think we can all relate to that! (And if you can't relate to being made fun of...then I hate you. Joking, of course ;)  I had a harder time liking her friend Wendy (the one that was found dead in the park after a party).  As the story started showing some more of the things Wendy did, I had a harder time liking her.  She seemed selfish and petty and downright stupid sometimes.

I've said before that I'm no whiz at figuring out 'who dunnit' in mystery novels, but I did pick up on the killer's identity rather early on in this one.  That doesn't make me like it any less, but it did make me want to tell my book 'You lose!!! Ah ha ha ha haaa'.  . . . . Ok, I'm way off track here.  My point is that it doesn't take a genius or a detective to figure this one out, but the book is still enjoyable and keeps you reading to find out how everything will play out.

The Girl in the Park has some shining, poignant moments that pop up during Rain's quest to find out who her friend really was and, more importantly, who killed her.  This was a fast, hard-to-put-down book for me, but still not exactly what I had expected.

Review: Breaking Beautiful by Jennifer Shaw Wolf

Synopsis:
Allie lost everything the night her boyfriend, Trip, died in a horrible car accident—including her memory of the event. As their small town mourns his death, Allie is afraid to remember because doing so means delving into what she’s kept hidden for so long: the horrible reality of their abusive relationship.

When the police reopen the investigation, it casts suspicion on Allie and her best friend, Blake, especially as their budding romance raises eyebrows around town. Allie knows she must tell the truth. Can she reach deep enough to remember that night so she can finally break free? Debut writer Jennifer Shaw Wolf takes readers on an emotional ride through the murky waters of love, shame, and, ultimately, forgiveness.

Publication Date: April 24, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Mystery
Source: Thanks so much to the publisher, Walker Children, for making this title available on Netgalley.


Review:
Reading the synopsis of Breaking Beautiful I would have never guessed I would be on the edge of my seat almost the entire time. It's everything I thought it would be, times a million. I can't even say how amazing it is!

Allie's character is coping with the death of her boyfriend, Trip, but not really in the way that everyone around her thinks. She's hiding something about how he died, but she's also hiding something about their entire relationship. I loved how she goes from being almost in denial and just shying away from everything to facing her life head on. The transition was done so great and reading her progress as a character was amazing.

And her Blake...I want Blake to be my childhood friend and protector. He's so sweet and amazing which translates as super hot in the book :) And believe it or not, her dead boyfriend plays such a large part in the book which is amazing because he's dead the entire time. I think that echoes how he still has such a hold on Allie even after he isn't physically around, and I felt that as the reader.

I expected alot of things from Breaking Beautiful but reading furiously to find the answer to 'what happened the night Trip died?' wasn't what I expected at all. The story and characters are all so profound, but there is also this thrilling 'whodunit' element too. Seriously, this one goes on my list of all-time favorite books. So good!

Review: Spell Bound (Hex Hall #3) by Rachel Hawkins

Synopsis:Just as Sophie Mercer has come to accept her extraordinary magical powers as a demon, the Prodigium Council strips them away. Now Sophie is defenseless, alone, and at the mercy of her sworn enemies—the Brannicks, a family of warrior women who hunt down the Prodigium. Or at least that’s what Sophie thinks, until she makes a surprising discovery. The Brannicks know an epic war is coming, and they believe Sophie is the only one powerful enough to stop the world from ending. But without her magic, Sophie isn’t as confident.

Sophie’s bound for one hell of a ride—can she get her powers back before it’s too late?

Publication Date: March 13, 2012
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Source: My own Tower of Books


Review:
I remember when I picked up the first book in this series and I was like, "I don't think I'm going to even like---" *reads entire book in one day* And just like that I was a Hex Hall fan. There's nothing overly complicated. It's just a great story with characters that you like and care about. That sounds simple, but there are a ton of books that lack those 'simple' things.

Sophie, or Mercer as Archer likes to call her (Archer...mmm), hides behind her sarcasm and is hesitant to show how much she cares about the people in her life. Her bumbling non-stop chatter when she's nervous is very endearing. She's one of those book characters you want to be friends with. And this third book is no exception as far as those things go.

Then there's Archer freaking Cross. He's a bad boy with heart and you get to see a lot more of the heart-y part in this book. He's one of my favorite fictional guys :) And I forgot how much I loved Sophie's dad! He pulls off the serious, British deadpan thing so perfectly.

