Title: Before He Was Famous (Starstruck #1)
Author: Becky Wicks
Publisher: Becky Wicks Books, 279 pages (May 25th 2014)
From: Netgalley
Format: e-book
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Amazon UK

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

Synopsis: One guy, one girl. One in the spotlight. One in the shadows.

Falling in love with your best friend isn’t always a great idea, especially when he’s Noah Lockton - the sexiest, most famous new talent on the planet. When 21-year-old small-town photographer Chloe Campbell is offered the chance of a lifetime – to join her celebrity childhood friend Noah on tour as an exclusive blogger for a New York magazine – she’s certain both have put what happened four years ago behind them. But his eyes still burn; his voice is still a jackhammer to her heartstrings; all his songs are about her. Is it possible that that night still haunts them both?

The music industry is a machine, spinning hype and rumors as much as his records. It’s not just Noah’s girlfriends who’ve got it in for Chloe (there’s no stopping the Twitter-obsessed, cat-loving pop-star Courtney Lentini for starters). Pretty soon, the jealousy and media frenzy surrounding these so-called-friends takes a life-changing turn and it seems making love means making enemies at every turn. When tragedy threatens to pull the final curtain on their relationship, both Chloe and Noah must make a choice. As much as this world leaves them starstruck, is living their dream really worth living without each other?

A story of lifelong friendships, love and hope, set in a world of celebrity, fame and social media gone very, very wrong.

Review: 4 stars - Once again a story about reality television grabs my attention. I hate reality television normally- be it Big Brother style, talent shows etc but once again I found myself engrossed by the story. I wasn’t sure what to expect from Before He Was Famous, but having read another of Wick’s books; a collaboration with YA author Sarah Alderson (The Extraordinary Life of Lara Craft). I hoped for great things, and was not disappointed.

Chloe and Noah have been best friends since Chloe wandered into Noah’s house after hearing him playing guitar and singing.

They have been through a lot together including the death of Chloe’s father. Noah has always been there to support her.

When Noah is chosen to take part in television talent show “Show Us What U’ve Got” Chloe is there supporting him every step of the way.

Chloe gets a job offer to be a photographer’s assistant in New York and moves from Boulder, Colorado to live with Noah in New York. Noah’s fame helping Chloe on her way to success. When her new boss finds out she is friends with Noah; Chloe is tasked with covering Noah’s tour on an exclusive blog.

This job is a learning curve for Chloe. She learns what lengths paparazzi photographers go to get the ‘perfect’ shot and how easily the media can twist what is said/seen. Chloe is thrown into the public eye, when she really never wanted the fame. That was always Noah’s dream.

I love the Peter/Pan relationship between Noah and Chloe. I wish they had the sense to tell each other how they feel. Although if they had, the story wouldn’t have been as lovable. I did find myself shouting at Noah especially at times- stupid boy!

Before He Was Famous is a story of lifelong friendship, first love and how you should always trust your heart.

I can’t wait to read more from Becky Wicks in the future and hope that at some point she might tell us what happened to Noah and Chloe after Before He Was Famous- did they have a happily ever after?

Title: Cinder & Ella

Author: Kelly Oram

Publisher: Bluefields (October 1st, 2014)

Add to: Goodreads

Order Kelly's Books online 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: It’s been almost a year since eighteen-year-old Ella Rodriguez was in a car accident that left her crippled, scarred, and without a mother. After a very difficult recovery, she’s been uprooted across the country and forced into the custody of a father that abandoned her when she was a young child. If Ella wants to escape her father’s home and her awful new stepfamily, she must convince her doctors that she’s capable, both physically and emotionally, of living on her own. The problem is, she’s not ready yet. The only way she can think of to start healing is by reconnecting with the one person left in the world who’s ever meant anything to her—her anonymous Internet best friend, Cinder. 

…Hollywood sensation Brian Oliver has a reputation for being trouble. There’s major buzz around his performance in his upcoming film The Druid Prince, but his management team says he won’t make the transition from teen heartthrob to serious A-list actor unless he can prove he’s left his wild days behind and become a mature adult. In order to douse the flames on Brian’s bad-boy reputation, his management stages a fake engagement for him to his co-star Kaylee. Brian isn’t thrilled with the arrangement—or his fake fiancée—but decides he’ll suffer through it if it means he’ll get an Oscar nomination. Then a surprise email from an old Internet friend changes everything.

