Title: Imitation (Clone Chronicles #1)
Author: Heather Hilderbrand
Publisher: Accendo Press, (March 12th, 2013)
Add to: Goodreads
Order here: Amazon, Barnes and Noble

Synopsis: Everyone is exactly like me.
There is no one like me.
The rough fabric of my cotton nightgown chafes so I lie very still. They say my discomfort comes from being built like one accustomed to niceties. How is that fair when I myself have never experienced anything but copies of the real thing?
My entire life is an imitation.
I am an Imitation.
I’ve been here five years. Training. Preparing. Waiting.
And now I have a letter.
My assignment has begun.
I am a prisoner.
I am not Raven Rogen.
I am here to die.

Title: The Only Exception
Author: Magan Vernon
Publisher: Beautifully Broken Books, 272 Pages (April 9th, 2013)
From: the Author
Format: eARC
Add to: Goodreads

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

Synopsis: **Due to sexual content and heavy subject matter, this book is recommended for ages 16+**

Fiercely liberal Monica Remy prefers to blend in. Despite her tattoos, piercings, and outspoken personality, she transferred to Central to escape—before she finds out that her next door neighbor is the uber conservative governor's son, Trey Chapman.

No matter how hard she tries to avoid Trey, he still finds a way to get under her skin. Monica can’t stand his crisp white shirts or his staunch views on women. But she can’t help counting every freckle on his face and wondering what it would feel like to have him stop talking politics and kiss her.

A class debate project forces the unlikely pair to work together, and the political lines are blurred in late-night make out sessions. But despite their fiery chemistry, Trey’s politics threatens to smother their relationship for good.

Review: 4 Stars - The Only Exception is a wonderful addition to the “New Adult” category from author, Magan Vernon. With two characters that are polar opposites, the romance slowly smolders and builds until it’s a roaring flame for Monica and Trey.

Monica is liberal and Tray is conservative… and also the governor’s son. Monica has bright red hair and a lip ring, Trey dresses in khaki pants and button up dress shirts. The two are extreme opposites in every sense of the word and with politics such an important part of their lives the two take pleasure in sparring about what’s important when it comes to the issues and their personal beliefs of right and wrong within their state.

I’m not someone who’s wrapped up in politics. I have things that I worry about and are important to me but I’m far from how far these two characters are involved so I was slightly worried how this would read to me. I was pleasantly surprised with how Vernon took on this tough and sometimes touchy subject. The banter between Monica and Trey made this title and the importance behind what Monica was going through very entertaining. Which is weird for me to say because what happened to Monica isn’t entertaining or fun at all. It was heartbreaking and the things that happened between her and Trey… just…. You have to read this story!

It was hard for me to picture both of these characters physically, which happens from time to time while reading. I tried from beginning to end to get an idea of what these two looked like and it just never happened. Vernon’s writing flowed easily and so did the story. I think it was just because this was so different from what I’ve been reading lately.

There’s one part of the book I want to talk about but it’ll give too much away. So, I’ll just say it was a refreshing twist on the normal proceedings in relationship development.

I loved Trey more and more as the story went on. He’s unique, a gentleman and helps to empower Monica beyond most of what I’ve read in the past. The story and these characters are more than just about politics. The politics is an added layer to the characters especially for Trey with his background and both aspire to have political futures. Again, in my honest opinion I believe that Vernon did a great job in writing this story.

All in all, I grabbed on to The Only Exception with both hands and dove into the deep end. With high hopes that were met and welcomed I enjoyed this title from beginning to end. Vernon continues to impress me with her writing and characters that I have no problem saying that I’ll continue to look for more from this author in the future. I recommend this title for fans of Contemporary “New Adult” titles or just looking for a great place to start in this exciting new category.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Title: Broken at Love (Whitman University #1)
Author: Lyla Payne
Publisher: 338 Pages (March 12th, 2013)
From: the Author
Format: eBook
Add to: Goodreads


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

Synopsis: When a knee injury ends twenty-year-old Quinn Rowland’s pro tennis career, he’s not only dumped by his hot Russian girlfriend but ordered to attend college by his disinterested billionaire father. A rich kid who’s not used to being disappointed by life, Quinn and his sociopathic half-brother Sebastian create a frat house game intended to treat girls how they see them—as simple game pieces to be manipulated for their pleasure.

College sophomore Emilie Swanson knows Quinn’s reputation—after all, he did send one of her sorority sisters into therapy earlier in the semester—but the game and his charm bring them closer together and soon she starts to believe there’s more to Quinn than people think.

But what if the more is something darker than a game of toying with emotions and breaking hearts?

Quinn and Emilie might be falling for each other, but there are secrets he’s not ready to tell—and lifestyle changes he’s reluctant to make. She willingly stepped on the court, but if Emilie finds out she started out as nothing as a pawn in Quinn and Sebastian’s twisted game, she might never forgive him.

To his surprise, Quinn finds that he might finally care about someone more than he cares about himself…even if that means letting Emilie walk away for good.

