Hi everyone! I'm so excited about today's post I can hardly contain myself. Seriously guys, this is HUGE! MEGA! EPIC! Yes, it sure it! Today I'm here to help celebrate my author friend Ryan Potter's latest release which also just so happens to be a YA Kindle Serial title - Perennial. First, take a look below, check out all the awesome that is this serial and then keep scrolling because I have a HUGE giveaway from Ryan for some lucky winners! 

Title: Perennial
Author: Ryan Potter
Publisher: Kindle Serial, Skyscape (Episode 1, November 5, 2013; Episode 2, November 12, 2013)
Genre: YA, Paranormal
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon

Synopsis: Perennial is all around you.

On the morning of the first day of senior year, Alix Keener awakens from a vivid, terrifying dream where a ghostly boy warns her: Perennial is all around you. Shaking off the dream – and the cryptic message – is more than Alix needs as she starts a new life in Beaconsfield, the posh Detroit suburb she and her dad recently moved to after her mom’s death.

Alix ignores the cryptic dream message until one of her new classmates, the alluring Lewis Wilde, mentions it – he knows something about Perennial, and hints that it has to do with a boy who died in Alix’s bedroom. Suddenly wracked by waking visions, Alix finds herself teamed up with Lewis to uncover the truth.

Alix’s developing psychic abilities become more powerful but reality becomes increasingly unclear: Alix wants to trust Lewis, but a shadowy person named Vagabond hints that Alix’s trust may be misplaced. As things become more dangerous and complex, Alix must choose whether to use her burgeoning psychic abilities or possibly lose everything that matters to her.

Need a teaser? Here you go: A studious teenaged girl risks it all when she falls in love with a bad-boy ghost.

Perennial will appear in seven or eight installments, with each installment spaced out a week apart. Afterwards, the completed Serial will be available as a full novel in both Kindle and paperback format.

More to come soon. In the meantime, you might want to follow @AlixKeener on Twitter. She’s the main character and has been dropping Perennial-related hints, pics, and quotes since early September.

I really enjoyed Ryan's title - EXIT STRATEGY, which you can check out my review HERE (It's one of my earlier reviews so please be kind).

About the Author: 

After earning two degrees in American history, Ryan Potter realized he wanted to write about things he made up rather than analyze things that had already happened. He wrote his first short story in 2003 and has had several stories published both online and in print since.

EXIT STRATEGY is his debut young adult novel. Ryan's debut adult novel, THE CLEANER, was published in 2012. THE CLEANER is the ultimate competitive eating novel and tells the humorous story of Spinks Webb's rise from lifelong loser to professional competitive eater. WELCOME TO DETROIT: TEN YEARS - TEN STORIES (2002-2012) is his first story collection. His latest young adult novel is entitled ROMAN KING AND THE ARMIES OF FIRE AND LIGHT.

Ryan lives in the Detroit area with his wife and enjoys yoga, baseball, and routinely suffering through Detroit Lions football games. For more information please visit his website at www.NotSoMainstream.com.

Find Ryan Online:

Website/Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Some additional info on Kindle Serials:

This book is a Kindle Serial. Kindle Serials are stories published in episodes, with future episodes delivered at no additional cost. This serial currently contains one episode out of an estimated seven total episodes, and new episodes will be delivered every week.

An additional episode will be delivered every week until the book is complete. New episodes will be added to the same book on your Kindle, keeping your place and retaining your notes and highlights. You'll be notified via email when a new episode has been delivered.

HUGE thanks to Ryan for asking me to host this awesome giveaway for him. Today we have an amazing giveaway with FOUR lucky winners!

Here's what's up for grabs and how to enter -

ONE winner will receive a KINDLE PAPERWHITE & a eBook copy of Perennial!!

THREE runners up will receive eBook copies of Perennial!!!

Rules and how to enter -

Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter this giveaway.
Easy Entry for all! (Clicking this provides name and email which is the only requirement when entering. This is for the sole purpose of contacting the winner.)
You must be at least 13 years old and have your parents permission to enter.
This giveaway is open to US residents only.
Giveaway ends: December 21st, 2013 (12:00AM EST)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good Luck!!

Happy Black Friday Holiday Shoppers!!!

