Happy Easter Everyone!!! I can't believe it's been a year since the last time I participated in this Hop! But I think this is going to be a great Easter filled with family and friends, and I hope your Holiday is as fun as mine! haha
I apologize for my lack of posts/reviews this month, like I said in previous posts, life's kind of taken over, right now, but I have TONS of Reviews, Posts and Giveaways planned for April and May, but until than I hope this giveaway will keep you company, it's INTERNATIONAL!!!! PLEASE READ MY CONTESTS/REVIEW POLICIES PAGE FOR RULES AND REGUALTIONS!!!
Following an all-out battle with the walking Dead, the Spirit Hunters have fled Philadelphia, leaving Eleanor alone to cope with the devastating aftermath. But there’s more trouble ahead—the evil necromancer Marcus has returned, and his diabolical advances have Eleanor escaping to Paris to seek the help of Joseph, Jie, and the infuriatingly handsome Daniel once again. When she arrives, however, she finds a whole new darkness lurking in this City of Light. As harrowing events unfold, Eleanor is forced to make a deadly decision that will mean life or death for everyone.
Hey All! It's been a crazy few weeks, but here's the low-down on the goodies I received!
Night School Legacy by C.J. Daugherty - (FC) Bought!
With All My Soul by Rachel Vincent - (FC) From Publisher!
Dare You To by Katie McGarry - (ARC) From Publisher!
Ink by Amanda Sun - (ARC) From Publisher!
The Eternity Cure - (ARC) From Publisher!
The Goddess Inheritance by Aimee Carter (ARC) From Publisher!
Rise by Anna Carey (ARC) From Swap!
Requiem by Lauren Oliver (ARC) Won!
The Dark Heroine by Abigail Gibbs (FC) Bought!
Siege and Storm by Bardugo (ARC) From Swap!
Quintana of Charyn by Melina Marchetta (ARC) From Publisher!
The 5TH Wave by Rick Yancey (ARC) For Tour!
Reckless by S.C. Stephens (FC) Bought!
Emblaze by Jessica Shirvington (FC) From Raincoast!
Breaking Point by Kristen Simons (FC) From Publisher!
The Sweetest Dark by Shana Abe (FC) From Publisher!
Everneath by Brodi Ashton (FC) Bought!
Hades by Adornetto (FC) Bought!
Dance of Shadows by Yelana Black (FC) Bought!
Scarlet by Marissa Meyer (FC) Bought!
I also received a ton of e-ARCs, but I'll include those in my next WTSM post! That's my story this week, thanks so much to HarlequinTEEN, EpicReads, Raincoast Books, Random House, Audra and Tor Teen, for making it so epic!
Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine
I loved BEING JAMIE BAKER and after reading the excerpt Kelly has released on her blog here, I KNOW I'm going to LOVE this one! But June is so far away :( o how I wish I could review this one early... (Title linked to Goodreads page)
Release Date: June 25th/13. - So flippin far away!
Publisher: Bluefields
Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads:
For small-town rebel Dani Webber magic and monsters are no more real than the Easter Bunny… until the day she accidentally stops time. Dani quickly discovers that not only do supernaturals exist, but she herself is one of them. This is great news for her life-long best friend Russ, who can finally come clean about his own supernatural status and his undying love for her. Before the two can start to enjoy the long overdue relationship, Dani is taken by a powerful council of supernaturals who believe she is the Chosen One destined to save them from extinction.
As if being kidnapped and expected to save the world isn’t bad enough, an ancient prophecy warns of the Chosen One’s dark nature: “Only the truest love will keep her an agent for good.” The council believes they know who this “true love” is and, unfortunately, that person isn’t Russ. The mysterious, powerful and devastatingly handsome Seer is the last person Dani wants in her life, but when she starts having visions of a horrific future, she has no one else to turn to for help.
Soon Dani finds herself torn between two very different boys with two very different opinions of whom she can trust. With the visions getting worse and time running out, Dani is forced to put aside her feelings and work with both the Seer and Russ before an ancient evil is unleashed upon the earth.