Review: 4.5 Stars - Broken at Love by author Lyla Payne is the first in her amazing “New Adult” series. Set in Florida with the rich and the beautiful it’s told in alternating points of view, which allows the reader to fall deeper and deeper into the minds of two characters. One broken by the past and what he believes he deserves for his future. The other character being a girl who comes into his life by surprise turning it up-side-down. Payne takes her readers on an emotional ride from beginning to end in this fantastic contemporary title.

Quinn’s wounds are deep and dark and he’s grown up knowing nothing but these wounds his whole life. Finding his way through tennis he quickly became a star as he made his way throughout the tennis world. An accident takes the life that he loves and knows out from under him and sends him off to college.

He’s far from happy at his situation. While reading I often wondered if he had ever been happy during any point he wasn't on a tennis court. His family is the root of pretty much all of his issues and his attitude doesn't help matters. His step brother was creepy and for lack of a better word an ASS. I couldn't stand Sebastian and was hoping from the first time that we met him that someone, anyone.. and I hoped it would be Quinn would take him down a notch.

Sebastian thinks he knows what Quinn needs to make him feel better. They set up a game and Quinn doesn't mind playing. It’s horrible. I cringed and couldn't believe what went on with these guys and just how deep rooted their troubles were to have them go down this road.

The road is where we meet Emilie. She’s the newest pawn to be played in their evil game. The thing is, neither guys knows what’s about to hit them. I loved Emilie. She’s smart, knows what she wants and is creative. She’s a painter and even goes against her family’s wishes to continue on with a career she wants more than anything. What I loved even more is that she could see past Quinn’s good looks and money and wasn't about to be played. Right there I knew I’d love this female lead and she proved over and over again that I was right with my instincts with her.

With the brothers “game” at stake Quinn is forced to step up his game to win, even when he starts to question what he thinks. And this is exactly why I love alternating points of view. Being able to learn who Quinn was, what was his drive and why he did and said the things he did was critical to this story.

All in all this is one of those titles that I knew I’d love and Payne didn't let me down. Her story was wonderfully written and her characters were emotional and in turn I couldn't help but feel emotional for them. I wish that the story was longer, however isn't that the problem most of the time when you’re reading a book that you enjoy? You feel that the ending comes along all too soon and you aren't ready to let go? That’s how I felt at the end of Broken at Love. I wanted to continue that peek I was given into Emilie and Quinn’s lives. Which brings me to the next book in the Whitman University series and that I can’t wait to read it and see who’s story we’re told about next. (While I am NOT a fan of Sebastian I have to wonder if there is anyone who could put his evil butt in line.) Who knows! Payne, I’m a fan, can’t wait for more and if you are looking for a great contemporary title and or want to take a dive into the “New Adult” category Broken at Love would be perfect for you!

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Title: A Song for Julia (Thompson Sisters #2)
Author: Charles Sheehan-Miles
Publisher: Cincinnatus Press (374 Pages), December 5th 2012
Add to: Goodreads

NOTE: This is an "New Adult" title and may contain language or graphic content.

Synopsis: Everyone should have something to rebel against.

Crank Wilson left his South Boston home at sixteen to start a punk band and burn out his rage at the world. Six years later, he’s still at odds with his father, a Boston cop, and doesn't ever speak to his mother. The only relationship that really matters is with his younger brother, but watching out for Sean can be a full-time job. The one thing Crank wants in life is to be left the hell alone to write his music and drive his band to success.

Julia Thompson left a secret behind in Beijing that exploded into scandal in Washington, DC, threatening her father's career and dominating her family's life. Now, in her senior year at Harvard, she's haunted by a voice from her past and refuses to ever lose control of her emotions again, especially when it comes to a guy.

When Julia and Crank meet at an anti-war protest in Washington in the fall of 2002, the connection between them is so powerful it threatens to tear everything apart.

Excerpt - Not what I expected (Julia)