Today I have some awesome things to tell you about. First being a HUGE party happening on Facebook later today. Tons of giveaways happening from some of your FAVE authors! It's time to kick the holidays into high gear, so be there for all the fun and awesome! The details are below.

And after, don't forget to enter to win something awesome in the Rafflecopter form below!

Title: Hold Tight (The Embrace Series #2)
Author: Cherie Colyer
Publisher: Omnific Publishing, 244 Pages (August 20th 2013)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: What’s one little spell?

When you’re new to magic, one spell can be the difference between getting what you want...and ruining the lives of everyone you love.

Sixteen-year-old Madison has just embraced her magical powers. The trick now is learning how to control them. She and her boyfriend -and fellow witch- can’t even enjoy a simple kiss without getting shocked when their powers collide. Instead of mastering her new skills, though, Madison is stuck watching her kid brother and doing chores.

But being a witch does have its benefits. With a simple spell, Madison instantly conjures the help she needs around the house. Or so she thinks. Her idea of “help” invites trouble of its own as a pair of dangerous yet enticing beings enter her life. When a classmate disappears soon afterwards, Madison discovers she's the next victim of a threat she's powerless to resist...and there’s nothing it won’t kill to make her surrender.

Caught in the crossfire between two dashing but deadly creatures, Madison must figure out which one to trust and how to rid her world of the other—before one of them destroys her and everyone she cares about.

About the Author: 

A little about myself: I write young adult and middle grade novels. I love finding new stories that keep me up late reading. While my favorite genre is fantasy, if the book is beautifully written with characters that come alive I’m all over it.

My debut novel EMBRACE and the sequel HOLD TIGHT are now available from Omnific Publishing.

Find Cherie Online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Our lovely Black Friday Extravaganza host and author extraordinaire, Laura Howard has made up some amazing things for everyone!

So, the main thing planned is a HUGE party on Facebook! The link so you can join in on all the fun including lots of prizes to be won is - http://on.fb.me/1c251wn Come one, come all, the more the merrier! We'll see YOU at the party!

Date: November 29th, 2013

Time: 7pm-9pm EST

Place: http://on.fb.me/1c251wn

The hash tag will be #BlkFriExtrav We also have some pre-made tweets that we hope you'll use to help spread the word! 

 Join 50 authors for book giveaways & 4 GC up for grabs http://on.fb.me/1c251wn #BlkFriExtra

Kick start your holiday shopping with 4 $50 GC's from your FAVE authors http://on.fb.me/1c251wn #BlkFriExtra

GIVEAWAY!!!

ENTER TO WIN ONE OF FOUR $50 GIFT CARDS!!!

Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Title: The Forgotten Ones (The Danaan Trilogy #1)
Author: Laura Howard
Publisher: 197 Pages, (April 30th 2013)
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult
From: the Author & purchased on Amazon
Format: eBook
Add to: Goodreads
Order The Forgotten Ones Online here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Check out my review: The Forgotten Ones

Synopsis: Allison O’Malley’s plan is to go to grad school so she can get a good job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She has carefully closed herself off from everything else, including a relationship with Ethan, who she’s been in love with for as long as she can remember.

What is definitely not part of the plan is the return of her long-lost father, who claims he can bring Allison’s mother back from the dark place her mind has gone. Allison doesn’t trust her father, so why would she believe his stories about a long forgotten Irish people, the Tuatha de Danaan? But truths have a way of revealing themselves. Secrets will eventually surface. And Allison must learn to set aside her plan and work with her father if there is even a small chance it could restore her mother’s sanity.

Excerpt:

Ethan paused just inside his bedroom door and turned to look at me. His face was scrunched in concern. “What is it, Al?”

“Nothing. I was just thinking about something Rachel said to my cousin the other day.”

He waited for a moment. “Are you going to tell me what it was?” he asked.

“Um, no. I don’t think I will,” I whispered. I tried to keep my voice from cracking as he moved closer to me.

“Well,” he said, his gaze moving down to my lips. “How am I supposed to make you feel better if you don’t tell me what upset you?”

I inhaled sharply as he kept moving forward. I took two steps backward before I bumped into the wall.

“She might have said something about you only being interested in me because I’m no-man’s land,” I managed to squeak out.

