Intensity Blog Tour: Review, Author Guest Post & Giveaway

Today, I'm happy to be one of the stops, on the Intensity Blog Tour!

Intensity 

by C.C. Koen
Now Available!!!
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance, Readers aged 18+
Add Intensity to your Goodreads to-read list here.

Synopsis:

What would you do to improve your life?

Twenty-one-year-old Serena Thomas is faced with a tough decision. Unable to get ahead of debt and loneliness since her grandmother’s death she finds a new job, placing the sheltered virgin in an underground escort business. She tells herself it’s just a temporary life choice, but destiny has a different plan. She meets a mysterious and gorgeous man, who happens to be her new boss. Will Serena fit in or will she be left all alone again?

Lincoln (aka: Linc) Jefferson has an unusual life. He established The Lounge, an exclusive escort club for very personal reasons. A place where the women say who, when, and what type of sex they’re willing to have. The escorts possess all the power and the money. It’s a business Linc guards at all costs. Trying to maintain the secrecy is a constant challenge and one that’s tested when he enters into a relationship with Serena. She tempts him unlike any woman, even though he’s surrounded by beauty on a daily basis. The more time they spend together the harder it is for him to keep his secrets. Will Serena stand by his side or will she abandon him?

Sparks and passion fly, taking these two on a journey neither could have expected.

Purchase Your Own Copy: Amazon | B & N

My Thoughts:

Great, fast-paced romance!

I was unsure when I first started reading Intensity if I would find the story believable, things just seemed too picture-perfect in chapter one, but rest assured, this book is great.

Serena is a likeable character and narrator and most of the story is told from her first-person point-of-view. She's in her young twenties and up to her eyeballs in debt, and just lost her only known-relative- the reader will sympathize with her.

Linc was by far, my favourite character, he has an easy confidence about him that is undeniably attractive, although I have to admit I'm not a fan of ponytails on guys, haha. I was unsure of his motives when he first meets Serena- the connection between these two is basically instant- he's clearly hiding something from her, but when you find out the truth, he's just that much more endearing. I enjoyed the romantic build-up between these two, although I wouldn't characterize every encounter as "intense" but more sweet and romantic.

There isn't much action in this novel, as it is very character driven, giving high priority to the build-up of the relationship between Serena and Linc. But there are some great supporting characters whom add a great blend of humour, angst and jealousy into the mix. B.B. is one character I wouldn't want to mess with!

Readers looking for a romance they can read and enjoy in one sitting, should add Intensity to their TBR lists!

Happy Reading!!!

Author Guest Post:

Favorite Aspects of New Adult: What makes a good NA read?

New adult enables readers to hone in on an age group that appeals to them and is easy to relate to. The topics vary, but the majority correspond to the pangs of growing up and the beginning stages of “adult” life (i.e., first job, sexual relationships, college, entering the work force, etc.). This stage includes many “firsts” and therefore, help us relive a critical part that shaped our future. For some readers that may mean facing regrets or reminders of precious events that were a meaningful part of our past. Therefore, this genre packs a load of emotion into the stories. 

There are many authors that have paved the way for new adult. Some of my favorites are Colleen Hoover, Katy Evans, and Kendall Ryan. 

Stories I’ve enjoyed in this genre are:

Colleen Hoover: Ugly Love, Hopeless, and Maybe Someday. 

Katy Evans: Real, Remy, Mine

Kendall Ryan: Filthy Beautiful Lies, Filthy Beautiful Love, and Filthy Beautiful Lust. 

Book recommendations can be found on most blogger sites, but some that specialize in the new adult genre are:

New Adult Addiction http://www.newadultaddiction.com/

NA Alley http://www.naalley.com/ 

As for what makes a good NA read, there are certain aspects that I look for. 

1. Appealing story: I’m an avid reader and get tired of reading the same storylines over and over. An NA novel should apply a different and intriguing angle to very common topics (i.e., first job, sexual relationships, college, entering the work force, etc.). 
2. Interesting characters: I’m a sucker for alpha, military, and men in uniform Therefore, the story would have to include those types of characters in order for me to read it. Also, I like independent, strong, and willing to fight for what they believe in women. Those preferences aren’t always applicable in the NA genre, so the plot is even more critical. The story would have to capture my interests in another way. 
3. Cross other genres: I enjoy reading mystery and suspense and look for both elements when choosing NA. Most NA stories address problems and issues that occur in real life. Therefore, a story that addresses secrets, overcoming life altering events, and using the past to positively impact the future are appealing and can draw many readers to this genre.  