          It was funny, I thought, as we paid the bill and left the restaurant. Crank was … different. Easy to be around, and he made me laugh. But I was never going to see him after tonight, and that made me kind of sad. For a brief second, I thought of seeing him when we got back to Boston, but seriously? Bad idea. My life didn't have room for someone like Crank. And from what he’d said, his didn't have room either. This was all a little off-key, out of place, almost as if it was someone else out to dinner with him, and I was playing a role. I almost never go out with guys. And I never let my emotions get ahead of my brain.
          But tonight, as we tried to wave down a cab to head toward Georgetown, I was feeling a little out of control. The way his shirt gathered around his arms, the easy strength in them, the easy grin … I was attracted to him in a way I hadn't been with anyone in a long time.
          I've never liked feeling out of control. Not like that. I’d gone there once, head over heels in love, and it did so much damage to my life I didn't think I’d ever recover. No way I’d ever go there again. Whatever else happened, I was in control of my life. No one else. Certainly not some formless emotion and lust that can take away who you even are. I was fourteen when it happened, almost eight years ago, and the consequences and damage were beyond anything I could have conceived. What I learned was this: letting myself be at the mercy of hormones and brain chemicals and emotions can be deadly.
          A cab pulled up, and we got in. I thought of tossing away caution and telling him I wanted to go home with him. One night wouldn't be so dangerous. One night could be okay. One night could be free and fun and not go anywhere.
          The cab driver took a hard right turn, accelerating to get through the light before it changed, and in the process I was pushed across the back seat toward Crank. He put his arm around me, an automatic reaction I’m sure, but I stayed there.
          “You all right?” he asked.
          “Fine!” I said. “Where are we going, anyway?”
          “No idea. Aren't there a bunch of clubs in Georgetown?”
          “I think so. I didn't get out much when I lived in the area.”
          He raised his eyebrows. “Why not? Don’t take offense, but you seem like you were probably one of the popular girls.”
          “You couldn't be more wrong. What makes you think that?” I asked, giving him a challenging stare.
          “First impressions, I guess. You still look very professional in that outfit, kind of preppy. Sexy as hell.”
          I’m not a blushy sort of girl, but that made me blush. “It’s not exactly club attire, is it? But I don’t want to take the time to go back and change.”
          “No worries, Julia. It’s just us, anyway.”
          I swallowed and then leaned against him. What had gotten into me?
          Lust. That was the only explanation. I could feel the hard muscle of his shoulders and thighs pressing against me, and my body was responding to that—no matter what my mind said.
          The cab came to a halt, and the driver muttered something. I leaned forward. Nothing but red taillights ahead of us for blocks.
          “What’s going on?” Crank asked.
          “Construction,” the driver said. “Bad. You want me to let you out here?” He looked anxious to dump us out of the cab as soon as possible, to avoid being stuck in the westbound traffic.
          I took a breath. My chest was tight, my whole body tense. I rubbed my hands on my skirt, closed my eyes and thought, Screw it. I can do this. It’s just one night, anyway.
          “Do you want to…” he asked, just as I started to say, “Let’s …”
          We both stopped, and he laughed.
          “You go first,” he said.
          I bit my lip, and I could feel my cheeks heating up again. “I was going to say …” and my voice trailed off.
          “You were going to say?”
          He grinned. It was a crooked grin, the left side of his mouth slightly higher than the right, and it made me want to melt into my seat and pull him right after me.
          I took a breath and closed my eyes. “I was going to say, where are you staying?”
          I kept my eyes closed another fifteen seconds or more. And, let me tell you, fifteen seconds is a long, long time. Finally I opened them, and he was looking at me with an expression I couldn't interpret. For someone who was always joking, always making snide remarks, he looked serious. Too serious. More serious than I was comfortable with. I didn't need serious in my life.
          I saw his Adam’s apple bob as he swallowed, then he said, “I’m at some dump in Arlington. Sharing a room with Mark.”
          “Oh,” I said, my voice unnaturally tense.
          “What about you?” he asked. He spoke very slowly, carefully.
          “Um … my parents have a condo in Bethesda. I was planning on heading back there tonight.”
          “I don’t want to say goodbye,” he said.
           I couldn't get control of my breathing. I felt lightheaded. Out of control. “Come back to my place.”
          He titled his head, leaned close and whispered, “Are you sure?”
          I found myself chewing on my lower lip again. “Yes.”
          I dropped my eyes and leaned forward, putting my hand on the back of the taxi driver’s seat. “Can you take us to Bethesda instead? Wisconsin Avenue and Montgomery.”
          Suddenly it was quiet in the cab. Tense, awkward. I couldn't believe I’d done this. I did not do one-night stands. But here I was, half-hyperventilating, with this guy I’d only known for eight hours sitting beside me in the cab. And I guess if it was just for now that was fine, but what if he wanted to see me again? What if he wanted to date? What if?
          I didn't think I could handle that.
          This was so stupid. Things were so much easier with Willard, before I broke up with him. I was always in control. There was no passion there, true. There wasn't anything there. But it was comfortable. Easy. I wasn't afraid.
          Crank, though: he made me afraid.
          The cab cleared the traffic and turned up at Massachusetts Avenue, and we were speeding out of downtown DC.
          “You’re awfully quiet now,” Crank said.
          I looked at him, and his eyes were boring into mine, intense, probing.
          “Having second thoughts?” he asked. “It’s okay.”
          I leaned a little closer. “No. Just … it’s just tonight. We don’t see each other again. We don’t call each other in Boston. We don’t … anything. Okay? We enjoy each other’s company tonight, and then we’re done.”
          He stared at me, surprised. And … his face looked disappointed. He swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing once in his throat. “I don’t know why, but that’s … not what I expected.”
          “Don’t get expectations. Not with me.”
          He shook his head. “Usually I’m the one who says things like that.”
          The cab came to a halt, and he paid it, and we were out on the street. A cool wind blew through the streets of downtown Bethesda, and traffic rolled by us. I took his hand and walked to the entrance of the high rise, swiped my access card to unlock the front door, and we walked into the lobby.
          The night concierge was sitting at the counter, watching a small television. She looked up briefly, gave us a casual wave and went back to her show. Good. If it had been the day concierge, my appearance with Crank would have been reported back to my parents by morning.
          We waited in silence for the elevator. The bell when it arrived on the ground floor was loud.
          “Nice place,” he said. “Fancy.”
          “My parents bought it a few years back when we were living in the area.” I didn't want to talk about the year I’d lived with my parents here. I didn't want to think about it. If there’d been any other place I could have taken him, I would have. I didn't like having this crazy, free moment mixed with my past.
          We stepped into the elevator. It rose, quickly, to the top floor. He followed me down the hall, and we stopped at the door while I fumbled for keys. I was shaking with anxiety, nervousness. The weight of this place made me want to scream. But not enough to push him away.
          I unlocked the door and opened it, then started to step in. My heart was thumping in my chest, and my throat was tight. Not just because of him. Because of this place. I had no good memories here. Even with the lights still out, looking inside this condo, which I’d stepped foot in only a few times since the day I graduated high school, shook me to the core and made my skin crawl.
          I shuddered and then turned back toward him when he didn't come inside. He gave me a speculative, questioning look. As if he were curious about me, about who I was.
          But that wasn't any of his business.
          “What?” I asked.
          “You don’t want to see me again,” he said.
          I did. But I shook my head no.
          “You don’t sleep with guys unless you’re serious with them,” he said.
          “I don’t have room for serious in my life.”
          He stepped close and brushed my lips with his, then spoke in a low tone. “I want you to be serious about me,” he said. “I can get a girl to sleep with me any time. But there’s something different about you.”
          I stared into his eyes. He meant what he was saying. We’d only known each other for a few hours, but I felt a connection too, even if it was only lust. I wanted him. Right now. I felt my breath speed up as I started to speak, “I …”
          “Julia,” he interrupted. “I’d love to get to know you better,” he said. “But I’m not going to sleep with you. Good night.”
          Then, unbelievably, he leaned forward and kissed me again. Slow. Our tongues just made contact. Wet and warm. Hungry. I wanted to whimper, pull him inside, but he turned and slowly walked back down the hall until he was out of sight.
          I just stood there and watched him go, and part of me, a huge part of me, wanted to run after him. But I still remembered.
          I remembered what it was like to have a hot, sexy, charismatic guy want me. I remembered what it was like to lose control, to feel that rush of emotion. To be overwhelmed.
          I remembered what it was like to have my heart torn out, to have my dreams smashed, to be bleeding and lost in the back streets of Beijing. To have scandal nearly tear my family apart.
          No matter how much I might have wanted this guy: I couldn't go back there. Not now. Not ever. If it wasn't going to happen for just tonight, it wasn't going to happen at all.
          So, I walked in the condo and closed and locked the door. I didn't turn on the lights. I didn't want to see the inside of this place. Instead, I made my way to the couch and lay down, alone.
          I didn't cry. Not here. Never again.