Ethan chuckled, and I could feel it vibrate through me. “No-man’s land, huh?”

“That’s right. And she said I’m probably a lesbian, anyway.”

His face was inches from mine now.
“You’re not a lesbian, are you, Al?” he teased, trying to meet my eyes.

“I don’t really have much to base my opinion on,” I said, the words just barely audible above the beating of my heart. “I’ll have to get back to you on that.”

“For the sake of your own peace of mind,” he whispered, leaning in so that I could feel his breath on my lips. “I’d be willing to help you figure it out.”

My pulse spiked, and I willed it to slow down so that I could form a witty reply. But, he didn’t give me a chance. His lips just brushed against mine, soft as a feather. He brought his hands up and cradled the back of my head. So gentle. His lips moved against mine—not taking, only asking.

His fingertips trailed down my arm and made me shiver. I pulled back, needing to breath. He didn’t let go of me though.

“We should go back outside, before we ruin this by fighting.” His smile was genuine, if the slightest bit wistful.

I blushed. Yeah, he was probably right.

Author Bio: 

Laura Howard lives in New Hampshire with her husband and four children. Her obsession with books began at the age of 6 when she got her first library card. Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley High and other girly novels were routinely devoured in single sittings. Books took a backseat to diapers when she had her first child. It wasn’t until the release of a little novel called Twilight, 8 years later, that she rediscovered her love of fiction. Soon after, her own characters began to make themselves known. The Forgotten Ones is her first published novel.

Find Laura Online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY!!!

Laura is offering a $10 Amazon gift card to one lucky winner.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Title: Entwine (Entwine #1)
Author: Rebecca Berto
Publisher: (November 25th, 2013)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: Sarah Langham’s life was the epitome of normal until her dad slept with another woman when she was sixteen. It ripped her family apart.

Twenty-two-year-old Sarah has it together, though.

Waiting at the train station to go home from her first day of her first proper job out of university, she spots a man.

He is an enigma to her. She’s drawn to him, with his square jaw; buzz of hair; and his tall, solid frame, seen under the contours of his business suit. And he’s been looking at her, too. Fate pulls them together that night on a whirlwind date, exceeding anything Sarah’s experienced before. He’s even more into her than she’s into him. Finally, she wants to trust a guy for the first time since she was sixteen.

But then they discover something.

Something that meant they were never two strangers at a train station.

And it threatens to tear their future apart before it, really, ever begins.

Recommended for mature readers due to explicit content. | [This book is published in Australian English and includes relative diction.]

Don't miss out on the sale price!

It won't be .99 cents for long!!!

About the Author: 

Rebecca Berto writes stories about love and relationships. She gets a thrill when her readers are emotional reading her books, and gets even more of a kick when they tell her so. She's strangely imaginative, spends too much time on her computer, and is certifiably crazy when she works on her fiction.

Rebecca Berto lives in Melbourne, Australia with her boyfriend and their doggy.

Find Rebecca Online:

 Website/blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest

GIVEAWAY!!!

Prizes (open internationally):
--3 eBooks, 2 bookmarks, and a $15 Amazon giftcard

a Rafflecopter giveaway

While I'm thankful for my family and friends, both near and far, both in real life and online... I try to express just how thankful I am more than just this one day each year. It's important to me that everyone knows, even you my awesome readers that I am thankful for you each and everyday. 

So, while I'm spending my day with family I'll be thinking about each and every one of you with the hopes that your day is wonderful. That it's filled with everything to make this holiday a special one. 

To each and every one of you who celebrates, I wish you and your family the best Thanksgiving this year and many, many more years to come. If you have to travel, please stay safe and warm.

Title: Undertow (Undertow #1)
Author: K.R. Conway
Publisher: Conway, 398 Pages (October 11th, 2013)
From: the Author
Format: eARC
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Amazon UK, Kobo

Synopsis: Luckless Eila is unknowingly the last of her kind: Rare. Gifted. Breakable. Stunning Raef is her kind's historic enemy: Soulless. Lethal. Lost. A legendary death 160 years before would set their lives to collide, forcing a beautiful killer to become a savior, a simple wallflower to become a warrior, and ruthless destiny to become a death sentence.