I can't tell you guys how EXCITED I am for this release!! Kelly writes some AMAZING stories and characters. I've LOVED her books since I read the first title in her Jamie Baker series - Being Jamie Baker - and I haven't looked back since! So, when I reached out to Kelly to find out what she was working on... she told me a bit about Cinder & Ella and asked if I'd like a chance to beta read it.

I've read it through a few times now and let me just tell you that you guys are in for a treat! It's pretty amazing! I can't wait for you ALL to read it so I have someone to talk about this book with. I'm hoping *fingers crossed* that I might have something FUN and exciting to tell you about that has to do with this book sometime in the future. 

Until then, take a peek at this teaser and be sure you check out Kelly's other books too! Links are above.

Teaser excerpt:

         “You do have someone who cares,” he said softly. “No matter how bad things are at home or at school or whatever, you have me. You’re my best friend, too. You have my number now. Save it in your phone and call it anytime—day, night, the witching hour—it doesn’t matter. Okay?”

It took me a moment—and a series of deep breaths—before I could respond. “Okay.”

“Promise?”

“I promise. As long as I always have you, I’ll be fine.” I kicked myself internally and laughed. “Wow, that sounded really cheesy. You see? That’s why I didn’t want to call you. I can filter my stupid mouth so much better when I have to type out my thoughts.”

Cinder laughed again. “Ah, but then you would miss out on all the sweet nothings I plan to whisper in your ear now that I know how much you like my ultra-sexy voice.”

I blushed but refused to let him know that his flirting rattled me. “I never said ultra, you egomaniac. But you should definitely consider recording audiobooks for a living.”

“Hmm. That’s not a bad idea.” Cinder’s voice dropped to that slow, seductive purr again as he asked, “Would you like me to read to you, Ellamara?”

I thrilled at the thought and couldn’t quite mask my excitement. “Seriously?”

“Why not? Before you called, I was getting ready to have a Top Gear marathon all by my lonesome.”

“You are such a liar. Tonight is Friday night, and it’s Halloween. There is no way you don’t have plans.”

“I don’t have important ones. It’s just a stupid party that my sort-of girlfriend wants me to go to.”

“Your ‘sort-of’ girlfriend?”

“Yeah.” Cinder stretched the word out in a long breath. “It’s a long story, but I’m not that into her. I’d much rather stay home and read with you. Besides, I can’t hang up on you when you’ve had the worst day ever. What kind of best friend would that make me?”

I almost cried again. The offer was so sweet. And thoughtful. Reading was a passion Cinder and I shared. We read and discussed books all the time. We’d even decided to read the same book at the same time before, but we’d never read one together. Cinder had to know how much that would mean to me.

“It has to be The Druid Prince,” I said.

Cinder laughed. “It’s already in my hands.”

      

About the Author:

Kelly Oram wrote her first novel at age fifteen–a fan fiction about her favorite music group, The Backstreet Boys, for which family and friends still tease her. She's obsessed with reading, talks way too much, and loves to eat frosting by the spoonful. She lives outside of Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and four children.

Find Kelly Online:

Amazon * Facebook * Twitter * Goodreads * Blog

Look for Cinder & Ella October 1, 2014!

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Title: My Soon-To-Be Sex Life
Author: Judith Tewes
Publisher: Bloomsbury Spark, (July 24th, 2014)
From: the Author/Publisher
Format: eARC
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Amazon UK, Books-A-Million, iTunes, Kobo

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

Synopsis: Charlie is down to her absolute. Total. Last. Resort.

Despite a thoroughly comprehensive list of potential cherry poppers, er…suitors, and careful plotting, Charlie is three weeks into her devirginization campaign, still untouched, and getting desperate. In the movie of her life, this aspiring screenwriter is giving herself a PG, for please, get some.

Her project goes into freeze frame when her mom checks herself into rehab and packs Charlie off to live with her estranged, or just plain strange, grandfather, Monty. How is she supposed to get a date when she has to go pick up his Depends?

Enter Eric, a hot rehab grad on the road to redemption, and the only one who can make Charlie rethink her strategy. The more she gets to know him, the more convinced she becomes that is the one, and not just another to add to the list of people who will abandon her.

In this hilarious and heartbreaking story of one girl’s detoured road to womanhood, Charlie’s list develops a life of its own – right when she realizes there’s so much more to lose.