About the author: 

Charles Sheehan-Miles has been a soldier, computer programmer, short-order cook and non-profit executive. He is the author of several books, including the indie bestsellers Just Remember to Breathe and Republic: A Novel of America's Future.

Find Charles online:

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Facebook Fan Group

Order A Song for Julia online:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo | Apple

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Title: Empty Net (Assassins, #3)
Author: Toni Aleo
Publisher: 353 Pages (September 3rd, 2012)
From: the Author
Format: eARC
Add to: Goodreads

Please note that this is an ADULT title

Synopsis: Definition of an Empty Net: When a team pulls the goalie for an extra attacker, desperately seeking a goal.

Audrey Parker was in a horrible place.

She hated her job, her sister was getting married and moving out, but worst of all, she was in love with a total jerk. No matter what she did, every guy she met hurt her. All she wanted was her happily ever after. Her Prince Charming. Her Lucas Brooks! She didn’t know how to change her life but she knew she needed too.

Feeling like she was about to hit rock bottom, Audrey wakes up next to Tate Odder.

Tate Odder had lost everything.

After being brought up from the Assassins’ farm team, the Florida Rays to the Nashville Assassins, Tate hopes he’ll forget everything he has lost. He doesn’t. Each day gets harder to live in a place he doesn’t know. Even being the first rookie goalie to shut out an opposing team three times during the Lord Stanley Cup Finals, he still felt empty. With the loss of his parents and sister still heavy on his heart, Tate isn’t sure how to live like everything is okay.

But when he wakes up beside Audrey Parker, things start to change. She turns his life upside down with her kooky sense of humor and her bright clothing. She is intelligent and beautiful, and for once, he doesn’t feel empty.

Will Audrey be the person to fill the holes in Tate’s heart, making him whole again?

Or will another player ruin everything, leaving him feeling forever like an empty net?

Review: 5 Stars - Empty Net, the third title in the Assassins series from indie author Toni Aleo was simply put, FANTASTIC! She’s created wonderful characters centered around a Hockey team and its players. Aleo has kicked the sport of hockey up a notch and brings the heat to her characters lives that I’ve come to look forward to reading and love.