SUMMARY:

Eila Walker knows luck is not a friend, so she is downright shocked to inherit a million-dollar Cape Cod home. And yeah, her new town isn't perfect: the cheerleaders are heinous clones, the local undertow can kill ya, and her Great Grams was supposedly fried by lightning in the harbor square. Still, Eila is hopeful her luckless days are in the past . . . until history decides to repeat itself.

When drool-worthy Raef O’Reilly becomes her friendly, yet weirdly protective shadow, Eila thinks life is pretty darn perfect – until she is hauled beneath the waves by an unnatural undertow. Revealing coal-black eyes and iron-like strength as he rescues her, Raef can no longer hide what he is . . . or what she can do. Eila, last of her kind, can supposedly channel the power of human souls, while Raef is more adept at stealing them. Even worse, the legend about her ancestor isn't such a myth, since Eila’s grandmother was one kick-butt warrior until her lightning-like power backfired. A power that is written all over Eila's DNA.

Determined to stay one step ahead of a dangerous clan that is hunting her, Raef, along with three unlikely allies, will do all they can to protect her. But as hidden pieces of their brutal histories unravel, Eila begins to understand just what went down in the harbor square. She soon realizes that following in her grandmother’s fearless footsteps may be the only way to save those she loves . . . including Raef.

Review: 3.5 Stars - Undertow, the first title in the series with the same title by K.R. Conway is a unique and mysterious young adult title. With touches of a long ago past mixed in with the present, readers will learn that sometimes the past is a lot closer than you think.

Eila is the lead character of this title and she’s far from being on her own. She moves with Mae, her legal guardian across the country to a house that’s been in her family for year. Family she’s never known about and the history that comes with it. She’s taking a chance moving so far from all she knows to try to make a better life for her and Mae.

The house is located in Cape Cod. It’s a huge old house in a town where everyone knows everyone. Eila quickly makes friends and learns there’s more to her house, it’s history and herself then she ever thought possible. There are things out there that are more than human and it takes almost drowning in the ocean one night to learn just how different things really are. It’s one of those things that in the blink of an eye her whole life changes, however since it just did with a huge move it happens all over again for this character. I often wondered when she was going to get a break!

With all the news given about her ancestors Eila also learns that there’s evil and then there’s Evil and it’s up to her and her friends – MJ, Ana, Kian and her love interest Raef who all group together, making this one crazy version of the Scooby Gang if I’ve ever seen one - to fight and protect each other from the war that’s looming. That’s one thing that I loved about this one. This group is extremely diverse. There is good and evil, shape shifters and immortals to name a few. It’s not just this group that has such diversity it’s the whole story. There’s just so much and I was never overwhelmed in the slightest.

The only drawback for me was there was more than a couple of times that I felt the story jumped and I had missed something. During these times I was taken out of the story wondering how we ended up from A to F, skipping over those few, at least in my opinion important details. If something is confusing to me in a story more than once that it takes me out of the story then I have to question my star rating which is what happened here.

I’ve also found that when books work in flash backs to the long ago past and the present it can sometimes be a draw back in a story when it’s overly saturated, however I commend the author in how she handled this part as it all fit together well and made the story and characters that much more likable because I was able to see them more clearly. History was affecting them in the present which gave me a chance to see that these characters are smart because of the thought process that followed these revelations from the past.

The romance was sweet with a touch of steam but nothing too much that young adult readers should be concerned with. I liked that there’s a story/history with certain characters that was only partially addressed and I’m eager to see what happened the previous summer to find out how they ended up where they are now in this title and where we might find them in the continuation of this title in 2014.

All in all, I liked it! It wasn’t anything like I was expecting and I was pleasantly surprised with how unique the story and characters were. I recommend this to fans of YA and those who like the supernatural/paranormal. If those are things you like, give it a ready today! Enjoy!

About the Author: 

I have been a journalist for 15 years and serve on the Board of Directors for the Cape Cod Writers Center. I also drive a 16-ton school bus because I am ENTIRELY NUTS.

 In addition to working jobs that should come with a warning label , I hold a BA in Psychos (Forensic Psych), torment the tourists about Jaws, and occasionally jump from the Town Neck bridge in an attempt to reclaim my youth.