Review: 4 Stars - My Soon-To-Be-Sex Life by Judith Tewes follows high school student Charlie through her crazy thoughts and ideas as she is on a mission all while trying to come to terms with some unexpected  life changing events.

In a nut shell, Charlie wants to lose her virginity on her own terms. She wants to make a plan, find the guy and just get the first time out of the way. She’s a budding screenwriter so she has the scene all planned out, down to just about the last detail. Well, minus the guy.

The rest of her life is kind of stressful. Her mom isn’t the same since Charlie’s dad passed away and throws a massive spanner in the works when her mom comes clean about a prescription drug problem and off to rehab she goes. Without anywhere else to go Charlie moves in with her absent Grandfather, who just so happens to live down the street and quickly that new relationship becomes strained even further.

While reading you feel bad for Charlie and you want to sit her down and tell her that she’s trying to choose things for the wrong reasons. Her best friend is there for her, but she has her own way of thinking about Charlie’s choices but the two are interesting together and make sense.

When Charlie least expects it, in walks Eric. He’s trying to overcome his own issues and has a lot to prove to himself and his family. So when the two keep bumping into each other you can see that they don’t know what to expect. And when someone tries to take Charlie down for retaliation over something she did in anger, you can’t help but cringe for both characters.

Eric… what can I say about this guy. He feels a lot older than he is. To be honest I can’t remember if his age was ever mentioned but he feels so much older than Charlie is. He is a flirt and smooth and mysterious. I couldn’t get enough of Eric! And when we finally find out more about him and about the choices he’s made you can’t help but love the guy even more.

There’s a few laugh out loud moments along with all the serious sides that the characters face from beginning to end. And watching Charlie grow from who she was at the beginning to who we see at the end of her story was great. I liked watching her come to terms with all the issues she’s facing with her mom and grandfather and when she finally figures out that some things are more important than a list can hold.

While this title is about a teen in high school and does in fact deal with normal teen issues, I’d recommend this for older teens and above. There’s discussion of drug use, drinking, language and lots of conversations of sex so readers should consider this before reading. However, I really loved it because it’s about serious issues sprinkled in with touches of humor to lighten things up through the rough times. I loved the characters and can’t wait to read more from Judith in the future. Happy reading.

About the Author:

About Judith Tewes: Multi-published, award-winning author, screenwriter, and playwright, Judith Tewes resides in small town Alberta, where she: writes, sings, plays bass guitar in an all-woman band, walks her three crazy labs, and suspects she's living the life of a superhero's alias. A commercial writer writing under several pen names, Judith’s work includes: paranormal, steampunk, and contemporary young adult fiction, as well as thriller, horror, and dramatic comedies for the stage and screen.

Find Judith Online:

Website | Twitter | Author Facebook | Personal Facebook | Goodreads

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Today I have a Cover Reveal for Courtney Cole's YA Paranormal Romance and title that's close to her heart - GUARDIAN!

Title: Guardian
Author: Courtney Cole
Publisher: 268 Pages (August 28th, 2014)
Add to: Goodreads
No order lines at the time of posting

Synopsis: Sometimes, things that go bump in the night are real.


My name is Whitney Lane. I’m sixteen years old and at first, I thought I was crazy.

I kept seeing shadows move along walls, and hearing whispers around corners, but whenever I looked, there was never anything there.

Until one day, there was.

Our world isn’t what we think. There are things around us, good things, bad things, scary things.

Things that we tell ourselves aren’t real, but they are.

They’re very real, and they’re terrifying.

I’ve been swept up now, in a battle of good and evil, confused about love and what is supposed to be love, but isn’t. I don’t know what to think anymore. I can’t trust my emotions and I don’t know what is true.

There’s only one thing I know for sure.

Nothing is what it seems.

About the Author:

Courtney Cole is a novelist who would eat mythology for breakfast if she could. She has a degree in Business, but has since discovered that corporate America is not nearly as fun to live in as fictional worlds. She loves chocolate and roller coasters and hates waiting and rude people.

Courtney lives in quiet suburbia, close to Lake Michigan, with her real-life Prince Charming, her ornery kids (there is a small chance that they get their orneriness from their mother) and a small domestic zoo.

