Book Blitz for Exception by Patty Maximini; Excerpt + INT Giveaway

Exception 
By Patty Maximini 
Publication date: November 2nd 2013
Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Romance
Purchase: B&N / Amazon

When all hope for moving on from a life filled with pain and abuse was gone, Emily Watson closed herself off to the world, packed her bags, and moved across the country in search of a new life. What she found was a career she adored and friends she loved. It wasn’t a full and complete life, but it was definitely better than what she knew before.

When all hope for being loved and accepted for who he was instead of what he had was gone, Taylor Carter decided that trusting people outside of his family wasn’t really smart and would only lead to disappointment. With his world turned upside down, his life became about his work, and every new relationship was meaningless and superficial. He was safe and definitely content but never truly happy.

When all hope for staying awake during a long day was gone, Emily and Taylor found themselves at the same coffee cart. Little did they know then that the worst coffee they’d ever had would forever change their lives.

When hopeless people are blinded by an endless pain, when contentment and safety feel like the best options, and when love seems impossible, they may just find an exception.

Excerpt of Exception by Patty Maximini

“She didn’t ask the name on the tab to charge the drinks.” 

Emily shook her head and shot him an incredulous look. “Of course not, I have connections, remember? I thought that was the cornerstone of this friendship.” 

“You took me seriously on that?” His tone and the look in his eyes made his incredulity and embarrassment clear. “I was just kidding. Now you must think that I’m some kind of freeloader.”

Emily giggled remembering Zack calling him that. “So you don’t want to be friends? Man, I feel awkward now,” she teased pretending to get up from her chair.

“No!” he yelped touching her arm. 

If someone asked Emily to explain how she felt at that moment, she couldn’t. His touch felt confusing and weird, yet oddly comforting. Even stranger than his touch was her reaction. She should have recoiled. She always recoiled when anyone other than the handful of people whom she was closest to touched her—but she didn’t. Instead, she just stared at the hand that embraced her forearm with the lightest touch. It was as if he knew. 

“I do want to be your friend. I wasn’t joking about that, but it has nothing to do with your connections.”

 

AUTHOR BIO

Words have always been a passion of mine. I’ve always loved to read them, write them and learn them in other languages. Last year, I’ve decided to take that passion and turn it into a book, the result was Exception, my very first novel due this October.

Whenever I’m not sitting behind my computer, I’m either enjoying the company of my dear hubby, Alex, and our four four-legged babies or reading. I’m a firm believer in long hand written letters, love of any kind and good stories.

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Showcase Sunday (#44)

Showcase Sunday is a new weekly meme hosted by Vicky @ Books Biscuits and Tea. We will now be taking part in Showcase Sunday instead of In My Mailbox. If you'd like to join see HERE for more details.

Hey guys, it's been FOREVER since I've done a showcase so I have a ton to you show you. I hope you're all well and getting into the Christmas spirit! 

eBooks for Review: 

   

Surrender Your Love by J.C. Reed * Destiny by P.T Michelle * Taste of Darkness by Maria V. Synder * Racing Savannah by Miranda Kenneally

   

* Over It by Sarah Billington *All That Glows by Ryan Graudin * Salvage by Alexandra Duncan * Only Everything by Kieran Scott

   

The Murder Complex by Lindsay Cummings * Don't Look Back by Jennifer L. Armentrout * Defy by Sara B. Larson * Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge

For Review: 

Champion by Marie Lu

Panic by Lauren Oliver

Witch Finder by Ruth Warburton

After Eden by Helen Douglas

The Fiery Heart by Richelle Mead

Revelations (The Elysium Chronicles #2) by J.A. Souders

Gifted:

Sentinel by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Thank you J.C Reed, P.T Michelle, NetGalley, Sourcebooks Fire, Sarah Billington, Angie Stanton, Penguin, Hodder, Hachette, HarperCollins, Simon Pulse, Tor Teen, Bloomsbury and Natalie! =) 

A Review for The Lie Spinners (The Deception Dance #2) by Rita Stradling

Posted by Melanie 
Release Date:  December 2013
Finished Date: December 4th, 2013

Publishers: Self Published 
Genre: YA , Paranormal, Romance
Source: For Review

Format: eARC
Pages: 454

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US 

The Lie Spinners (The Deception Dance, # 2)
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The Lie Spinners (The Deception Dance #2)
by Rita Stradling (Goodreads Author)
4.33 of 5 stars 4.33  ·   rating details  ·  15 ratings  ·  7 reviews
Andras is coming back for me. That is pretty much the only certainty I have in this life. Andras will always come back for me...