I live on Cape Cod with two smallish humans who apparently are my kids, my fishing- obsessed husband, two canines (adept at both flatulence and snoring), and a cage-defiant lovebird that sleeps in a miniature tent. Nope - that's not a type-o. The bird is quite the indoor camper.

Find K.R. Online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY!!!

2 – Signed print copies of Undertow (US only)
1 – ebook of Undertow (INT)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

"Waiting On" Wednesday is an event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine. The purpose of this weekly event is to spotlight a soon-to-be-released book that you are very much anticipating. "Waiting On" Wednesday will also give bloggers an opportunity to share ideas for our TBR lists.

Title: Afterparty
Author: Ann Redisch Stampler
Publisher: Simon Pulse, 384 Pages (January 7th 2014)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Indiebound, Amazon UK

Synopsis: A toxic friendship takes a dangerous turn in this riveting novel from the author of Where It Began.

Emma is tired of being good. Always the dutiful daughter to an overprotective father, she is the antithesis of her mother -- whose name her dad won't even say out loud. That's why meeting Siobhan is the best thing that ever happened to her...and the most dangerous. Because Siobhan is fun and alluring and experienced and lives on the edge. In other words, she's everything Emma is not.

And it may be more than Emma can handle.

Because as intoxicating as her secret life may be, when Emma begins to make her own decisions, Siobhan starts to unravel. It's more than just Dylan, the boy who comes between them. Their high-stakes pacts are spinning out of control. Elaborate lies become second nature. Loyalties and boundaries are blurred. And it all comes to a head at the infamous Afterparty, where debauchery rages and an intense, inescapable confrontation ends in a plummet from the rooftop...

This explosive, sexy, and harrowing follow-up to Ann Redisch Stampler's spectacular teen debut, Where It Began, reveals how those who know us best can hurt us most.

Title: Mistwalker
Author: Saundra Mitchell
Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books, 272 Pages (February 4th 2014)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: When Willa Dixon’s brother dies on the family lobster boat, her father forbids Willa from stepping foot on the deck again. With her family suffering, she’ll do anything to help out—even visiting the Grey Man.

Everyone in her small Maine town knows of this legendary spirit who haunts the lighthouse, controlling the fog and the fate of any vessel within his reach. But what Willa finds in the lighthouse isn’t a spirit at all, but a young man trapped inside until he collects one thousand souls.

Desperate to escape his cursed existence, Grey tries to seduce Willa to take his place. With her life on land in shambles, will she sacrifice herself?

Another Wednesday, another two exciting books for this week. First, Afterparty which is one I've talked about recently on my blog. I'm really looking forward to reading this one, sounds like a great contemporary. And then we have Mistwalker... I LOVE the sound of this one. The whole Grey Man thing is very intriguing to me and I can't wait to see what this one is all about. So, what do YOU think of this weeks picks?

*covers are always subject to change.

Title: Remy (Real #3)
Author: Katy Evans
Publisher: Gallery Books, 272 Pages (November 26th 2013)
From: the Author and Publisher
Format: eARC
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: Underground fighter Remington Tate is a mystery, even to himself. His mind is dark and light, complex and enlightening. At times his actions and moods are carefully measured, and at others, they spin out of control.

Through it all, there's been one constant: wanting, needing, loving, and protecting Brooke Dumas. This is his story; from the first moment he laid eyes on her and knew, without a doubt, she would be the realest thing he's ever had to fight for.

Review: 5 Stars - Remy, the third title in author extraordinaire – Katy Evan’s Real series gives us a peek into Remy’s mind and what he was thinking in the first two books, Real and Mine. He’s a strong alpha male that is intriguing and then some and finally getting a chance to hear his side of things gives readers such insight into this complex fighter.

So, let’s get right down to the heart of my thoughts. I loved it! If I could give it more than 5 stars I would! Being such a HUGE fan of multi points of view getting a chance to see the highlights from Remy’s point of view gives readers such a richer take to the whole story. I thought I knew what I was getting into while reading and boy was I wrong! There’s alpha male and then there’s ALPHA MALE and then there’s REMY’S version of Alpha Male.