Find Courtney Online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Newsletter SignUp | Pinterest

"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: Anatomy of a Misfit
Author: Andrea Portes
Publisher: Harper Children's, 336 Pages (September 2nd, 2014)
Add to: Goodreads
Pre-order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Synopsis: This emotional, hilarious, devastating, and ultimately triumphant YA debut, based on actual events, recounts one girl’s rejection of her high school’s hierarchy—and her discovery of her true self in the face of tragedy.

Fall’s buzzed-about, in-house favorite. Outside, Anika Dragomir is all lip gloss and blond hair—the third most popular girl in school. Inside, she’s a freak: a mix of dark thoughts, diabolical plots, and, if local chatter is to be believed, vampire DNA (after all, her father is Romanian). But she keeps it under wraps to maintain her social position. One step out of line and Becky Vilhauer, first most popular girl in school, will make her life hell. So when former loner Logan McDonough shows up one September hotter, smarter, and more mysterious than ever, Anika knows she can’t get involved. It would be insane to throw away her social safety for a nerd. So what if that nerd is now a black-leather-jacket-wearing dreamboat, and his loner status is clearly the result of his troubled home life? Who cares if the right girl could help him with all that, maybe even save him from it? Who needs him when Jared Kline, the bad boy every girl dreams of, is asking her on dates? Who?

Anatomy of a Misfit is Mean Girls meets The Perks of Being a Wallflower, and Anika’s hilariously deadpan delivery will appeal to readers for its honesty and depth. The so-sad-it’s-funny high school setting will pull readers in, but when the story’s dark foreboding gradually takes over, the devastating penultimate tragedy hits like a punch to the gut. Readers will ride the highs and lows alongside funny, flawed Anika—from laughter to tears, and everything in between.

One book this week, but WOW... I really can't wait to read this one. It's been on my radar for awhile now and I can't believe it's not been in one of my WoW's in the past. I really can't wait to get my hands on this one!

*covers are always subject to change.

Title: Upside Down (Off the Map #1)
Author: Lia Riley
Publisher: Grand Central/Forever, 384 Pages (August 5th, 2014)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Amazon UK, Amazon Australia, Kobo

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

Synopsis: Book #1 in the OFF THE MAP series
New Adult Contemporary Romance

If You Never Get Lost, You’ll Never Be Found

Twenty-one-year-old Natalia Stolfi is saying good-bye to the past-and turning her life upside down with a trip to the land down under. For the next six months, she'll act like a carefree exchange student, not a girl sinking under the weight of painful memories. Everything is going according to plan until she meets a brooding surfer with hypnotic green eyes and the troubling ability to see straight through her act.

Bran Lockhart is having the worst year on record. After the girl of his dreams turned into a nightmare, he moved back home to Melbourne to piece his life together. Yet no amount of disappointment could blind him to the pretty California girl who gets past all his defenses. He's never wanted anyone the way he wants Talia. But when Bran gets a stark reminder of why he stopped believing in love, he and Talia must decide if what they have is once in a lifetime . . . or if they were meant to live a world apart.

Excerpt & EXCLUSIVE Alternate Point Of View Scene!

Set Up: A Californian exchange student to Australia narrowly misses being mowed down during a fight between a guy in a koala suit and an angry businessman.

Talia

(actual excerpt from UPSIDE DOWN)

          “Hey there.” I kneel next to the koala and place my hand on his mangy, threadbare fur shoulder. “You all right? Thanks for standing up for me.”

          Stony silence ensues.

          “Um…”I look around, helpless. No one pays us any attention. “Is there someone I should call—”

          “I’m fine, just taking a nap.” The koala’s freakish frozen smile is a sharp contrast to the deep and surly Australian accent.

          “Well, I can’t leave you here.” I reach to take his arm, help him to his feet.

          He jerks back. “I’m sure you mean well, but time to piss off. Show’s over.”

          “Wow. Nice, real nice. Jesus, sorry I bothered.” I stand and wipe my palms on my scalloped-edged skirt, shouldering my bag, irritated at my hurt feelings. “Guess no good deed goes unpunished.”

          “Sorry to let you down, sweetheart.” He brushes off his arms. “I’m no knight in shining armor.”

          “Duly noted.” I take a step backward. When he threatened the suit on my behalf, he meant every word. In some way, I knew, deep down, that he’d keep me safe. So why rush to my defense and then push me away?

          And why overanalyze?

          This is a dude in a koala suit. He clearly lacks vital screws.