Last summer, with the help of demon-killer Stephen Tapper, Raven Smith faced Hell on Earth to stop the demon-apocalypse (or more like, put it on hold). Raven made a deal with the Grand Marquis of Hell: he would not open the gates of hell if she promised not to fall in love with anyone until he returned for her.

Almost a year has passed and summer has come again…

Raven is safe. Relatively. She’s protected. Doggedly. She’s away from the demons, the hell, the madness. Until she falls asleep.

When the earth-witch Madeline shows up in Raven’s hometown (aka her prison), calling in Raven’s life-debt, Raven shouldn’t even listen to Madeline’s proposal. But she does.

Madeline tells her that months ago, Stephen travelled to Thailand to track down a magician called The Spider; but within days of arriving, Stephen vanished. Every person (be they witch or demon-killer) Madeline sent to find Stephen was hunted down, overwhelmed and murdered by demons. The message Madeline received after all attempts failed was clear: send in Raven Smith or Stephen dies.

Going to Thailand might possibly be the stupidest decision Raven could ever make… there are a thousand reasons why Raven should stay guarded, protected, safe; only one reason why she shouldn’t. 

The Review: The Lie Spinners is an excellent sequel to The Deception Dance and the title was so fitting too. We join Raven a year after she made her deal with Andras where she promised she would not fall in love with anyone and he wouldn’t open the gates of hell and unleash the demons unto the world. Raven has spent the last year attending college, training to fight, living with Albert, being shadowed by soldiers - so she’s secluded from everyone…. But she’s safe & protected and there is no sign of Andras…. But Andras isn’t the only one after Raven, there’s a bounty on her head and even though Andras has put safe guards in place, there are some willing to risk everything to use Raven. That’s where Madeline comes in and calls in the life debt that Raven owes forcing her to take on a mission to find Stephen, who has disappeared, last known to be in a magician’s lair. When she tries to track him down, she finds herself in a 2 way catch 22 situation…. Both leading to her death but Stephen’s life means more to her, she will find him & she does in Thailand…but that just thickens the plot, in more ways than one. So yes, I loved this sequel, everything about it actually. Raven as always is a likeable character, I think she has the weight of the world on her shoulders, knowing that she is at risk wherever she is. She has demons trying to kill her on one side and on the other is an army to scared to talk to her incase she falls in love with them and incites Andras’s wrath. I have to admit that is a good thread of the story because it’s inevitable really. I like that she will do anything for anyone, put herself on the line, give her life for those she holds dear, those are admirable qualities and she even has an awesome sense of humour. There is a nice romance in this story, I won’t say who with but I loved it, I loved the connection they felt between them, they really fit together and I totally fell for ‘him’. It was so nice to see Raven get a piece of happiness even though she was well aware she shouldn’t. The storyline was brilliant this time around too, the setting was beautiful and the beaches with its party vibe played well into the story. I don’t really want to say too much about the plot because everything has the potential to be a spoiler but it was great, we are introduced to some higher up demons, magicians, learn about how magicians are made etc. I really liked the explanation of the higher up demons, there seems to be some sort of hierarchy using Lords, Marquis kind of titles and this tells us of their standing, I would like to know more about this, more about their powers too because we get a little in this and it made me interested for more. I think the whole world set up is intriguing & imaginative but that really came across in this which unfortunately I can’t elaborate on but when you read it, you will know what I mean and it was so full of twists & turns that I really felt the pressure of her time limit & was kept guessing right up until the big reveal which is so rare for a book to give me. The book is definitely full of action, plots, twists, turns, excitement, fear, life or death scenarios & some good old lovin’, where one girl will stop at nothing to protect the world and those she loves. I’m very curious about where it will all go now especially after seeing what went on in this and how the demons plan to use it to their advantage…. Cryptic I know, but read it & all will become clear.