The interesting part of this book is that it takes place during the present time, which is about 6 months after the end of Mine and it’s almost as if Remy is remembering what happened through the first two books. I liked that I had that little surprise in there that I had a chance to not only see things through Remy’s eyes but also get a chance to check in on Remy and Brooke and where they are now.

Without giving too much away, not all parts of Brooke’s and Remy’s story is told. There was one part that I thought was pretty big and was left out completely. I was kind of shocked about that actually, but even with that missing I didn’t feel as if I was missing anything enough to change my rating and thoughts of this amazing title.

All in all, I loved it! I loved it from beginning to end and I know fans of this couple will fall in love with their story all over again once they start reading from one of our favorite fighters eyes. I highly recommend this title to fans of the series and if you haven’t yet to pick these titles up please be sure to start at the beginning because it is a continuation of the story between two characters.  There is tons of romance and steamy moments in all three books (so far in this series) so please keep that in mind when purchasing. Enjoy!!!

About the Author: 

Hey! I’m Katy Evans and I love family, books, life, and love. I’m married with two children and three dogs and spend my time baking, walking, writing, reading, and taking care of my family. Thank you for spending your time with me and picking up my story. I hope you had an amazing time with it, like I did. If you’d like to know more about books in progress, look me up on the Internet, I’d love to hear from you!

Find Katy Online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Title: Trouble Comes Knocking (Trouble #1)
Author: Mary Duncanson
Publisher: Entangled: Embrace, 179 Pages (November 11th, 2013)
From: eARC
Format: the Publisher
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy online: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Amazon UK

NOTE: This is a "New Adult" novel. Due to mature content this title is recommended for ages 17+

Synopsis: It’s hard not to answer when trouble comes knocking

A girl who can’t forget…

Twenty-two-year-old Lucy Carver is like Sherlock Holmes in ballet flats, but her eidetic memory is more albatross than asset, and something she usually keeps hidden. When she notices that something’s amiss at her dead-end job, she jumps at the chance to finally use her ability for good. That is, until, a man is murdered, and she becomes the target of the killer.

A detective on his first case…

Detective Eli Reyes is overbearing, pompous, way too hot for Lucy’s own good, and seems as determined to ruin her relationship with her boyfriend, John, as finding the murderer. He brings Lucy in on the case, thinking she can help him get to the truth, only to cut her loose when he realizes he’s gotten far more than he ever bargained for.

A past that won’t go away…

When memories from her childhood invade her present, Lucy discovers a mystery bigger than she could have imagined. With the killer still after her, and Eli nowhere to be found, she takes things into her own hands, determined to expose the truth no matter what—before trouble comes knocking…again.

Review: 3.5 Stars - Trouble Comes Knocking by author Mary Duncanson is a wonderful new title from the “New Adult” imprint Embrace from Entangled. Filled with mystery, a bit of romance and a character with a unique ability this book is a quick read that gets better with the turn of each page.

The characters in this one are quirky, including our main female lead Lucy Carver. She tries to stay under the radar but she has a hard time with her eidetic memory. It pretty much means she notices everything. Every little detail and tell from everyone around her. Keeping secrets and lies is a big no-no because she can see them coming from a mile away. When she starts a new job and notices some something that just don’t seem right she tries to help rather than hinder. There’s a murder and instantly she has a target on her back.

It’s a thrilling mystery with a touch of romance and the slight beginnings of a love triangle that doesn’t know if it wants to start or fizzle out. The clues that are given along the way lead the readers in all different directions in this mysterious who-done-it story.

I know for me I thought I knew who was the big bad was but my guesses were wrong, as were the little pieces of Lucy’s past that play a part of what I’m going to assume will be talked about more in future titles in the Trouble series. Which, I have to touch on that, I’m thankful it’s a series because there’s just so much information that I think with the main mystery the parts of her past would have become muddled. One would have to take a back seat and I’m glad that Duncanson didn’t give up one for the other.

It’s in this that it reminds me a little bit about Veronica Mars. Each season of the show had a large mystery that Veronica was working to solve and then each episode also had a smaller mystery she world work on as she accumulated information in solving the larger season story arch. In this title there’s a much larger story going on when it comes to Lucy and her past and then she’s working to help solve the mystery she’s found herself in at her new job.