          The dive Jazza selected for our not-a-date squats across the street. I give the koala a frosty parting glare and stalk away. Maybe it’s my imagination, but I swear he watches me go.

          Whatever, cuckoo koala.

          Tonight’s plan was to seek adventure, and an altercation with an escapee from the Island of Dr. Moreau must count to that end. Time to grab a beer and chalk the encounter up to a good story for once I’m back home.

Bran

(special A Life Bound By Books behind-the-scenes peek into hero POV)

          The koala mask is half-cocked. The only thing in my field of vision is the white dress riding her perfectly curved thigh. Shit. Figures I’d have my ass handed to me in front of a hot girl. It’s all I can do not to flinch when her hand settles on my shoulder. “You all right?” she asks.“Thanks for standing up for me.”

          When you’re in the gutter--literally--what’s there to say? Nothing.

          “Um…” She trails off. People step over my splayed legs.No one pays any attention, except her. Her fingers tighten on me, and for a second, I’mnot alone.

           “Is there someone I should call—”

          “I’m fine, just taking a nap.” Go find the lucky guy you’re wearing that cute-as-hell dress for.

          “Well, I can’t leave you here.” Her voice is husky, a little sexy. The American accent lends an extra dose of optimism to her forced cheer. Shemoves to help me to my feet.

          Pity parties aren’t my scene. “I’m sure you mean well, but time to piss off. Show’s over.”

          “Wow. Nice, real nice. Jesus, sorry I bothered.” She stands andwipesher palms on her skirt, erasing me from her skin. “Guess no good deed goes unpunished.”

          “Sorry to let you down, sweetheart.” Girls like her aren’t meant for bastards like me. “I’m no knight in shining armor.”

          “Duly noted.” She pauses a moment, as if waiting for me to redeem myself. Yeah, not likely.At last, she turns, tosses her head and crossesLygon Street, heading toward the grotty pub on the corner.Her hips swing in a way that makes me an idiot. Muscles clench deep in my stomach asI push to my feet, walkingbefore my brain has a chance to hit the brakes. This is a bad idea, but no one ever accused me of being a bloody genius. Here’s the plan: Have a pint at the bar and prove the unsettled feeling in my heart is a side effect from adrenalin.

          The American girl won’t be anything, at least not to me.

About the Author:
Lia Riley writes offbeat New Adult Romance. After studying at the University of Montana-Missoula, she scoured the world armed only with a backpack, overconfidence and a terrible sense of direction. She counts shooting vodka with a Ukranian mechanic in Antarctica, sipping yerba mate with gauchos in Chile and swilling XXXX with stationhands in Outback Australia among her accomplishments.

A British literature fanatic at heart, Lia considers Mr. Darcy and Edward Rochester as her fictional boyfriends. Her very patient husband doesn't mind. Much. When not torturing heroes (because c'mon, who doesn't love a good tortured hero?), Lia herds unruly chickens, camps, beach combs, daydreams about as-of-yet unwritten books, wades through a mile-high TBR pile and schemes yet another trip. Right now, Icelandic hot springs and Scottish castles sound pretty sweet.

She and her family live in Northern California.

Find Lia Online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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Title: His Reverie
Author: Monica Murphy
Publisher: (July 28th, 2014)
From: the Author
Format: eARC
Add to: Goodreads
Order Online: iBooks | Kobo | Barnes & Noble | Amazon

Synopsis: I knew from the moment I first saw her she was the one. The only girl I could ever want.

The only girl I could ever love.

She is light.

I am darkness.

She is innocent.

I’ve done too much.

She is good.

I am bad.

She is my every dream.

I should be her every nightmare.

We come from different worlds. She’s…perfect. And I’m…

Not.

Somehow she wants me anyway. So we’ll grasp at what we can. We’re going to make this summer count. She’s my secret. And I’m hers.

The problem with secrets is they never last for long. And when others discover we’re together, they’ll do whatever it takes to keep us apart. All I know is: I won’t let them.

Because Reverie Hale? She’s mine. 

Review: 3 Stars - His Reverie is an upper YA title from author Monica Murphy. Told in dual points of view this title tells the story of a boy from the wrong side of the tracks whose life has had more bumps and potholes than a freeway in Southern California and a girl who wants for nothing, who happens to be a squeaky clean preacher’s daughter. And what happens when their paths cross one summer.