A Review for The Fiery Heart (Bloodlines #4) by Richelle Mead

Posted by Jess
Release Date:  November 19th 2013
Finished Date: December 6th, 2013

Publishers: Puffin
Genre: YA , Paranormal, Romance
Source: Bought

Format: Paperback
Pages: 420

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

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

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

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

Review: Well Richelle Mead has done it again. This lady never fails to amaze me with her books. She always manages to pull it out of the bag. 

I have been waiting almost a year for The Fiery Heart, and it most certainly didn't disappoint. Not a single bit. I always manage to get hooked on Richelle's books from the first page, and this book was no different. It felt so awesome to be back with the gang again, even some of the old ones made an appearance, to my absolutely delight. 

The Fiery Heart was  fantastic read from the start to the very end. This book was I thought very much a filler and  build up the what I am sure will be a huge excitement filled 5th round in Silver Shadows which publishes next summer. There wasn't a lot of action, but that was ok, because is carried on some of the stories we were left with in Indigo Spell last year, it was most definitely a book made to answer questions raised (kind of), and most definitely setting up for what I can be sure will be an explosions in the next.

For a filler book it was beautifully paced, full of witty banter, love, sex (yes sex). It had all the elements you come to expect in a Richelle Mead book, and I simply loved it and I was most definitely irresistibly hooked all the way through. We get a lot of Adrian, we get a lot of Sydney, we get a lot of Adrian and Sydney. Together. Told in alternate points of view from Adrian and Sydney, we are really thrown into their relationship and how they attempt to keep it under wraps so that neither get into trouble. I loved being in Adrian's head, from the moment we meet him Vampire Academy: Frostbite, I've wanted his point of view, and we get it in Fiery Heart and it didn't disappoint. 

Just to touch on the ending of the book (because this has been  bit of  a gushy review), the ending is, well, I guess expected to say the least, although you could sort of call it a 'semi-cliff-hanger' but really, compared to most Richelle Mead cliffys, this one really isn't that bad at all. Sure it's gonna want to make you want Silver Shadows, but it won't make you rip your hair out, cry or throw your book/kindle at the wall, and that's always a plus for me :). So not much of a cliffy, but sort of a semi one, but an expected ending none the less.

Overall,  fabulous new instalment to the Bloodlines series. If you haven't already picked up this series, then you probably should do that. GO!

A Review for Fireblood (Fireblood #1) by Trisha Wolfe

Posted by Melanie
Release Date:  December 17th 2013
Finished Date: November 23rd, 2013

Publishers: Spencer Hill Press / Patchwork Press
Genre: YA, Fantasy, Dystopia
Source: For Review

Format: eARC
Pages: 376

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

To save a kingdom, Zara must choose between a prince who could be the answer and a rising rebellion that threatens to take control.

When Zara Dane is chosen to marry Prince Sebastian Hart, son of the man who ordered her father’s capture, Zara knows she must fight to save everything she loves from ruin. 

Being betrothed to the prince means a life trapped behind the towering stone walls of the Camelot-forged realm. Under the watchful eye of the prince's first knight, Sir Devlan Capra, changing her future becomes difficult. 

When an unlikely rebel reveals the truth about the deadly secrets that fuel King Hart’s twisted world, Zara’s path to rescue her father becomes clouded by deception. The Rebels clear her path by forcing Zara’s hand with an ultimatum: sway Prince Sebastian to join the Rebels, convincing him of his father’s evil nature, or they will take him out. 

But Zara is uncertain about a future under the Rebels’ command and where the prince’s heart truly lies. She must decide who to trust, what to believe, and what she’s truly fighting for before the king destroys all of Karm, including her heart.