While this is in the “New Adult” category and it does have some romance and kissing there’s not much more than that when it comes to sex. There are some adult themes and language that do show up throughout the story, so if you are looking for a cleaner title in this popular category this would be a great book to give a try. I would recommend this title to fans of titles with mystery and characters with a unique ability that proved to be refreshing while reading. I’m looking forward to the next title in the Trouble series to see what happens next with Lucy, her new job, her love life, her ability and her past. Happy Reading.

About the Author:

Mary Duncanson, who also writes as Mary Malcolm, lives in North Texas with a menagerie of animals and feral roommates. She is currently looking to adopt a husband, preferably housebroken, preferably as silly as her. When she’s not corraling her household, she’s talking to the characters in her head and hoping they talk back. When she’s not doing all that, she can be found wandering around Central Market with a happy, drooly foodie look on her face. Do not judge her, it is her Mecca.

Mary’s been writing since she was a teenager though spent quite a few years studying toward becoming a doctor before she realized she wanted to be a full-time author. Unfortunately, the people who own her student loans still want to be paid for the years they supported her medical dreams. Mary lives on a steady diet of coffee and chocolate and believes, like Eleanor Roosevelt, that people should believe in the beauty of their dreams. She also believes people should ignore the word should because really, it’s kind of a judgmental word. Mary dreams of one day living as a full-time, well paid novelist (hint, hint) and also of one day traveling to Chile to pay homage to her soul mate, Pablo Neruda.

Find Mary Online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

About Embrace:

EMBRACE…endless possibilities.  A new adult imprint from Entangled, launching November 11th! You can follow them and get more information about future titles @EPEmbrace or their facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmbraceImprint

GIVEAWAY!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Title: Racing Savannah (Hundred Oaks #4)
Author: Miranda Kenneally
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire, 304 Pages (December 3rd 2013)
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: They’re from two different worlds.

He lives in the estate house, and she spends most of her time in the stables helping her father train horses. In fact, Savannah has always been much more comfortable around horses than boys. Especially boys like Jack Goodwin—cocky, popular and completely out of her league. She knows the rules: no mixing between the staff and the Goodwin family. But Jack has no such boundaries.

With her dream of becoming a horse jockey, Savannah isn’t exactly one to follow the rules either. She’s not going to let someone tell her a girl isn’t tough enough to race. Sure, it’s dangerous. Then again, so is dating Jack…

Interview:

Hi Miranda, congrats on your forth Hundred Oaks title – Racing Savannah!! I’m SO EXCITED to have you visiting with me today. Thanks for taking the time out to answer a few questions. How about we get started?

- Thanks for having me!

Can you walk us through a day in the life of an author?

- My life is pretty different from that of full-time authors in that I also work full-time for the State Department, so I try to write whenever I have free time on nights and weekends. I do sometimes brainstorm my books at work and ask colleagues for help with plots. Government people are quite good at problem-solving! I won’t lie and say that having two jobs is easy – I’m pretty tired, honestly. When I write on weekends, I usually drink lots of coffee, try to sneak in a trip to the gym, and then write for 8-10 hours.

Has your writing, how you start writing a book, plot, plan, etc changed at all from writing your first book to now your fourth?

- Every book is different. Catching Jordan and Things I Can’t Forget flowed from page one, but writing Racing Savannah was like pulling teeth until I figured out the plot. I will say that I spend a lot more time on showing-not telling than I used to. I work hard on my metaphors and pulling out the emotion in my book. I think a lot more about plot structure than I used to – which is a good and bad thing. I can’t watch a movie or read a book without fully analyzing the plot and character arcs, and that is ANNOYING.

Also, what’s always been or become the most important part of the writing process for you?

- Having great readers to give me feedback on my drafts. I would be nowhere without them.

What was the hardest AND the easiest part in writing Racing Savannah?

Easiest: Savannah’s sassy attitude.
Hardest: Making Jack sympathetic.

Can you ask Savannah and Jack to describe the other in three words?

Savannah would describe Jack as: Hard-working, smart, and loyal.
Jack would describe Savannah as: Feisty, beautiful, and determined.

What do you hope readers take away from Savannah and Jack’s story?