Thanks, so much, for stopping by and sharing your thoughts on the New Adult Genre- Great Recommendations! :)

About C. C. Koen:

C.C. Koen writes contemporary romance with a twist. An avid reader who enjoys mystery and suspense, her stories will never be what you expect. Determined to find adventure in her dreams and life, she enjoys skydiving, sailing and any activity that challenges her. Teacher by day, romance writer at night produce an active imagination that comes to life in her writing.

Connect with C. C. Koen: 

Author Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

But wait!!! Before you go, Koen has an awesome INTERNATIONAL giveaway just for YOU!

To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter form below, good luck!!!

Prizes:

2x $5 Amazon Gift Cards

Swag pack (incl. t-shirt, magnets and more)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Special thanks to C.C. Koen and Xpresso Book Tours for allowing me to participate in this tour!!!

Waiting on Wednesday: A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Mass

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine

This week's pick is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast - LOVE IT!!!!

A Court of Thorns and Roses

by: Sarah. J. Maas

Release Date: May 5th/15.

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Synopsis courtesy of Goodreads:

A thrilling, seductive new series from New York Timesbestselling author Sarah J. Maas, blending Beauty and the Beast with faerie lore.

When nineteen-year-old huntress Feyre kills a wolf in the woods, a beast-like creature arrives to demand retribution for it. Dragged to a treacherous magical land she only knows about from legends, Feyre discovers that her captor is not an animal, but Tamlin—one of the lethal, immortal faeries who once ruled their world.

As she dwells on his estate, her feelings for Tamlin transform from icy hostility into a fiery passion that burns through every lie and warning she's been told about the beautiful, dangerous world of the Fae. But an ancient, wicked shadow grows over the faerie lands, and Feyre must find a way to stop it . . . or doom Tamlin—and his world—forever.

Perfect for fans of Kristin Cashore and George R. R. Martin, this first book in a sexy and action-packed new series is impossible to put down!

What book are you waiting on this week? 

Happy Reading!!!

What's the Story McCoy? The First of 2015

What's the Story McCoy is Booking It With Hayley G's own version of the Stacking the Shelves meme hosted by Team Tynga's Reviews

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! 

Hope you all had a great holiday season filled with tons of delicious reads! In case you missed it, the winner has been announced for the BOX OF ARCS giveaway, so if you entered be sure to check the rafflecopter to see if you've won (click on the photo and the top right of the page).

If you didn't win this time around not to worry, I have a brand new Giveaway starting on Friday for a whole new selection of ARCs so stayed tuned...

In the meantime, here are some titles that I added to my shelves over the season!!!

I was gifted (thanks to Bookoutlet's AMAZING Boxing Day sale)

Super excited to have Audio books, these are my first two!

And I received from Publishers:

Thank you so much to my family, Raincoast Books, Harpercollins Canada, Simon and Schuster Canada for all of the awesomeness above! :)

That's my story this week, what's yours?

Happy Reading!!!

This Holiday Season, Give Joy, Donate a Book!

Help the Salvation Army reach 

by December 22nd, with

I have always loved this time of year. I was one of those kids that searched out for their unwrapped christmas presents around the house (until my Mom caught and started leaving them at friends and family's houses - I'm ashamed that I'm not even joking about this haha)

I would come home for lunch, with my sister, and sit by the Tree shaking the wrapped presents trying to guess what was in each. I'd wake up at 4-5am every Christmas morning eager to see what Santa left under the tree or in my stocking- I smile just thinking about it all now.

I remember my parents would always say, "Hayley, it's not about the presents, but the time spent with the ones you love" I remember I use to think "Yeah, ok Mom" while rolling my eyes.

Now that I'm an adult, I have to admit I owe my parents a HUGE apology and THANK YOU for always making every year a special one, I'm so grateful to have had such wonderful Christmases with you! 

I don't know if you've ever heard the song, "Grown-up Christmas wish" but I relate to it more and more every year, and so this Christmas I want to give back and what better way than WITH BOOKS!!!!

There are many charities to donate to at this time of year, but I decided to donate to TOY MOUNTAIN/The Salvation Army!

Toy Mountain is in need of donations geared towards teenage girls (13-15), and Young Adult books are a great way to spread holiday cheer!

Here's my donation:

Of course, I don't want to pressure anyone to feel they have to donate, but maybe there's an unread book on your shelf, where the spine hasn't even been cracked, of course you want to read it, but there just never seems to be any time with your ever growing TBR pile.