The Review: Fireblood is the first book in a new series of the same name, it’s dystopian/fantasy and I was very impressed with this introduction to the world of Karm….
Following an apocalyptic, ending of the world as we know it, the world has changed and filled with mutated monsters, viruses and destitution, so a man built a kingdom in which to rule under the guise of safety & protection but he ruled as a tyrant, taking away peoples’ rights to be free, killing those who show signs of virus, restricting peoples’ lives in a way that means to even speak of any unauthorised topics meant death. He created a kingdom based upon Camelot, filled with Knights, a royal court, tournaments and the whole way of life, keeping it under strict control, but with tyranny always comes rebellion and the rebels are mounting an offence that has been years in the making. So when Prince Sebastian – only heir to the throne - chooses a commoner as his bride, the rebellion see opportunity. Zara Dane can’t work out why on earth the prince chose her for his bride, she is just a girl who lives with her father and clones animals for a living but when they take away her father who is showing signs of the virus at the same time that they come to cart her off to the castle she decides to go willingly in hopes she can see her father again, but that quickly become escape plans. Once there though she is assigned a guard, none other than the prince’s own first Knight- Devlan – who although watchful of her, helps her adjust to life at court and dissuades her from fleeing, until she over hears some plans for her that changes her whole view of life in Karm. After being introduced to the Rebels, she finds some startling information, not only about the secrets being kept from the people but also about the members of the rebellion themselves. Being more determined to escape than ever, she begins training for a very important mission that will hopefully lead to not only her freedom but freedom for all, she doesn’t bank on losing her heart in the process…. Will the plans work this time?
So, I really liked this book and it was a great introduction to the series. This is only the second time I’ve read dystopian fantasy and I have to say it’s a lot better than the previous. I find this genre is a bit hard to think of as being a post apocalyptic world because it goes back to a medieval scenario or in this case Camelot, I get why the King wanted to do this because of the society that King Arthur created and people felt this was a successful and peaceful society and in some respects he is all about the safety & protection of his people, that just got warped somewhere along the way but it’s easy to see his intentions. I thought the idea behind that was great and it brought something new to me as a reader although I would have liked to have seen a bit more of the outside than what we got but with this being the first book, there is always a possibility that we will get that. I liked the characters, of course Zara & Devlan are our main characters and I did feel connected to them straight away, I felt the connection to each other from the point they met which always helps pull me into the story. What I liked about Zara most was that whilst she was willing to let things play out, she always had her own mind and wasn’t going to just sit there and be compliant, I liked that she questioned things which is against tradition in their time. I loved the relationship between her & Devlan, it was sweet and tentative, with an innocence about it that was really appealing and out of the two suitors, Devlin would win, hands down. I do like what she tries to do with regards to Sebastian, everyone deserves a fair chance.
The storyline was really good, it is very much a getting to know you and your world and the training sometimes bogged it down a bit but what kept me interested was the promise of action from the rebels & the developing relationship between our two leads. As I said, I like the idea behind this and the intentions in creating Camelot and to be honest, I thought maybe the rebels would make a mistake by changing things considering the purported danger on the outside, I understand the need for free will but I also know that to feel safe is another need and I wasn’t sure if I was convinced by the rebels intentions on some points. The book really took off for me when the rebels came into it, the prequel I had read was great and I was expecting more of the same action but it took it’s time coming, saying that when it did come it was awesome and eventually brought lots of action in the form of battles, rescue attempts, lots of espionage with lots of plots & plans and that added a much needed excitement to the story. I really liked the conclusion and thought it was really fitting, it did feel like the end of a stand alone though so I’m really curious to see where it’s going to go now, this was a great start though.

Waiting on Wednesday (#66)

 

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

Jess's WoW

To All The Boys I've Loved
by Jenny Han

Release date: April 22nd, 2014

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before is the story of Lara Jean, who has never openly admitted her crushes, but instead wrote each boy a letter about how she felt, sealed it, and hid it in a box under her bed. But one day Lara Jean discovers that somehow her secret box of letters has been mailed, causing all her crushes from her past to confront her about the letters: her first kiss, the boy from summer camp, even her sister's ex-boyfriend, Josh. As she learns to deal with her past loves face to face, Lara Jean discovers that something good may come out of these letters after all.

Jess's thoughts:   Quite excited about this. I really loved her Summer trilogy, and I have been wanting  new book by her for so long! I managed to get a copy from my time at Simon and Schuster and I am so excited to read it!  And don't you just love that cover? It's awesome! 

Donna's WoW

Now and Forever
by Susane Colasanti 
Release Date: May 20th, 2014

What if your boyfriend was the world's biggest rockstar?

Sterling is crazy in love with Ethan. Not only is he the sweetest boy she's ever met, but he's an incredibly talented guitarist, singer, and songwriter. And since forever, he's believed he has what it takes to be a star.