First off, these two couldn’t be more different from each other. Nick might be a good guy but due to circumstances he’s been dealt a pretty rough hand… time and time again actually. He might have grown up with only his mom but she worked hard to make sure they were taken care of. She showed him what it means to be a good person and what happens when you work hard. So when he gets yet another knock back after something finally goes right for him you want to give him a huge hug and squeeze him.

Then in walks Reverie. And just when you believe that Nick’s life couldn’t get any darker, she shines brighter than anything he’s ever known. She’s nothing that he’s expecting and neither is he to her for that matter. She’s good, perfect and pure and Nick’s not. Yet she sees something in him and the two are drawn to each other time and time again.

Now, these two might be vastly different from the other yet at the end of the book something HUGE happens and you realize that they aren’t so different. And it’s then that you smile huge while at the same time you want to smack Nick upside the head while yelling at him wondering what the heck he’s thinking! Well, we know what he’s’ thinking BUT STILL!

While this story is mainly told from Nick’s point of view, we do get some pretty insightful chapters sprinkled throughout in the form of Diary entries from Rev’s point of view. It’s in these diary entries we find out just how this sweet girl thinks and really have a chance to find out just how sheltered her family have kept her.

There are a few things that happen throughout the story that are a mystery to the reader and I can’t wait to find out just where Murphy is going with her characters.

Oh, how I wanted to love this title. It pains me to give it only 3 stars because I DID like it. I DO want to read the sequel because I had a HUGE what the heck moment at the end of this one. And then there was that revelation I had as well….. As for why I gave this only 3 stars… well, for me 3 stars is still a good rating. And as I mentioned above I wanted to love it but it was just pretty good/okay for me. There was some really great parts of the story, some parts that I loved however when I finished there wasn’t anything amazing that stuck out.

In the end - I have a feeling that it’s going to get a heck of a lot work before it gets better for Nick and Rev and I’m really looking forward to what’s going to happen next. Fans of contemporary titles should give this one a try. It’s upper YA due to content, however I’d almost class this as more of a “New Adult” but however due to the characters ages it does fit more into a YA category. So, upper YA it is for language, drinking and sex.

About Monica Murphy:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite. A wife and mother of three, she writes New Adult and contemporary romance for Bantam and Avon. She is the author of One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend.  

Find Monica Online:  
  
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Author Goodreads | Amazon author page

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HAPPY RELEASE DAY to author Monica Murphy's and HIS REVERIE!! HIS REVERIE is a Young Adult Contemporary Romance readers will want to check out!!

Title: His Reverie
Author: Monica Murphy
Publisher: (July 28th, 2014)
Add to: Goodreads
Order Online: iBooks | Kobo | Barnes & Noble | Amazon

Synopsis: I knew from the moment I first saw her she was the one. The only girl I could ever want.

The only girl I could ever love.

She is light.

I am darkness.

She is innocent.

I’ve done too much.

She is good.

I am bad.

She is my every dream.

I should be her every nightmare.

We come from different worlds. She’s…perfect. And I’m…

Not.

Somehow she wants me anyway. So we’ll grasp at what we can. We’re going to make this summer count. She’s my secret. And I’m hers.

The problem with secrets is they never last for long. And when others discover we’re together, they’ll do whatever it takes to keep us apart. All I know is: I won’t let them.

Because Reverie Hale? She’s mine. 

Excerpt:

          “Thirsty?”

          I jump at the sound of a soft female voice, my hand jerking so the hose splashes me right in the face. Muttering a curse, I drop the hose and reach out blindly, wrenching the faucet off with one hand as I swipe at my eyes with the back of the other. I hear the girl laugh and I whirl around, fully prepared to find some bratty preteen Hale daughter mocking me.

          But she’s not a preteen. Not even close. More like around my age. She’s tall and slender, her long blonde hair falling far past bared tan shoulders. She’s wearing some sort of sundress or whatever you call it and she’s pretty much covered since it hits just above her knees though her arms are exposed since the dress is sleeveless. The sun catches her just right though, shining through the thin fabric of her skirt so I can see through it.

          My gaze drops and all I can see is long, long legs through the shadowy fabric. Damn. Those sexy legs are endless. She clears her throat, like she knows exactly where I’m looking and what I’m thinking and I jerk my gaze up guiltily to meet hers, feeling like a jackass.

          That’s when I notice her eyes are blue. As blue as the sky above us, and she’s so damn pretty, with delicate features and pink, pink lips, that I can’t seem to form words.