Anyway, I'm sure I'm forgetting to mention some other things I liked about Spell Bound. The main thing is that I loved the book, and it doesn't disappoint one bit! As I neared the end I started getting that I-want-to-finish-this-book-to-find-out-what-happens-but-what-if-it's-the-last-one feeling (that's an ode to Sophie there...poorly done, but still). I don't know if/when there will be another book, but it looks like that possibility was left open :)Yays!

Review: The Secret Life of Copernicus H. Stringfellow by Lorin K. Barber

Synopsis:
Copernicus H. Stringfellow, a.k.a. Nick, is not your run-of-the-mill genius. His mind is so powerful it can stop a speeding automobile or stem internal bleeding. As Nick goes about quietly doing good, he discovers that his powers are greatly enhanced by the nutrients present in Twinkies. Follow Nick on his amazing adventures in this humorous and exciting action-packed book for all ages.

Publication Date: March 13, 2012
Genre: Young Adult
Source: Thanks so much to the Author, Lorin K. Barber, for my review copy!

Review:
The fact that Twinkies are mentioned as an integral part of the plot drew me towards this one like a magnet. From reading the synopsis I was pretty sure it would be a unique story.

I'll start by giving a few examples of the things I really liked about the book. The character of Copernicus is a good place to start :) Copernicus, or Nick, is a fact-spewer. His brain is packed full of useful and inane information that he just can't keep inside. Although he is slightly awkward it doesn't keep him from socializing and interacting with people. He is a very quirky mix of many things. I also thought the way the idea of Twinkies being brain food was done came across just right. It didn't inundate the story by being overused. It was subtly done and not annoying. I also liked the quick chapter breaks. I don't always like that, but it fit with the flow of the book.

I was definitely entertained by The Secret Life, but I think it took me awhile to really GET Nick's character. Midway through it seemed to me that Nick hit his stride.

I really liked the positive message that putting others first and doing good things doesn't make you lesser, it makes you greater. A fun and quirky read :)


To find out more about The Secret Life of Copernicus H. Stringfellow check it out on Amazon, B&N or Goodreads.

To connect with the Author find him on his Website, Twitter or Goodreads.

Tribute Books Blog Tour Review: Best Seller by Timothy B. Sagges

Synopsis:
Thirty-five year old fiction writer, Richard Rossi would do just about anything to get his manuscript published. However, months of rejection and unanswered prayers have strained his capacity to hope.

Alone in New York City, he teeters on the brink of alcoholism, as his hope erodes into desperation. His prayers are finally answered when a simple misdirected piece of mail spawns a chance encounter with an extraordinary man, Seth Volos, Publisher. And while their unholy alliance thrusts Richard to the top of every Best Seller list in America, the horrifying outcome for the book's legions of fans is anything but a happy ending.

Publication Date: February 13, 2011
Genre: Adult Fiction, Thriller
Source: Thanks so much to Tribute Books for letting me be a part of this blog tour!

Review:
I think this book pretty much covers the question 'How far would you go to be a famous author?'. A chilling premise with an ending that holds true to every other page in the book. I would say more, but I don't want to give anything away.

The story centers around Richard Rossi. This guy's life dream has been to publish one of his books. He achieves that through the creepsville Mr. Volos. Volos has a presence that hangs over the story the entire time. Richard felt like a guy just treading water, trying to keep his head from going under. He briefly experiences success, and then realizes he needs to step up and do something. That was when his true mettle showed through.

The writing was filled with tension and made it easy to read the book really fast. I saw a few of the plot points coming, but the ultimate ending was definitely not something I expected :) Overall, Best Seller is a great Thriller and an interesting commentary on the things we value and what's really important.