Being that this is the third in a series, we’ve already learned bits and pieces about the characters  Audrey and Tate (who feature in this title) in the first two books. While Audrey was featured a bit more in the last book – Trying to Score, Tate was only briefly mentioned, yet enough to have my interest piqued. And, wow! I wasn’t at all let down.

Tate and Audrey are both dealing with changes in their lives. Neither knows how to work past their issues or how to find their own Happily Ever After. Audrey’s issues run thick and one of the main ones is the current relationship she’s in. Wow, that’s a doozey and a half. He’s one of those characters that you hate from the first second he steps on the page… yet thank goodness for Audrey and her family and Tate.

Audrey is a dynamic character. She’s got a huge heart and goes out of her way for those she loves. In a word she’s fierce with what matters to her and her family. She has flaws, which came to somewhat of a shock for me because of how strong she is. And Tate is quiet and knows what he wants from life. He’s emotional and so wise for his age. I loved how calm he was and I found myself falling head over heels for this guy. Not to mention Aleo brings enough heat between these two too steam up any eReader… or, reader for that matter. She really outdid herself with this one from the first page to the last.

I seriously loved this book and looking back it makes me love the previous two even more. I had so many emotions that bubbled up while reading. I shed a few tears and then even felt like I wanted to kill someone. There was a time while I was reading that I didn’t know what the heck was about to happen and had me wringing my hands worrying and my heart pounding right out of my chest.

Another thing I love about this series is that while each book is centered on two main characters, characters from the past always pop back in to say hello. It was heartwarming for me to get a chance to see all the characters from the past come together when they each needed each other the most. I love books that give you a sneak peek into the lives of those we’ve come to care about.

The end was also pretty emotional for me and left me just about screaming for Pipers story – Blue Lines. I kind of had a feeling something was up with Audrey’s best friend, my heart broke just a bit for Piper. I seriously can’t wait to read her story!

All in all, Aleo’s characters have grown by leaps and bounds with each book. Her writing and stories just keep getting better and better. I love the world she’s built around these characters and I look forward reading more in this series. I’m seriously begging for more! There won’t be a book I’ll miss in this series, or any other titles Aleo will write for us in the future.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Title: Insanity (Asylum, #1)
Author: Lauren Hammond
Publisher: S.B. Addison Books, 190 Pages (May 9th, 2012)
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis: Sometimes love...can drive you crazy.

Adelaide Carmichael and Damien Allen couldn't be more opposite.

Adelaide's mother abandoned her when she was ten years old, leaving her to be raised by her abusive and alcoholic father.

Damien on the other hand came from a wealthy family, was a local celebrity, and seemed to have a bright future ahead of him.

Despite their differences, Adelaide and Damien were young, wild, and fiercely in love.

And they had a plan.

They were going to run away.

Be together forever.

And their plan was set in motion, until tragedy struck and for some reason, Adelaide wound up in The Oakhill Institution for the insane.

Adelaide has no idea what she did to wind up at Oakhill, but she knows one thing for sure...

She wants out.

And after Damien follows her there to aid her in escaping, Adelaide slowly begins putting together the pieces of her memory that are missing.

And it doesn't take Adelaide long to figure out that sometimes...

That one true love never dies.

Character Profile - Damien

Thank you so much for having me on the blog today!

I’m super excited to talk about the one and only, Damien Allen. Whoot! Whoot!

I loved creating and writing Damien. I think I always have a lot of fun writing swoon-worthy male characters.

But if I have to break him down, I’d have to say that Damien is not what he seems to be. He’s not just a wealthy, gorgeous guy that leaves most of the girls he comes in contact with weak at the knees.

He’s humble. He’s down to earth. He’s the type of guy who’d risk anything for something he believes in. And what he believes in Insanity is his love for Adelaide. He believes in that love so much he’d give up everything for it. His family. His goals.

He watches her struggle everyday with her father’s controlling and abusive ways and he’s the type of guy who hurts when Adelaide hurts. But I think that goes for anyone who loves someone that deep. I know there are people in my life like that. If they’re in pain, I’m in pain, and I’d do anything for them to take it away. I breathed part of myself into Damien with that.

It takes a lot to admit to yourself that there are some things worth fighting for. Even if it’s love. I wanted to get that point across with Damien’s character. I wanted to get across that some people can love so deeply, so beautifully, and so passionately that they let everything else come second to that love. Damien is that type. Now, some people think that’s mushy, lol. But as mushy as it is, I still think it’s beautiful.

I know that guys like Damien exist in real life. It’s just a matter of finding them.

This was so much fun!
If you get a chance check out Insanity!

Thank you for dropping in to give us a better idea who Damien is and swoon! I really can't wait to read more about him in Insanity!

Excerpt: 

Shoving my feet off the side of the bed, new surroundings burn my eyes. Tan plaster walls instead of thick white padded ones. One oblong barred window. Two dressers. Two closets. Two beds.

They've moved me to a different room.

A gentle squeaking noise bounces off the walls and my eyes avert to my right. Oh crap. They put me in a room with a nut job.

They say I'm a nut job.

But not like this.

Not even close.