          “Who are you?” she asks curiously. Her voice washes over me, sweet and melodic and now it’s my turn to clear my throat to get the lump out so I can freaking speak.

          “Who are you?” I ask back like an idiot.

          She smiles shyly and my entire body reacts, a bolt of electricity seeming to go through me. “I asked first.”

          “Are you Hale’s daughter?” If she is, that sucks because holy hell she’s hot but yeah.

          She’s completely untouchable if she’s a Hale.

About Monica Murphy:

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy is a native Californian who lives in the foothills below Yosemite. A wife and mother of three, she writes New Adult and contemporary romance for Bantam and Avon. She is the author of One Week Girlfriend and Second Chance Boyfriend.  

Find Monica Online:  
  
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Author Goodreads | Amazon author page

GIVEAWAY!!!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Wars a weekly feature hosted between two book review blogs – A Life Bound By Books & Much Loved Books!

It’s a fact that book lovers know all about the covers of the books they covet. Often when a title is released here in the UK, it’s sometimes vastly different across the pond in the US.  So, Michelle from Much Loved Books and I have come together to create Book Wars to talk about the difference in covers when it comes to the US vs. UK versions.

We hope from time to time authors will chime in with their thoughts as well. We welcome everyone to comment and share their thoughts too! The more the merrier!

Before we get to this weeks Book Wars, we have a winner to announce. The Book Wars winner for Insurgent by Veronica Roth is...USA!!!!!! Thank you to everyone who voted for both books, and for picking a winner.

Also, there's a poll at the bottom of the post that we'd love to hear your input for the two covers! Tell us which one YOU love the most.

Left: US - Right: UK

Title: Black Heart
Series: Curse Workers #3
Author: Holly Black
Publisher: US - Margaret K. McElderry Books , 296 Pages, (April 3rd 2012), UK - Gollancz , 296 Pages, (April 19th 2012)
Add to Goodreads: USA Version | UK Version
Order online here: USA: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository UK: Amazon UK, Waterstones, The Book Depository

Synopsis: In a world where Magic is illegal.

Cassel Sharpe has the most deadly ability of all. With one touch, he can transform any object - including a person - into something else entirely. And that makes him a wanted man. The Feds are willing to forgive all his past crimes if he'll only leave his con artist family behind and go straight. But why does going straight feel so crooked?

For one thing, it means being on the opposite side of the law from Lila, the girl he loves. She's the daughter of a mob boss and getting ready to join the family business herself. Though Cassel is pretty sure she can never love him back, he can't stop obsessing over her. Which would be bad enough, even if her father wasn't keeping Cassel's mother prisoner in a posh apartment and threatening not to let her leave until she returns the priceless diamond she scammed off him years ago. Too bad she can't remember where she put it.

The Feds say they need Cassel to get rid of a powerful man who is spinning dangerously out of control. But if they want Cassel to use his unique talent to hurt people, what separates the good guys from the bad ones? Or is everyone just out to con him?

Time is running out, and all Cassel's magic and cleverness might not be enough to save him. With no easy answers and no one he can trust, love might be the most dangerous gamble of all.

About Holly:

Holly Black is a best-selling author of contemporary fantasy novels for kids, teens, and adults. Tithe, Valiant, and Ironside), The Spiderwick Chronicles (with Tony DiTerlizzi), and The Good Neighbors graphic novels (with Ted Naifeh) The Poison Eaters and Other Stories, a collection of short fiction, and The Curse Worker series (White Cat, Red Glove, and Black Heart). She is also the co-editor of three anthologies, Geektastic (with Cecil Castellucci), Zombies vs. Unicorns (with Justine Larbalestier), and Welcome to Bordertown (with Ellen Kushner). Her most recent works are the middle grade novel, Doll Bones, and the dark fantasy stand-alone, The Coldest Girl in Coldtown. She is the author of the Modern Faerie Tale series.

She lives in Massachusetts with her husband, Theo, in a house with a secret library.

Find Holly Online: Website | Journal | Twitter | Facebook

Let the Wars Begin: Its now time to make our decision, let's see what we think about the covers and pick our favorite cover.

Lisa So, this week we have two VERY different covers. I wasn't a fan when they changed the US covers to this new style. I liked the direction the original covers were going.