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To find out more about the book, author or publisher please check out these links:

Best Seller web site:http://www.bestseller-book.com/

Timothy B. Sagges' Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=1069144965

Timothy B. Sagges' Twitter:https://twitter.com/#!/TimSagges

Tribute Books Blog Tours Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tribute-Books-Blog-Tours/242431245775186

Best Seller blog tour site:http://bestsellerblogtour.blogspot.com/


Available for purchase here:

Amazon buy link http://www.amazon.com/dp/1456478192?tag=tributebooks-20

Barnes&Noble.com buy linkhttp://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=dcSBhG3Rj8w&offerid=239662.9781456478193&type=2&subid=0

Bestseller-book.com buy linkhttps://www.createspace.com/3532558

Review: A Hint of Frost by Hailey Edwards

Synopsis:
When the head of the Araneidae clan is found poisoned in her nest, her eldest daughter, Lourdes, becomes their clan’s new maven. If her clan is to survive, she has but one choice: she must marry before her nest is seized. All she needs is a warrior fierce enough to protect her city and safeguard her clansmen. Such a male is Rhys the Cold.

Born the youngest son of an impoverished maven, the only things Rhys has to his name are his sword and his mercenary reputation. His clan is starving, but their fondness for the flesh of fellow Araneaeans makes them unwelcome dinner guests. Torn between loyalty to his clan and fascination with his future bride, Rhys’s first taste of Lourdes threatens to melt the cold encasing his heart.

Amid the chaos of battle, Lourdes’s sister disappears and is feared captured. Lourdes and Rhys pursue their enemies into the southlands, where they discover an odd plague ravaging southern clans as it travels north, to Erania. Determined to survive, Lourdes will discover whether she’s worth her silk or if she’s spun the thread by which her clan will hang.

Product Warnings
This book contains one mercenary hero with a biting fetish, one determined heroine who gets nibbled, and an answer to the age-old question, “What does dragon taste like?” Matricide and sibling rivalry are available upon request. The house special is revenge, best served cold.

Publication Date: April 17, 2012
Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Adult
Source: Thanks so much to the author Hailey Edwards for my review copy!


Review:

Where to begin on this one? I was so impressed by this book! It's a wonderful fantasy type Romance. I didn't have to read very far into it to realize I was going to love it. The relationship between Lourdes and Rhys is super steamy from the beginning, but it's not crude. It's all about the tension between them. He is one of my favorite fictional male types: muscley, manly and possessive of his girl. I realize that's not everyone's favorite, but it's done in such a sweet and yummy way in...moreWhere to begin on this one? I was so impressed by this book! It's a wonderful fantasy type Romance. I didn't have to read very far into it to realize I was going to love it. The relationship between Lourdes and Rhys is super steamy from the beginning, but it's not crude. It's all about the tension between them. He is one of my favorite fictional male types: muscley, manly and possessive of his girl. I realize that's not everyone's favorite, but it's done in such a sweet and yummy way in this one. And a guy that has fangs and venom (but isn't a vampire)? I mean, come on. Yes, please :) The world building is fantastic too! There is a whole world, history and different clans within them and it's flawless. It's all easily understood from the beginning, but there is so much depth behind it. Plus, it stands out without crushing the actual story with all these explanations and blah-blah kind of stuff like some books do. Does that make sense? Like it's there but it doesn't take you out of the story. My only negative would be a few parts towards the end seemed a little rushed. It was more than made up for at the very end though :) As I was reading I was very excited to have another steamy series to add to my shelf. I'm also wondering if maybe we'll see Rhys's brother Vaughn in a spin-off side novel type thing. Something like what Jeaniene Frost does? :D I'll definitely be checking out this author's other books as well. You Romance lovers out there should give this one a go! To find out more about the author check her out on Goodreads , Facebook, Twitter and  her Website.

Netgalley Review: The Hunt by Andrew Fukuda

Synopsis:
Gene is different from everyone else around him. He can’t run with lightning speed, sunlight doesn’t hurt him and he doesn’t have an unquenchable lust for blood. Gene is a human, and he knows the rules. Keep the truth a secret. It’s the only way to stay alive in a world of night—a world where humans are considered a delicacy and hunted for their blood.

When he’s chosen for a once in a lifetime opportunity to hunt the last remaining humans, Gene’s carefully constructed life begins to crumble around him. He’s thrust into the path of a girl who makes him feel things he never thought possible—and into a ruthless pack of hunters whose suspicions about his true nature are growing. Now that Gene has finally found something worth fighting for, his need to survive is stronger than ever—but is it worth the cost of his humanity?

Publication Date: May 8, 2012
Genre: Vampire, Paranormal, Dystopian, Young Adult
Source: Thanks so much to St. Martin's Griffin for making this title available on Netgalley!