When Ethan becomes an overnight sensation, he's thrown head-first into the glam world of celebrity-and so is Sterling. Before she knows it, she's attending red-carpet premieres, getting free designer clothes, and flying around the country to attend Ethan's monumental sold-out concerts.


It's a dream come true...but whose dream is Sterling living? And what do you do when "forever" comes to an end?

Donna's thoughts: I have so many of Susan's books on my shelf and I'm yet to get around to reading them. This is another book I'll be hopefully adding to my shelf, it sounds amazing! I can't wait! 

<What's your "waiting on" pick this week?

Want to participate? 
Grab the logo, post your own WoW entry on your blog, and leave your link at Breaking the Spine. 

Happy Reading!

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Book Blitz for Letters To Nowhere by Julie Cross; Guest Post + INT Giveaway

Letters To Nowhere (Letters to Nowhere #1) 
By Julie Cross 
Publication date: August 1st 2013
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult
Purchase: Amazon / B&N / Kobo

From the International Bestselling Author of the Tempest Series…

Set in the tough world of Elite Gymnastics…

I’ve gotten used to the dead parents face. I’ve gotten used to living with my gymnastics coach. I’ve even adjusted to sharing a bathroom with his way-too-hot son. Dealing with boys is not something that’s made it onto my list of experiences as of yet. But here I am, doing it. And something about Jordan–being around him, talking to him, thinking about him–makes me feel like I can finally breathe again. That’s something I haven’t been able to do lately. He knows what it feels like to be me right now. He knows what it’s like to wonder–what now? I think about it constantly. I need answers. I need to know how to get through this. In the gym, if you’re struggling, you train harder, you do drills and conditioning. How do I work hard at moving on? At being on my own? And what happens if I might be…maybe…probably falling for Jordan? I mean we live together now. That can’t happen, can it? But kissing him…well, let’s just say it’s not an easy activity to forget.
 
  **0.99c SALE: Letters to Nowhere is on sale for only 0.99c on Amazon!**

The complete series:

  

5 Facts About Letters to Nowhere

1) Since I started writing the book, I've envisioned my main character, Karen, as a red-headed McKayla Maroney even though I tried my best not to picture her as anyone specific.

2) I've been around the world of competitive gymnastics for at least 15 years and therefore have depicted elite level gymnastics as true-to-life as possible in this book. 

3) The romance in LtN is not your typical "insta-love" or "fall in love then break up" format. This will please some and disappoint others.

4) My main character, Karen, has just lost both her parents in a tragic car accident prior to the book's opening however, I don't consider this a typical book about death either because there are so many other elements intertwined and Karen is a fighter, she's constantly driven by one goal or another. It's about rising up after a fall. 

5) LtN is truly the book of my heart because I wanted, for so long, to find a way to combine by two greatest passions - YA Literature and Gymnastics.

AUTHOR BIO

Julie Cross is the International Bestselling author of the Tempest series, a young adult science fiction trilogy which includes Tempest, Vortex, and the final installment, Timestorm (St. Martin's Press). She's also the author of Letters to Nowhere (8/13), a mature young adult romance set in the world of elite gymnastics, as well as several forthcoming young adult and new adult novels with publishers like Entangled, Sourcebooks, HarperCollins, and St. Martin's Press/Thomas Dunne Books.

Julie lives in Central Illinois with her husband and three children. She's a former gymnast, longtime gymnastics fan, coach, and former Gymnastics  Program Director with the YMCA. She's a lover of books, devouring several novels a week, especially in the young adult and new adult genres. Outside of her reading and writing credibility's, Julie Cross is a committed--but not talented--long distance runner, creator of imaginary beach vacations, Midwest bipolar weather survivor, expired CPR certification card holder, as well as a ponytail and gym shoe addict. You can find her online via twitter, her personal website, email, facebook, Goodreads, or co-moderating the YAwriters section of reddit.