The UK cover is dark and kind of twisted and I love it! I'd like to see what these look like in person.

My vote for this week goes to the UK cover in all it's dark glory.

Michelle I do like the new covers for the USA editions, but my vote goes to UK for this week. I love the effects of the UK editions, the background effects, and the black heart is perfect for this book, in a creepy kind of way. It's a UK win for me this week.

VOTE for YOUR favorite cover of Black Heart by Holly Black NOW!

QuestionPro

Title: The Horde Without End (The World Without End #2)
Author: Nazarea Andrews
Publisher: A&A Literary, (July 17th, 2014)
Add to: Goodreads
Order a copy here: 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 was supposed to be over…

Returning from Haven 18 was supposed to be the end. But nothing is ever easy—and in a world full of zombies, finding the missing is next to impossible. There are breadcrumbs. Tiny clues. But what are a few tiny clues in a world of the dead?

Nurrin is desperate to find her brother, but that will mean trusting Finn O’Malley. A man shrouded in secrets, who kills as easily as breathing. And the more she learns about him, the more questions she has. But she has learned one thing—the zombies are changing. Adapting. And this time, the Haven walls won’t keep them out.

Order The World Without a Future (The World Without End #1) here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

Excerpt:

The thing about the apocalypse is that it made life fragile. Life always was, but for those who had lived before, death was not an everyday occurrence. It was a tragedy, something that was actively feared. It was people’s greatest fear.

And then, death became complicated, because it became less than permanent.

People survived because of hope. It wasn’t the weapons or the army, it wasn’t the walls of the Havens or the medicines pumped out by the drug companies working to fight their own creation. It was hope. That simple.

That insidious.

Hope that one day, death would be simple again. Hope that it would change. That the dead could be cured—that the world could be cured.

Everyone has a moment. That defining, life-altering moment when everything hinges on hope.

It can kill people, to see it dashed. I’ve seen it before, in the Haven, and after.

You never know how you will face the end of hope. Until you have no choice but to face it.

About the Author: 

Nazarea Andrews is an avid reader and tends to write the stories she wants to read. She loves chocolate and coffee almost as much as she loves books, but not quite as much as she loves her kids. She lives in south Georgia with her husband, daughters, and overgrown dog.

Find Nazarea Online:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | "The Infects" Street Team

GIVEAWAY!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Okay readers everywhere!!! I tend to not post a lot of "Adult" titles here, but, but... ITS KENDALL RYAN!!! I've LOVED her books in the past. My favorites being her When I Break series. It's beyond amazing and as soon as I heard about what she's been working on... YES PLEASE!!! 

So, here's the covers for the two books for the lasted from her. Please be remember these are ADULT titles and are indented for mature readers.

And now the long, long wait begins for mid August. Can't wait!

Title: Filthy Beautiful Lies (Book 1)
Author: Kendall Ryan
Publisher: (August 18th 2014)
Add to: Goodreads
Order Kendall's previous titles here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository, Amazon UK

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

Synopsis: I have no idea why she auctioned off her virginity for a cool mill. Regardless, I’m now the proud new owner of a perfectly intact hymen. A lot of good that will do me. I have certain tastes, certain sexual proclivities. My cock is a bit more discriminatory than most. And training a virgin takes finesse and patience – both of which I lack.

Sophie Evans has been backed into a corner. With her sister’s life hanging in the balance, the only choice is to claw her way out, even if that means selling her virginity to the highest bidder at an exclusive erotic club. When Colton Drake takes her home, she quickly learns nothing is as it seems with this beautifully troubled man. Being with him poses challenges she never expected, and pushes her to want things she never anticipated.

A sinfully seductive erotic romance where everything has a price and the cost of love is the highest of all from New York Times & USA Today bestselling author, Kendall Ryan.

Title: Filthy Beautiful Love (Book 2)
Author: Kendall Ryan
Publisher: (September 29th 2014)
Add to: Goodreads

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

Synopsis: I never expected to watch Sophie walk away. She was mine. She just didn’t know it yet. New goal: Seal the deal and rock her world so thoroughly she never wanted to leave again.

Highly sexual and emotionally charged, Filthy Beautiful Love is the provocative conclusion to Filthy Beautiful Lies. 

About the Author:

Romance author. Shamelessly addicted to bad boys, kissing and steamy romance novels brimming with dark, angsty tension.

Find Kendall Online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Instagram