Review:

The Hunt got off to a semi-slow start for me, and I was worried I just wouldn't like it. I do have to write some of that off to what I call 'book transitioning' which can make the first 20 or so pages difficult to get into. And from about that 20-ish page point in the story I was hooked. The story starts with Gene explaining how he has managed to stay alive as a 'heper' or human in a world filled with vampires. His whole life he was trained and he's pretty darned good at it...obviously,...moreThe Hunt got off to a semi-slow start for me, and I was worried I just wouldn't like it. I do have to write some of that off to what I call 'book transitioning' which can make the first 20 or so pages difficult to get into. And from about that 20-ish page point in the story I was hooked. The story starts with Gene explaining how he has managed to stay alive as a 'heper' or human in a world filled with vampires. His whole life he was trained and he's pretty darned good at it...obviously, or he'd be dead :) It builds a very cool image in your mind about how the world works and what it feels like to hide within it, danger at every turn. This is our world conquered and dominated by some ferocious vampires. On the flip side, Gene has lived side by side with them his whole life, going to school and doing other 'normal' things. It's a very cool mixture of danger and normalcy. The real tension begins once Gene is picked to participate in The Heper Hunt (oh, the irony!) and he is sent to The Institue to prepare. That was when I just flew through the pages, needing to find out how everything would play out. The imagery is fantastic and I'd love to see this as a movie at some point :D Also, I must say that when Gene was practically dying of thirst and couldn't find water I had to walk my butt to the kitchen and get a glass for myself! I was really impressed by this new take on vampires. I am very wary of vampire stories, not because I don't like them (I do!) but because they are widely written about and sometimes it just gets stale. This one is fresh and exciting. And the author's abilit to tell the story shouldn't be overlooked either. The tension is felt throughout and makes it hard to find a stopping point until you've finished.

Tribute Books Blog Tour Review: Shore Excursion by Marie Moore

Synopsis:Travel agents may be a vanishing breed, but Sidney Marsh, a New York transplant from Mississippi, is holding her ground-- at least on land. She is the tour leader on a cruise through Scandinavia to Russia for a group of eccentric senior citizens who call themselves the High Steppers. Sidney expects her days to be filled with long meals, shopping expeditions and visits to museums, churches and fjords. But this cruise is anything but routine. THere is a killer on board, targeting the High Steppers and quite possibly herself.

Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Adult Fiction
Source: Thanks to Tribute Books for letting me be a part of this Book Tour


Review:
I haven't read a good mystery in awhile and this was a nice, entertaining read.  I was left guessing throughout most of the book as to who the culprit was. I was pretty much dead wrong once everything was revealed.  There were a lot of twists and turns along the way.

Sidney Marsh is the lovely protagonist in the book and she is a likeable character aside from her poor decision-making skills when it comes to men :) But we've all been there, right? She's a travel agent for the High Steppers who are a varied and quirky group of (mostly) senior citizens.  She has taken them on quite a few world vacations over the years and all has been fine until this particular cruise.  It's not long before one of the High Steppers turns up dead and that is just the beginning.

This was a satifsying mystery novel.  The plot unfolds smoothly and I loved the varied cast of characters.  I do wish there had been a little more romance thrown in.  There were the beginnings of some romantic-y situations, but I would have liked them to be fleshed out a bit more.  That being said, I enjoyed the book and am curious where Sidney's next mystery/adventure will take her :)



For more info:

Marie Moore's web site:http://www.mariemooremysteries.com/

Tribute Books Blog Tours Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tribute-Books-Blog-Tours/242431245775186

Shore Excursion blog tour site:http://shoreexcursion.blogspot.com/

*Check out the book on Amazon or B&N.

Review: Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

Synopsis:
Just your average boy-meets-girl, girl-kills-people story. . .

Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead.

So did his father before him, until his gruesome murder by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father's mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. Together they follow legends and local lore, trying to keep up with the murderous dead—keeping pesky things like the future and friends at bay.

When they arrive in a new town in search of a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas doesn't expect anything outside of the ordinary: move, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he's never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, but now stained red and dripping blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home.

And she, for whatever reason, spares his life.