She rocks back and forth on her cot, knees to her chest, twisting a piece of her wiry, red hair between her fingertips. Her freckled arms are trembling. She sings with vibrato.

I am slowly going crazy. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six.

Switch.

Crazy going slowly am I. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six.

Switch.

I think about screaming again. I think about plugging my ears. Somebody turn her off.

She lifts her head slowly, a maddening look in her big, brown eyes, an eerie smile crawling across her pale, freckled lips. “Shh,” she whispers. “They're coming for us.”

“Who's they?”

She shakes her head and lets out a cackle laced with the deepest kind of crazy. I think they put her in here with me purposely. They're trying to break me. They think if they put me around truly insane people that I'll accept my place here.

Well...They are wrong.

Find Lauren Online:

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Order Online:

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GIVEAWAY!!!

ONE lucky winner will receive an e-Book copy of INSANITY!!!

Rules and how to enter:

Please fill out the form below to enter. DO NOT PUT YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN THE COMMENTS! NO entries in comments will be counted.
You MUST be at least 13 years old to enter.
This giveaway is open INTERNATIONAL!
Giveaway ends: June 25th, 2012

  
A HUGE thank you goes out to Lauren for providing the e-Book making this giveaway possible.

Thank you to everyone who enters. A winner will be chosen via Random.org. Should you have any questions, please check my policy page or feel free to email.

Good luck to you all!

 *I am not compensated at all for any of the links within this post.

Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Katee Robert to the blog, author of Queen of Swords! She's here today to share with us some of her favorite teasers from the book. So, check it out & let me know what you guys think!

Synopsis: When the cards tell Ophelia Leoni she' supposed to marry the Prince of Hansarda, the gunrunner grits her teeth and boards the starship that comes for her. It doesn't matter if the ship's commander is the gorgeous stranger she just spent a wild, drunken night with. As a Diviner, she’s painfully aware the cards don't lie. Ever.

Boone O’Keirna knows Ophelia is trouble the second he sees the way she moves. Not about to let the deadly little hellcat marry his sadistic half-brother, Boone pretends to be the Prince’s emissary and kidnaps Ophelia. Too bad they can’t be in the same room without him wanting to throw her out an airlock–or into bed.

Even as they fight each other–and their explosive attraction–Ophelia and Boone sense something is wrong. Too much is going their way. Soon, they realize while the cards may never lie, the truth is sometimes hidden between them...and the future king of Hansarda is not one to take defeat lying down.

Queen of Swords is available June 12th, 2012 from Entangled Publishing!

Order Online:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository


Teasers:
Please note, this is an adult title.

#1 - Against her better judgment, her gaze slid to the man taking up more than his fair share of the bed. He was delicious. Absolutely delicious. Even relaxed in sleep, his muscles stood out beneath tanned skin marred by scars. The marks crisscrossed up his back and over his shoulders, perfect, shiny lines made by some kind of blade, or maybe giant claws. They were enough to make her reconsider her morning-after policy and crawl back into bed with him.

#2 - Schooling his face, Boone spun around, forcing her to scramble back to avoid running into him. “Problem?”

“Yeah. This crap bucket doesn’t look like it will fly, let alone get to a Far Reach planet like Hansarda.”

Whichwasthepoint.“And?”

“And?” She sputtered and threw her hands in the air. “Lady, but I’ve been saddled with an idiot.”

“You really shouldn’t clench your jaw. It’s not good for your teeth.”

Boone had a hard time keeping a grin off his face when she gave a little shriek. He shouldn’t get so much pleasure from riling her up, but while they were arguing he had an excuse to watch her. Her violet eyes practically shot lasers at him, her face lighting up with anger.

Bio:

Katee Robert learned to tell stories at her grandpa’s knee. Her favorites then were the rather epic adventures of The Three Bears, but at age twelve she discovered romance novels and never looked back. Now living in Eastern Washington, she spends her time—in between ogling men’s goodies and planning for the inevitable zombie apocalypse—writing speculative romance novels.

Find Katee Online:

Blog | Twitter | Facebook 

A HUGE thank you goes out to Katee for stopping by today to share these great teasers with us! I don't know about you guys, but I can't wait to read this book!

GIVEAWAY!!!

Enter to win a e-book copy of QUEEN OF SWORDS!!

Rules and how to enter:

Please fill out the form below to enter. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS IN COMMENTS! NO entries in comments will be counted.

You MUST be at least 18 years old to enter this giveaway, as this title is adult.

This giveaway is open INTERNATIONAL!

Giveaway ends: June 20th, 2012

Thank you to Entangled Publishing for providing this copy for giveaway. 

The winner will be chosen via random.org. If you have any questions, please check my policy page or feel free to email. 

Thank you for entering & Good Luck to everyone!