As I'm sure many of you have noticed, I haven't been posting as much in the past few weeks, this is due to many personal factors that need to take priority in my life, including de-cluttering (no seriously, it's awful I can't even concentrate on reading at times!) However, I do have a fun new series of posts set up to chronicle my Spring Cleaning of bookshelves (i.e. purging of many, many books).
My name is Hayley G, and I'm a Book Hoarder.
My family has been teasing me about this for a while now, well to be honest the teasing has turned into more of a concern for my well being (I'm practically buried alive with the amount of books taking up residence in my home).
My response to this would always be "you just don't get it, I'm building a library" or "I like to re-read my books!" which is true for many of the titles I own, but the fact is I have let this "passion" get so out of hand that I'm buying doubles (sometimes triples) of the same book! All because I can't keep up with the books bought vs. books read ratio I seem to have developed over the past couple years. I'm buying way more titles than I can ever find the time to read. So I tell myself, "well, I'll just go through my books and sell or donate the ones I won't read ," which seems simple enough right? Wrong, this is where the real problem lyes- once I find titles that I haven't read (and to be honest probably won't ever read since it's been YEARS since I bought them) I can't seem to actually let them go. I try to rationalize that I "could" read them once I get myself more organized, or I just LOVE how they LOOK on my shelf, so I end up donating or selling like five books out the hundreds that I may never read, and the books (and mess) continue to pile up.
It's gotten a lot worse since I started receiving ARCs from publishers through work and my blog. Don't get me wrong I LOVE ARCs, but I think I may have attachment issues with these as well. So to help me deal with my hoarding and-by-extension, clutter, I will be posting quite a few ARC giveaways in the coming weeks, as I continue with my Spring Cleaning and de-cluttering. These "Book Hoarder Confessions" posts are going to help me chronicle my progress, and I think it will also be very therapeutic to put my thoughts to words.
As of right now, I have 10 crates of books (the contents of which I'm not even sure) stashed throughout my basement and crawl space, I have 3 full crates stationed and stacked right outside my bedroom, 30 shelves stuffed and overflowing with books, and a closest stacked with books. My hope is to come out of this process knowing ALL the titles I possess and be able to breathe a sigh of relief that I will FINALLY have control over the amount of books in my possession. Because, let's face it, both my books and I deserve better than this current system.
Here's a sneak peek of the current clutter:
To be completely honest, these pictures don't due justice to the TRUE clutter, but as I'm sure you can tell there's absolutely NO organization and it's driving me nuts!
Are you a book hoarder, or have book hoarder tendencies? (I seriously hope I'm not alone haha).
By Carrie Butler
NOW AVAILABLE!!!
Publisher: Sapphire Star Publishing
Genre: New Adult Paranormal Romance Strength on Goodreads here.
Synopsis:
When college student Rena Collins finds herself nose-to-chest with the campus outcast, her rumor-laced notions are shattered. Handsome, considerate, and seemingly sane, Wallace Blake doesn’t look like he spends his nights alone, screaming and banging on the walls of his dorm room. Hell, he doesn’t look like he spends his nights alone, period.
Too curious for her own good, Rena vows to uncover the truth behind Wallace’s madman reputation--and how two seconds of contact had left her with bruises. Of course, there are a few setbacks along the way: guilt, admiration, feelings of the warm and fuzzy variety…
Not to mention the unwanted attention of Wallace's powerful, supernaturally-gifted family.
They’re a bloodline divided by opposing ideals, two soon-to-be warring factions that live in secret among us. When Rena ends up caught in their crossfire, Wallace has no choice but to save her by using his powers. Now they’re really in trouble. With war on the horizon and Rena’s life in the balance, he needs to put some distance between them. But Rena won’t let go. If fighting is what it takes to prove her own strength and keep Wallace in her life, then that’s what she’ll do--even if it means risking a whole lot more than her heart.
Check out the trailer:
My Thoughts:
Steamy New Adult novel, with a Paranormal twist!
Rena is a great narrator of this story. Her humour kept me laughing and I found it very easy to relate to her snarky attitude.