Why not donate that book now, and purchase it in paperback at a later date, when you have time to read it :) It's a great way to go through your book shelves and give back!

And if you don't want to part with your beloved books (which I completely understand) a Chapters/Indigo gift card, would make a terrific gift!

If you do decide to donate, or want more details, go to the TOY MOUNTAIN WEBSITE, they have separate sites for their TORONTO, OTTAWA, VANCOUVER and WINNIPEG locations and each site has dates and drop-off locations.

Or tweet them at @ToyMountain with any questions or a picture of your donation! :)

I hope you all have a wonderful BOOK-FILLED holiday season!

Happy Holiday Reading!!!

*All Toy Mountain and Salvation Army images in this post were taken from CTV.ca 

Waiting on Wednesday: An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Breaking the Spine

Hello all! It's been awhile since I've posted a WOW post, but I received a teaser for this week's pick in the mail from Penguin Canada and now I'm dying to continue the story!

An Ember in the Ashes

by: Sabaa Tahir

Release date: April 28th/15 - So far away!!!

Add An Ember in the Ashes to your Goodreads To-Read list 

Cover image and synopsis courtesy of Goodreads:

Set in a terrifyingly brutal Rome-like world, An Ember in the Ashes is an epic fantasy debut about an orphan fighting for her family and a soldier fighting for his freedom. It’s a story that’s literally burning to be told.

LAIA is a Scholar living under the iron-fisted rule of the Martial Empire. When her brother is arrested for treason, Laia goes undercover as a slave at the empire’s greatest military academy in exchange for assistance from rebel Scholars who claim that they will help to save her brother from execution.

ELIAS is the academy’s finest soldier—and secretly, its most unwilling. Elias is considering deserting the military, but before he can, he’s ordered to participate in a ruthless contest to choose the next Martial emperor.

When Laia and Elias’s paths cross at the academy, they find that their destinies are more intertwined than either could have imagined and that their choices will change the future of the empire itself. 

That's my WOW pick this week, what's yours? Let me know in the comments, I'm always looking to add to my daunting TBR pile HAHA!

Indie Review: One Song Away by Molli Moran

One Song Away
by: Molli Moran
Now Available!!!
Source: E-galley received from author
Purchase your copy: Amazon 
Cover image and synopsis courtesy of Goodreads:

She needs a fill-in boyfriend. He needs a favor. It’s the perfect, no-strings arrangement until they both realize it’s too real…

Sophie-Claire Wright’s life is like a bad country song on repeat. She keeps running into her cheating ex, her songwriting career isn't taking off, and her roommate just kicked her out of their apartment. With nothing to lose, she decides to do the one thing she said she’d never do: she moves back home. She left her small Southern town with big dreams, but now she’s going home with empty pockets.

Life moves at a slower pace in Sophie’s blink-and-you’ll-miss-it hometown, but her well-meaning, matchmaking mama doesn't have a slow gear. Sophie invents a boyfriend to hold off her mother’s efforts, but she’s out of luck when her mom wants to meet him. Sophie panics until she runs into Jake Cooper. Her high school crush (and former best friend) is back in town, too, and when he asks her for a favor, she agrees...on one condition. He says he’ll be her fill-in boyfriend, so it should be simple: re-introduce him to her family and then “break up” with him after a few weeks.

Sophie is sure she’ll be able to resist Jake this time. Sure, she was in love with him years ago, but that was then. This is now, no matter how great he looks, or how she feels around him. But she didn't bargain for moments that feel all too genuine. Dates that don’t seem fake. Kisses that leave her shaken and wanting more. Sweet moments where she forgets they aren't really dating. And she didn't count on old feelings resurfacing and complicating their arrangement—which is starting to feel less like acting and more like the real deal.

Soon, Sophie can’t tell which kisses are real or fake, but she knows she’s in deep...and she thinks Jake is, too. When she gets a chance to go back to Nashville and chase her dreams again, she has a choice to make: stay or go? Continue hoping that the life she wants is one song away, or finally write her own song?

My Thoughts:
A light-hearted romance that can be read within one sitting!

I think fans of Hart of Dixie and Nashville, will enjoy Sophie's story, and the many characters that surround her. One Song Away is told completely from Sophie's first person point of view, and readers will find her narration relatable and easy to follow. She's in her mid-twenties but still struggling to find her "success" in the world, a struggle many New Adults can relate to in this day and age. But, with the help of family and friends, Sophie continues to stay positive. Of course it doesn't hurt to have the support of her childhood best-friend and first love.