Title: Devotion (Soul Savers, #3)
Author: Kristie Cook
Publisher: Ang'dora Productions, 374 Pages (February 10th, 2012)
From: the author, Thank You!
Format: eARC
Note: This is an adult title & series

Synopsis: With powerful abilities gained from the Ang’dora and Tristan back by her side, Alexis thinks she’s ready for the next challenge—protecting her son from what appears to be the inevitable. But she has so much to learn about her powers, her new world and the people in it. Nothing is what it seems to be on the surface, including the Amadis. Having believed the secret society to be definitively good and righteous, she discovers she couldn’t have been more wrong.

Power-hungry politicians comprise the council and make impossible demands. A traitor lurks among them all, inciting trouble that could destroy the Amadis and, ultimately, humanity. The Daemoni wreak havoc in the human world, with the ultimatum that they’ll continue attacking innocents until Alexis and Tristan are expelled from the Amadis’ protection. The couple’s own society begins to shut them out. But that’s not all.

There’s a secret. A big one. And faith and hope in Alexis and Tristan will be restored if she can uncover the truth in time.

But the search for answers leads only to the discovery of more betrayals by those closest to Alexis. Her devotion is put to the test—devotion to her husband, to her family, to her people and to her beliefs—leaving her to question whom she’s fighting for and why she should even bother. But if she won’t fight … who will?

Review: 5 Stars - Finding a series that you love from the beginning and having that love grow with each book is sometimes hard. Yet, there’s no doubting the love that I have for the Soul Savers series by Kristie Cook. Each book has kept me utterly captivated - with characters that are unforgettable and writing that sings to me.

I fell in love with the characters, story and writing in the first book and have been eager to get my hands on Devotion for months. Needless to say, Kristie didn’t let me down! Alexis came into her own in Promise, continued to grow in Purpose, and wow, does she kick some serious butt in Devotion! She’s an amazingly strong female lead that has been through so much and yet continues to have a huge heart. The third book in the series – Devotion - picks up right where we left Alexis, Tristan, Owen and many other characters that we’ve met in the past and some new ones we get the pleasure or maybe not the pleasure of meeting for the first time. Alexis and Tristan have a lot at stake in the third book. It makes you question if they’ll ever get a break. The issues they are fighting for and against are both new and old. And some of the new problems they have ahead of them are doozies!

The relationship between Alexis and Tristan is incredible on so many different levels. Being able to follow along as they find their footing, through many ups and downs, the two work so well together, it’s hard not to love this thrilling, amazing and exciting couple. They’re just the perfect pair, each the missing half to the other and you feel it. You see it happening before your eyes! I’m telling you people, Kristie is just THAT GOOD!

Tristan and Owen are utterly swoonable, without a doubt major pluses to this series, parts of the books that I look forward to the most are these two. While Tristan has Alexis, I find it somewhat sad that Owen hasn’t found the “one” for him. While discussing this with Kristie and Jessica from Confessions of a Bookaholic we (Jessica and I) suggested that maybe she (Kristie) writes the two of US into the book to help take care of Owen and show him he’s loved. See, this is where I’m totally giggling while I write this review because, well Kristie listened to us. We, Jessica and I are characters in the book!! Yes, we sure are! When you read this title and I have no idea what’s stopping you – you’ll get a chance to meet Lisa and Jessica and that is us! Talk about thrilling and seeing this book a bit of a different light than the first two, wow! I seriously can’t say thank you enough to Kristie for having us become part of one of my all time favorite series!

When you read these books, its Kristie’s incredibly writing that allows the reader to be easily whisked away to a far off place. And isn’t that what a good book should do? Another thing that I love about this series is how fluid the story & plot are from one book to another. You just know how much work the author has done and how much love they have for their characters when it’s apparent in any book or series and, such as in this one.

All in all, I know that the simple words I’ve typed here will never do Devotion or Kristie justice. I love everything about it/her/them! It’s a series I think about a lot and talk about often. I highly recommend each of these books to anyone who loves strong characters, wonderful writing that tells a story of choices, love, good, evil, sacrifice, passion and so much more. Seriously, you don’t know what you’re missing!

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Title: Asylum (Casual Enchantment, #2)
Author: K.A. Tucker
Publisher: Papoti Books, (December 12th, 2011)
From: the Author, Thank You!
Format: eBook

Synopsis: Tucked away in Sofie's wintery asylum with no hope of release for years, Evangeline must come to terms with her situation: the curse still plagues her, she's now hunted by a two thousand-year-old vampire, and the guy she's in love with tried to kill her. Plus, she's locked up with a cranky Max and the Forero kids—two people everyone seems to prefer dead over alive. Things aren't looking good.

Meanwhile, back in Manhattan, Sofie struggles to keep forty trapped and bloodthirsty Ratheus vampires at bay and a desperate Viggo from killing Evangeline's friends, all while hints stir outside the walls of the NYC vampire asylum of a war brewing between the Sentinel and the witches.

Is there any hope for Evangeline and Caden? Can Sofie control the rival powers? Is the fate of
Earth predestined?

Review: 4 Stars - Asylum, the second installment in the Casual Enchantment series by K.A. Tucker dives right into the action where we last left the characters at the end of Anathema. It’s a thrilling fast paced story that goes by in the blink of an eye. One minute you’re with Evangeline in the cabin, safely within a vast snowy winter wonderland and the next you’re locked with Sophie and a group of psychotic Vampires who are trying to find their way out of their prison to tear through the city in search for human blood. See, I told you… fast paced!