Publication Date: August 30, 2011
Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Romance
Source: My own Tower of books :)


Review:

Anna Dressed in Blood is creepy and great. That pretty much sums it up for me :) I've seen some reviews that it wasn't as scary as some people thought it would be, but I don't think it's meant to be a Horror novel. AND I can say in all confidence that if you are up reading in your dark, quiet house at 12:25am . . . it's pretty eff-ing creepy. On to Cas. He's the ghost-killing hero in this book. He has some swoon-worthy moments throughout, but it wouldn't fit into the whole plot of h...moreAnna Dressed in Blood is creepy and great. That pretty much sums it up for me :) I've seen some reviews that it wasn't as scary as some people thought it would be, but I don't think it's meant to be a Horror novel. AND I can say in all confidence that if you are up reading in your dark, quiet house at 12:25am . . . it's pretty eff-ing creepy. On to Cas. He's the ghost-killing hero in this book. He has some swoon-worthy moments throughout, but it wouldn't fit into the whole plot of him having to kill Anna if he was all professing his undying (no pun intended) love for her the whole time. He's actually very conflicted because his life's purpose is to kill unruly ghosts . . . and seeing as Anna is highly murderous and rips people to shreds, he needs to get rid of her. Believe it or not their budding feelings for each other are pretty sweet :) All the other characters in the book serve a purpose and hold their weight in the story. I really liked bumbling, nerdy Thomas and wished there was a little more of him in the story. Preppy and popular Carmel is pretty good too, but she took a little longer to grow on me as she became more involved in the strange goings-on of Cas and Thomas. I've been meaning to read this one for awhile now, and I think it's one of the most unique ghosty-creepy-romancey stories that I've read. Oh! And I should mention that the words in the book are actually printed in a deep, maroon red. Just that one detail adds a little something to the experience of reading this one.

Review: Flat Spin by David Freed

Synopsis:
Based in sunnyrancho Bonita - "California's Monaco" as the city's moneyed minions like to call it - Cordell Logan is a literate, sardonic flight instructor and aspiring Buddhist with dwindling savings and a shadowy past. When his beautiful ex-wife, Savannah, shows up out of the blue to tell him that her husband has been murdered in Los Angeles, Logan is quietly pleased. Savannah's late husband, after all, is Arlo echevarria, the man she left Logan for.

Logan and Echevarria were once comrades-in-arms assigned to a top-secret military assasination team known as "Alpha." The onu problem is, the LAPD can find no record of Echevarria ever having toiled for Uncle Sam. Savannah wants Logan to tell the police what he knows. At first he refuses, but then, relying on his small, aging airplane, the "Ruptured Duck," and the skills he honed working for Alpha, Logan doggedly hunts Echevarria's killer.

His trail takes him for the glitzy Las Vegas Strip to the most dangerous ghettos of inner-city Oakland, from darkened, Russian mafia haunts in West Los Angeles to the deserts of arizona. But that's the least of his problems. It is his love-hate relationship with Savannah, a woman Logan continues to pine for in spite of himself, that threatens to consume him.

Publication Date: April 2012
Genre: Adult Fiction, Thriller, Mystery
Source: Thanks so much to the Author, David Freed, for my review copy!


Review:
Alright, here's another good Mystery novel!  I'm not very good at solving the mystery in any book (or in Scooby Doo for that matter...) and this one was no different :)

The main thing that I found immensely appealing was Cordell Logan himself.   His interactions are all dead-on and entertaining to read. His sharp wit and sarcasm permeate the dialogue and tone of the book. Logan is this ex-special-ops kind of guy, but he lives this minimalistic bachelor lifestyle.  He doesn't flaunt his many physical and mental skills unless he needs to and exudes a 'kiss-my-ass' kind of attitude whenever humanly possible.  What's great is that a lot of that is just an front he puts on to make sure he doesn't get hurt...again.  His wife left him for his buddy-in-arms, Arlo, from Alpha and he's been trying to lay low and move on ever since.  Of course this is not to be when Arlo turns up dead and ex-wifey wants Logan to talk to the police and gets tangled up in everything.

I thought this was a great read.  It made me reminisce about reading Dirk Pitt books.  I can see Cordell Logan going off on myriad different adventures and getting himself into some sticky situations. A great start to what will hopefully be a series of novels.


You can find out more about this book and the author on David Freed's Website.