BUT it was Wallace that made this book for me! He's the ultimate Alpha male, strong, tall, gorgeous with a bit of a hero complex, he'll do whatever it takes to keep Rena safe- including keeping his distance. I just wanted to cuddle him and help him through his grief and guilt.
My heart went out to Rena and Wallace in their struggle to connect with each other on a physical level. Although, this made for some seriously steamy moments, filled with sexual tension. I was routing for them from the very beginning, when they met face-to-chest, haha.
Rena's two besties, Gabby and Aiden made for interesting and humorous sidekicks.
Overall the pacing of Strength was great, the beginning starts off with adrenaline pumping suspense, but the middle was little winded for me, I actually wouldn't have minded Rena discovering Wallace's secret a bit sooner, but I really enjoyed the ending- it gave me enough closure to look forward to its sequel, without panicking about what happens next. Thank God for no cliffhangers!
If you enjoy your New Adult with some steamy romance and a dash of Paranormal, than you must check out Strength. The cover alone should be enough to make you want to read it! haha.
Carrie daydreamed her way through college—until they thrust a marketing degree into her hands, slapped a summa cum laude seal on the corner, and booted her out into a less-than-stellar job market. Instead of panicking at the prospect of unemployment, she used her Midwestern logic to steer into the skid and point her life in the direction she really wanted to go: writing out those daydreams.
From the glittering streets of Manhattan to the moonlit rooftops of Paris, falling in love is easy for hopeless dreamer Isla and introspective artist Josh. But as they begin their senior year in France, Isla and Josh are quickly forced to confront the heartbreaking reality that happily-ever-afters aren’t always forever.
Their romantic journey is skillfully intertwined with those of beloved couples Anna and Étienne and Lola and Cricket, whose paths are destined to collide in a sweeping finale certain to please fans old and new.
I'm really late with posting this re-cap, BUT I've got some awesome video footage of a certain upcoming Heartthrob, that's sure to make up for the long wait...
So I was lucky enough to attend the FAZE SUPER GIRL EVENT a couple weeks ago, as a media guest. I wasn't sure what to expect when attending this event. I thought that it was going to be an intimate gathering (I swear I read some where that there would only be 33 people in attendance), so you can imagine my surprise when I came up to the Opera House to find a line winding around the building. But I didn't have to suffer the wait and cold alone, I had the awesome Tiffany to keep me company while we waited to be let in. It was great chatting with a fellow blogger about books and the blogging community.
Once we were let in, after a bit of a wait, I got to see the interior architecture of the Opera House, and it's incredible! I can't believe I've lived in Toronto all my life and have never been to this building, I've also never been to the ROM (but that's a story for another day). After checking our coats, we decided it was time for a FREE MAKEOVER!!! And the make-up artist was super sweet and managed to make my skin look like porcelain. I would've gotten my nails done to, but the line-up was insane!
Tiffany getting her make-over.
After our make-overs, we enjoyed some free pizza while we waited for the entertainment to begin!
Fabulous book bloggers posing for their photo opt!
The stage was set-up at the front, so we knew that there was going to be some musical entertainment. AND that musical entertainment came in the form of BRANDN
Warning!!!!!!!! This clip contains squeeling girls and bloggers, lip-syncing stage crew and an up and coming heart throb, you may be converted into a Little b! You've been warned!
Another amazing performance!
And three times a charm!
After Brendn finished his performance, a video was played that was meant to convey a message of empowerment, unfortunately there was a problem with the sound, so I'm not sure that message was completely conveyed.
After apologies were made for the technical difficulties, the authors from the Breathless Reads tour were announced that they would be signing by the bar. Authors in attendance included: Beth Revis, Jessica Spotwood, and Morgan Rhodes. Unfortunately Andrea Cremer had to pull out at the last minute (to many of our dismay) but Adrienne Kress was kind enough to donate her time. Of course all of us Book lovers and bloggers were excited to hear this (we were wondering when the signing was actually going to take place). They had a booth by the signing tables, where you could buy copies to have signed and it just so happens that I didn't have a copy of Shades of Earth yet, so I got Beth Revis to sign that for me (she was so nice). I did take pictures of the signing but unfortunately they didn't show up too well, but it was nice to meet and greet such talented writers!