I hope that readers learn that they should never settle for anything or anybody. They should work hard to get what they want and never give others the opportunity to treat them poorly.

And lastly, can you tell us, without giving too much away what you’re currently working on or what we should be keeping a watch out for from you in the future?

Yes! My July 2014 book, most likely titled BREATHE, ANNIE, BREATHE, is about a girl training to run a marathon in honor of her boyfriend who died. Before he passed away, he had been training for a marathon, and now Annie is going to attempt to finish on his behalf. But it will be hard because she can barely run two laps around the high school track.

Thanks for the visit Miranda! It’s been great! Love the Hundred Oaks series and I’m looking forward to more exciting titles from you in the future!

Thank you for having me!

About the Author: 

Growing up in Tennessee, Miranda Kenneally dreamed of becoming an Atlanta Brave, a country singer (cliché!), or a UN interpreter. Instead she writes, and works for the State Department in Washington, D.C., where George W. Bush once used her shoulder as an armrest. Miranda loves Twitter, Star Trek and her husband.

Find Miranda Online:

Website | Twitter| Facebook | Goodreads

GIVEAWAY!!!

Grand prize giveaway

Prize (open to US and Canada only):
--A pair of Ralph Lauren riding boots. Or another pair of boots at equal or lesser value.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Title: Racing Savannah (Hundred Oaks #4)
Author: Miranda Kenneally
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire, 304 Pages (December 3rd 2013)
Genres: Contemporary, Young Adult
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: They’re from two different worlds.

He lives in the estate house, and she spends most of her time in the stables helping her father train horses. In fact, Savannah has always been much more comfortable around horses than boys. Especially boys like Jack Goodwin—cocky, popular and completely out of her league. She knows the rules: no mixing between the staff and the Goodwin family. But Jack has no such boundaries.

With her dream of becoming a horse jockey, Savannah isn’t exactly one to follow the rules either. She’s not going to let someone tell her a girl isn’t tough enough to race. Sure, it’s dangerous. Then again, so is dating Jack…

Review: 5 Stars - Author Miranda Kenneally’s Fourth Hundred Oaks title – Racing Savannah has everything that makes a title by this author amazing to read – characters that you wish you knew growing up, issues that are realistic and true that many can relate to and a story that is equal parts fun and serious.

One thing I can always count on as a reader and fan of Kenneally is that her books are always fabulous and never disappoint. Racing Savannah has become my new favorite of hers and while there are plenty of important issues going on for the characters this title is also about normal and fun teen times that kept a great even keel on the flow of the whole book.

I loved how strong Savannah was. And Jack often was a bit too old for his age. It’s all due to the circumstances with how they were raised – neither was raised bad, they just had to grow up a bit too quick. When the two meet it gives them a chance to see things from a different point of view in some of the most important things in their lives. Watching these two change was one of the best parts of the story because they had to fight for those changes which made it all the more amazing and important to the characters.

The setting for this book and the secondary characters of horses, which had such great personalities of their own, gave the overall book such a refreshing story from beginning to end. And the setting – from the track to the stables gave me a nice visual backdrop for the characters and the horses. It was all so easy to picture.

I loved the characters and the cameos from previous titles always produce huge smiles while reading. It’s always nice to see even a glimpse of people from the past and Kenneally didn’t disappoint there at all.

Fans of Kenneally won’t be disappointed at all with this latest title. I think that this one will become a new favorite of this author and will be just as eager as I am to read what she writes next. I can’t wait for her next title in 2014! Check out the title and description Miranda gives in my interview with her posting later today. If you haven’t read this author’s YA titles in the past and are looking to start they don’t have to be read in order. They are each stand alone titles. The only thing you’ll miss out on is recognizing characters that make appearances here and there in the latest titles. I highly recommend Kenneally’s books to teen to adult readers. Enjoy!

About the Author: 

Growing up in Tennessee, Miranda Kenneally dreamed of becoming an Atlanta Brave, a country singer (cliché!), or a UN interpreter. Instead she writes, and works for the State Department in Washington, D.C., where George W. Bush once used her shoulder as an armrest. Miranda loves Twitter, Star Trek and her husband.

Find Miranda Online:

Website | Twitter| Facebook | Goodreads