Which brings us to Jake/Coop, he's a gorgeous man and the outside and inside, and I enjoyed his continued confidence and positivity. The romance between these two is very sweet, although after a while I kind of just wanted to clunk their heads together and say "Come on, we all know you're not "pretending" to be in love".

Although I thought the beginning seemed a bit rushed, I feel like a bit more time could have been given to the build-up of Sophie needing Jake as a "fake" boyfriend, I ultimately enjoyed the scenes, between these two, that followed as they got to get to know each other all over again.

There's not much action in this novel as it is character driven, with a large emphasis on the relationship between Sophie and Jake, but it's also about a young woman finding her place in the adult world.

If you enjoy a light romance with fun characters, give One Song Away a chance!

Happy Reading!!!

Q&A with Molli Moran

Connect with Molli on Twitter & Goodreads

Hi Hayley! Hi blog readers! *waves* Thanks so much to Hayley for having me here, and giving me the chance to talk a little about my upcoming New Adult contemporary romance, ONE SONG AWAY. 

 What three words would you use to describe One Song Away? 

Romantic, Heartwarming, Bravery

What can readers expect from One Song Away? 

Originally I wanted to write a fun story, and while I think ONE SONG AWAY has fun moments, it took on more meaning than I planned. So I think readers can expect a sort of Southern set romantic comedy but with a lot of heart, kissing, and country music. 

 What struggles did you face, while writing One Song Away or New Adult in general? Writing ONE SONG AWAY was easy for me, but I've struggled some since writing my first New Adult book, in that one of my goals is to bring more awareness of what New Adult really *is* versus what it isn't. There are still a great many misconceptions (mainly that New Adult books are just sex) that I want to work to change. 

Do you plan to continue Sophie's journey? Or could we see a spin-off novel, possible from "his" point of view :)? 

Right now, my only plans are for a book featuring Sloane, Sophie's best friend in ONE SONG AWAY, but I won't rule out possible novella or follow-up including Jake's point of view! 

Which character would you say you relate to the most? What about the least? Why? 

I think I relate to Sloane the most. Whereas Sophie-Claire tends to leap without thinking, Sloane and I both plan a bit more, and we're a bit more positive thinking. The least...hmm, probably Sophie's sister Cassidy. Cassidy is the classic "good girl," and I'm not *quite* that good. ;) 

If you could write a country song on your life, what would you title it? Why? 

HAHA, what a wonderful question. Oh man, I'd probably title it A Coffee Lover's Heartbreak, because I adore coffee, but despite how much I drink, I can never get ALL the things done.

What advice would you give to aspiring writers? 

Never give up, because it's one thing to become an author, but if you're a writer, it's in your blood. Keep reading everything, keep writing and growing. Make mistakes, write books you'll never publish. Just keep trying and learning, and never give up. 

Thank you, Molli, for stopping by and sharing your thoughts!

Middle Grade Monday with Ava: Rot and Ruin by Jonathan Maberry

Rot and Ruin (Benny Imura #1)
by: Jonathan Maberry
Now available!!!
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Source: Purchased finished copy
Cover image and synopsis courtesy of Goodreads:
In the zombie-infested, post-apocalyptic America where Benny Imura lives, every teenager must find a job by the time they turn fifteen or get their rations cut in half. Benny doesn't want to apprentice as a zombie hunter with his boring older brother Tom, but he has no choice. He expects a tedious job whacking zoms for cash, but what he gets is a vocation that will teach him what it means to be human. 

Purchase your copy: S & S Canada | Amazon | Chapters/Indigo

Ava's Thoughts:

Rot and Ruin is a book that takes place after First Night, a time when zombies invaded cities and infected people all over. Not the town of Mountainside, though. Not Benny and Tom Imura, though. Tom is known for being a closure specialist, someone who kills zombies peacefully. He journeys beyond Mountainside to quiet zombies, into a place called the Rot and Ruin.

Benny collects zombie cards along with his friends Morgie, Cong and Nix. He has a passion for listening to Charlie Pinkeye and the Motor City Hammer's outrageous zombie stories. That is, until Tom takes him out to the Rot and Ruin. And he gets a rare zombie card, about the Lost Girl.

Benny soon learns that friends become enemies if you have what they want.  And Charlie Pink-Eye wants the Lost Girl card. He is taking people to Gameland, a place where you are forced to fight zombies in a pit, sometimes without something to defend yourself. So Tom and Benny set out to destroy Gameland and quiet some zombies along the way...including two who are very close to the heart.  

I give this book an 8/10 because it was clearly intended for an older audience. Enjoy!

Ciao, Ava