Unfortunately, I had to leave early and was only able to stay in time for the signing, but there are other amazing bloggers who have re-capped they're own experience of this Event (see linky list below).
Overall, the Faze Super Girl Event wasn't the Breathless Reads book signing event I expected it to be (it would have been nice if the signing could have been held in a better lit and quieter venue), however, I did have a good time. It's always nice seeing fellow book bloggers and meeting great authors! This was an event marketed for girls ages 13-24 years old, and I think those who attended the event did have a great time, as you can see from the videos above. I only hope that these girls did leave feeling a bit more empowered, I know I left a little B!
Thanks so much to Penguin, Faze magazine, and all the performers and authors who donated their time for this event.
Millennia ago, he fell from heaven for her.Can he face her without falling again?
Fascinated with ancient civilizations, seventeen-year-old Mia Crawford dreams of becoming an archaeologist. She also
dreams of wings--soft and silent like snow--and somebody trying to steal them.
When a horrible creature appears out of thin air and attacks her,
she knows Michael Fontaine is involved, though he claims to know nothing about it. Secretive and aloof, Michael evokes feelings in Mia that she doesn’t understand. Images of another time and place haunt her. She recognizes them—but not from any textbook.
In search of the truth, Mia discovers a past life of forbidden love, jealousy and revenge that tore an angel from Heaven and sent her to an early grave. Now that her soul has returned, does she
have a chance at loving that angel again? Or will an age-old nemesis destroy them both?
Ancient history is only the beginning.
My Thoughts:
I loved this book! If you're a fan of Romance, than you must read The Watcher- it's busting with it!
Mia was a great narrator and a very relatable heroine. I really enjoyed experiencing the story through her point of view.
Michael...well I fell pretty hard for this man. He's an angelic, masculine beauty about him, that appealed to both Mia and I haha. Although I should admit that I was frustrated with him through a good portion of The Watcher. I understand why he remained mysterious and distanced himself from Mia, for her own protection, but I kind of wanted to encourage Mia to grab hold of him and shake him down for answers.
The chemistry and romance between these two was electrifying and LITERALLY spans many centuries and lifetimes. I was so jealous of the relationship and emotions these two share for each other, and Lisa does a great job of creating such sweet, tender and steamy moments, between these two, that warmed my heart.
I really loved Damiel as well! He has that Damon/Wes quality about him, he's definitely been labelled the resident bad boy, but he has many layers to him. And you just want to be the one to redeem him! haha.
The pacing of the plot was great and well thought out, and the ending leaves an opening for more but gives you enough resolution that you want to throw your kindle/book against the wall. Kindles everywhere are thanking you Lisa! haha
The only complaint I have is that I thought it was kind of in poor taste for Mia and her friends to continue their plans to go to the movies (you have to read the book to understand my meaning behind this).
Romance fans read this book, you won't be disappointed!
Happy Reading!!!
About the Author:
After studying English literature at the University of Toronto and creative writing at Simon Fraser University, Lisa Voisin had the great fortune of being mentored by Nancy Richler and A.M. Dellamonica through Betsy Warland's Vancouver Manuscript Intensive solo program. She is also a teacher of meditation with the Training in Power Academy
A member of the SCBWI (Society for Children's Book Writers and Illustrators), she can usually be found writing at a local cafe in her home town of Vancouver, B.C.
A self-proclaimed coffee lover, when Lisa's not writing, you'll find her meditating in the mountains to counteract the side effects of drinking too much caffeine!
The paperback and eBook sleeve giveaway is open for US, UK and Canada while the ebook giveaway is open worldwide.
The eBook sleeve giveaway is customizable. The winner will get to choose from a lot of designs and the name will be sewed in too if they wish. Please do let every one know about it. The designs are absolutely beautiful and this is only a sample.