Links: 
http://www.juliecrossbooks.com/
https://twitter.com/Juliecross1980
https://www.facebook.com/FansOfJulieCross
http://www.amazon.com/Julie-Cross/e/B005ORUY1E
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3429117.Julie_Cross

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A Review for The Fiery Heart (Bloodlines #4) by Richelle Mead

Posted by Donna
Release Date:  November 19th 2013
Finished Date: December 11, 2013

Publishers: Puffin
Genre: YA , Paranormal, Romance
Source: For Review

Format: Paperback
Pages: 420

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

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

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

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

The Review: “I didn’t care about anything except her and the way touching her drove me wild, even as her calm and steady presence soothed the storms that raged within me.” 

Oh my gosh! The Fiery Heart literally took my breath away. There was me thinking The Indigo Spell was the best of the series so far, well, I was wrong. It's definitely The Fiery Heart and once again, Richelle Mead creates another spectacular read. 

After the events in The Indigo Spell, Sydney's choices left us readers breathless and completely over the moon. Her choices lead to so many awesome things in this instalment, but it also comes with some bad ones too. When her sister; Zoe arrives, Sydney has to be more careful than ever,  if she wants to crack the Alchemists secrets and continue to working with Marcus....and of course, sneaking in some Adrian time too. But the more time she works with the Moroi and Dhampir's work, the more suspicions starts to grow.

The Fiery Heart was a very special treat for all us Adrian fans, mainly because we finally get his point of view. Squeee!! I know you're all doing a little happy dance, and it's definitely a happy dance you should be doing, because Adrian's POV is fantastic. In the VA series, we all knew who Adrian was and even at the start of the Bloodlines series, we see him slowly start to change, but actually getting in his head...wow! To see all his struggles and to see how he deals with his magical element spirit, at times, was completely heart-breaking. He's driven to always help people - it's who he is - so as soon as Lissa, the Moroi vampire Queen asks him for help, of course, he's first in line. What people don't realise is how much spirit is affecting him and they don't know how he feels, but we do in this and I'm lost for words. It's hard to describe. At times I want to hold Adrian because I feel so bad for him, we really do see him at his worst in parts of the story and it all results into the amount of spirit he uses. Adrian is a very well developed character, he's honest, brave and very caring and I still believe there is more to come from him. 

What I loved about The Fiery Heart was the fact that Adrian and Sydney got so much time together. It was a great change from the previous books and at times, they even got a little reckless. I loved seeing them like that. It was good that they let loose, and even though the ending of the book, well, the ending isn't great for them, I believe in Richelle when she says it will be all worth it in the end. Even though there really wasn't a plot for this story, it was kind of a filler setting you up for the next two books. If anything it was much more enjoyable....even though it was pretty tense because all the while, you just know something is coming....and something is coming! 

In all, Richelle Mead has wrote another fantastic read and left me hanging by a thread until the release of Silver Shadows. I can not wait! 

Book Blast for Lovers at Heart (Love In Bloom: Sow Sister + The Braden #1) by Melissa Foster

Lovers at Heart 
by Melissa Foster
Release Date: October 26th, 2013
Genre: New Adult, Romance 
Buy:  Amazon US 

"Steamy sex scenes and heartfelt confessions...a satisfying addition to the 'Love in Bloom' series." -- Midwest Book Review

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+** Lovers at Heart is a steamy contemporary romance with alpha male heroes and sexy, empowered women. They're flawed, funny, passionate, and very relatable for readers who enjoy adult romance, contemporary romance, and women's fiction. Enjoy Lovers at Heart as a stand-alone novel or for more enjoyment, read the entire Love and Bloom series (nine full-length novels featuring the Snow Sisters and the Bradens).

Handsome, wealthy resort owner Treat Braden is used to getting what he wants. When Max Armstrong walked into his life six months earlier, he saw right through the efficient and capable façade she wore like a shield, to the sweet, sensual woman who lay beneath. She sparked an unfamiliar desire in him for more than a one-night stand, leaving his heart reeling and his blood boiling. But one mistake caused her to turn away, and now, after six months of longing for the one woman he cannot have, he's going home to try to forget her all together.

Max Armstrong has a successful career, a comfortable lifestyle, and she's never needed a man to help her find her way--until Treat Braden caught her attention at a wedding in Nassau, causing a surge of emotions too reminiscent of the painful past she'd spent years trying to forget. Max will do anything to avoid reliving that pain--including forgoing her toe-curling, heart-pounding desire for Treat.