While Anathema was such a different story from most tales about Vampires, it was a great fresh new take on the much written about villain. In Asylum we get a chance to see a different side of her Vampires, which again was a nice change to the many other blood thirsty characters. Getting a chance to get to know Sophie better, being that half of this story was written from her point of view was a pleasure. She’s smarter than even I had given her credit for in the first book. I guess you have to be when you’re a witch AND a vampire and responsible for some pretty horrible things throughout the years.

And Evangeline has grown too. She’s had to learn a lot in a short period of time and I don’t see her as the gullible girl she once was. She’s stronger now and doesn’t always think things through, but you can see how she’s grown and that makes her a fascinating character to read. When a character has that growth and you’re able to see it over the course of the book is always a HUGE plus.

And then there’s Caden. I missed him in this one. If you’ve read the first book, you’ll know what a large part of the story had become about him. I was worried right with Evangeline what might happen when he made it to Manhattan and with good reason. The trials he was looking to face in this book were huge and scary, even for me as a reader. I felt I had as much to lose as he did! Tucker, I think I might have bit off a few nails while reading some of these scenes!!

Many times a second book can stall a bit, building a bridge from one to another, and I don’t think Asylum stalled AT ALL! As a matter of fact, I think I liked Asylum better than Anathema. It’s filled with action, a dual point of view novel, which I’m a huge fan of and character growth made this a thrilling story to read. I had a chance to get to know some new and old characters and to see other characters in a different light.

All in all, I have to say that with Asylum, my over all enjoyment for these books has grown. I found new things to love about the characters and found a renewed excitement to continue on to the next book. It was a pleasure to read more from Tucker and I will be waiting on pins and needles to see what happens to her characters and thanks to Sophie, what kind of trouble might find our group next.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.

Title: A Beautiful Dark
Author: Jocelyn Davies
Publisher: HarperTeen, 320 Pages (September 27th 2011)
From: the Publisher & NetGalley, Thank You! (eBook)

Synopsis: On the night of Skye's seventeenth birthday, she meets two enigmatic strangers. Complete opposites--like fire and ice--Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair and aloof. Their sudden appearance sends Skye's life into a tailspin. She has no idea what they want, or why they seem to follow her every move--only that their presence coincides with a flurry of strange events. Soon she begins to doubt not just the identity of the two boys, but also the truth about her own past.

In the dead of a bitingly cold Colorado winter, Skye finds herself coming to terms with the impossible secret that threatens to shatter her world. Torn between Asher, who she can't help falling for, and Devin, who she can't stay away from, the consequences of Skye's choice will reach further than the three of them could ever imagine.

Review: 3 Stars - A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies has been on my must read list for at least a year now. With characters that become more mysterious as you read, a past, present and future the main female lead never saw coming and two boys as drastically different from one another as you can get.

The night of Skye’s seventeenth birthday is anything but normal. Raised by her Mothers best friend in Colorado, she never could have foreseen what was coming. For me Skye was one of those characters that sometimes got under my skin. She’s strong yet a bit wishy-washy. However, I can see the point of her acting this way. I mean the girl has been slammed with a TON of things that are happening around her and to her, her head is bound to be all over the place. The other thing is she’s good at running, hiding away and not dealing with what’s in front of her. Again… I can see the point; I just hoped she’d have grown a bit more from the beginning of the book to the end.

As for the two boys… Asher and Devin, just when you think you have a grasp as to who they are, what their true intentions are, Davies throws you into another tailspin. With each chapter my love/hate relationship with each changed. One minute I loved Asher and hated Devin and the next I loved Devin and hated Asher. Whiplash! Each of the two was as different as night and day. Asher, the bad boy, player and Devin the shy quiet protected one. They both have some great qualities and at the huge climax at the end of the book I didn’t know what to think. Seriously, Davies knows how to write an epic cliffhanger!

I can say that the story was a complete surprise and at the end I was stunned at the turn of some of the events. While I enjoyed reading this one and I wish I could give it a higher star rating it just didn’t grab me as much as I thought it would. Davies writing was good, but, and maybe this was because I was reading an ARC copy – it did have parts where things just didn’t flow for me or feel as easily as other parts did. Again, this could have been because of the advanced copy I was reading, so please take that into mind when you pick up a copy, and yes, be sure to go out and get a copy in a few weeks when this title hits the stands.

All in all I did enjoy A Beautiful Dark. The mystery surrounding the female lead, years of secrets, that huge ending, two very interesting boys and yearning to find out what’s going to happen next far outweighed anything to keep me from reading the next book in the trilogy, which seriously, I can’t wait for. Would I recommended this one, yep, I sure would. Fan’s of paranormal Young Adult will, without a doubt be eating this one up.

FTC Disclaimer: I did NOT pay for this book, nor have I been compensated at all in any way or means for reading and writing this HONEST review.