When a chance encounter turns into a night of intense passion, Treat realizes that the mistake he made six months earlier may cause him to lose Max completely. He will do everything within his power to win her heart forever--and Max is forced to face her hurtful past head on for the man she cannot help but love.

Melissa Foster : Melissa Foster is the award-winning author of four International bestselling novels. Her books have been recommended by USA Today’s book blog, Hagerstown Magazine, The Patriot, and several other print venues. She is the founder of the Women’s Nest, a social and support community for women, the World Literary Café. When she’s not writing, Melissa helps authors navigate the publishing industry through her author training programs on Fostering Success. Melissa is also a community builder for the Alliance for Independent Authors. She has been published in Calgary’s Child Magazine, the Huffington Post, and Women Business Owners magazine. Melissa hosts an annual Aspiring Authors contest for children and has painted and donated several murals to The Hospital for Sick Children in Washington, DC. Melissa lives in Maryland with her family. Visit Melissa on The Women’s Nest, Fostering Success, or World Lit Cafe. Join Melissa and the YaYa Writer Girls at their annual in-person event. Melissa enjoys discussing her books with book clubs and reader groups, and welcomes an invitation to your event.

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A Review for The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines #3) by Richelle Mead

Posted by Donna
Release Date:  February 12th 2013
Finished Date: December 8th, 2013

Publishers: Puffin
Genre: YA , Paranormal, Romance
Source: Bought

Format: Kindle
Pages: 388

Buy: Amazon UK / Amazon US / The Book Depo

Sydney Sage is an Alchemist, one of a group of humans who dabble in magic and serve to bridge the worlds of humans and vampires. They protect vampire secrets--and human lives." 
In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that  her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.

Review: “I don't care if you say we can't be together. I don't care if you think I'm the most evil, unnatural creature walking on earth. You can think whatever you want, go whatever you want. I'm going to just go on loving you, even if it's hopeless.” 

4.5 Stars! 

The Indigo Spell….wow! It’s easily my favourite of the series so far! I loved every minute of it and I couldn’t put it down. My reading has been pretty slow lately but I managed to finish this in just under 48 hours, and most of that was because of Adrian ;) Can this guy get any sweeter? 

The story kicks off with Mrs Terwilliger informing Sydney that an evil witch could possibly be after her, leading Sydney to step up her magic and try more complicated spells. Adrian is there every step of the way for her, in more ways than one – much to Sydney’s disapproval, but not only that. Sydney finally seeks out Marcus Finch where she finally starts to get some real answers about the Alchemists, but she’s left torn. Can she really turn her back on them? 

Awww I loved it! Really, I did! I couldn’t have asked for a better book….honestly, it kind of blew me away. Richelle definitely stepped up her game! What I loved was how the story kicked off from the get go. There was always something going on and it was so entertaining. The plot is getting thicker and thicker, and more scarier if I'm honest. I'm scared for Sydney, I can kind of guess what's coming and I'm worried for her. This whole Alchemist business is freaky. They moan about the Moroi and Dhampirs but surely what they're doing is wrong too? I have to say I'm excited to see the outcome though. 

As you can probably guess Adrian was a huge factor for me in this book. He continues to surprise me and as a character, he's developing a lot too. He has so much on his shoulders and I honestly can feel his pain. It's his honestly that stands out the most though and the way he is with Sydney. If I thought I swooned at Dimitri, then Adrian just knocked him off the top spot! And yes I do see why Sydney went so back and fourth in this one. It was about her coming to terms with who she really wants to be and that does take time, no matter how frustrating it was to read. 

I honestly couldn't fault The Indigo Spell and I'm even more excited now to start The Fiery Heart! I need more Adrian! Bravo Richelle! 

Book Blitz for At Any Price by Brenna Aubrey; Excerpt, Gamer Name Generator+ INT Giveaway

At Any Price (Gaming the System #1) 
By Brenna Aubrey 
Publication date: December 9th 2013 
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
Purchase: Amazon / B&N

Achievement Unlocked: Geek Virgin

When Mia Strong, proud geek-girl and popular gaming blogger, auctions off her virginity online, she knows she’ll make waves. But what she will not be making is a love connection. Her rules are set in stone: One night. No further contact.

It’s a desperate step, but it’s the only way she can go to medical school and pay her mother’s mounting hospital bills.

Difficulty Level: Millionaire CEO

Adam Drake, the enigmatic auction winner, is a software prodigy who made his first million at seventeen. Now, in his mid-twenties, he’s sexy, driven and–as CEO of his own gaming company–he’s used to making the rules. Before Mia knows what’s happening, he’s found the loophole in the rules of her auction. Every stipulation she’s made to protect her heart gets tossed by the wayside.

She can’t tell if he’s playing her…or if he’s playing for keeps.

This New Adult book is intended for audiences over the age of 18 due to adult language, sexual content and adult situations.

An Excerpt from At Any Price!

“I’m quite capable of understanding sexual attraction, Mr. Drake.”

“Adam,” he said quietly, his eyes lowering to focus on my mouth. My heart skipped a beat in its frenetic pace.

“Adam.”

“Why does it make you uncomfortable to call me by my first name?”

I locked gazes with him, suddenly intensely aware of how close we were standing. I could smell him—a subtle scent, masculine, clean, like the ocean and the hint of peppermint candy on his breath. I could almost feel the heat and power oozing off of him in waves. I swallowed in a suddenly dry throat.

“I don’t know.”

“I want to give you one more thing to think about.”

“And what is that?”

He leaned closer, his head approaching mine. I didn’t have the time to step back nor, I think, the willpower to do it even if it had occurred to me. His mouth met mine in a firm, sure kiss.

It wasn’t overpowering. That was the first thing that surprised me. It was a subtle give and take—gentle, at first, a warm pressure of his lips on mine. Then he took a step closer and slid a hand around my waist, the other going to my back.

He retreated, just slightly, just enough to allow me to pursue him. His mouth moved against mine, teasing, pressing it open. Now his body pressed against mine, his head angled down to reach me, for I was at least five inches shorter than him.

I opened my mouth to him then and his tongue slid in easily. Nothing tentative in this kiss. He knew exactly what he was doing. He was telling me I had the control, declaring the decision mine and then swooping in and taking no prisoners.

His hands stayed put. I was glad of that though I wanted his touch everywhere—my aching breasts, the throbbing between my legs. Goose bumps prickled up and down my arms. His tongue explored my mouth with surety, easy possession. And—to my utter humiliation—I let loose a small whimper at the back of my throat.

The arm around my waist tightened when he heard it, responding immediately, almost instinctively. He pulled his tongue back, as if inviting me to follow him with my tongue. And tentatively, I did.

I’d been kissed before—back in high school when I was normal and I actually dated. But it had been years, now, and I’d never, ever been kissed like this. My tongue entered his mouth and he made a noise at the back of his throat, not quite a growl, kind of more like a huff. It emboldened me. Empowered me. I thrust my tongue, lacing my hands around the back of his neck. Our heads moved together for long minutes and I felt like I hadn’t breathed in a lifetime.

Everything was spinning around me and I—I was spinning too, delirious with want. Like a woman drowning in the middle of stormy sea, in desperate need of a life raft. That sea was Adam Drake and he was pulling me adrift, stranding me in some strange and forgotten land.

When finally he ended it, he pulled away so slowly that I could hardly tell our lips had parted until cool air passed between us. It was then that I saw that he was as affected as I was—flushed cheeks, his breath coming fast, his eyes dark and drunk with desire.

AUTHOR BIO

Brenna Aubrey is an author of New Adult contemporary romance stories that center on geek culture. Her debut novel, AT ANY PRICE, releases in December, 2013.

She has always sought comfort in good books and the long, involved stories she weaves in her head. Brenna's favorite author is Jane Austen and favorite novel is PERSUASION. 

Brenna is a city girl with a nature-lover’s heart. She therefore finds herself out in green open spaces any chance she can get. A mommy to two little kids and teacher to many more older kids, she juggles schedules to find time to pursue her love of storycrafting. 

She currently resides on the west coast with her husband, two children, two adorable golden retriever pups, two birds and some fish.

Brenna’s short story “The Love Letter” was the Grand Prize winner of the JANE AUSTEN MADE ME DO IT Short Story Contest. As such, it was included in the anthology of the same name (Ballantine, 2011)

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