Wednesday, October 30, 2013

The Passionate Bookworms have moved!

WE HAVE MOVED

You can now find us at 

We really hope you will come visit us! 
We have new things going up every day. 
Plenty of Giveaways and a sleeker look! 

Come one, Come all ! To the new Wordpress Blog! 


We apologize for any inconvenience. 

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Reap Blog Tour

Title- Reap
Author-Christina Channelle
Genre- YA Paranormal Romance
Publication Date- October 11, 2013


Synopsis:
Foreign, or rather unfamiliar, would be the word I would use to describe how I felt.

Faintly, I could hear the glimmer of voices surrounding me in this dark haze, caressing my ears like skin against silk. I felt like I was in a cocoon of sorts, protectively enveloped, quietly drifting in some far-off place. I wanted to stay that way forever.
But we all know that what you want never really seems to happen in the real world.


Something’s not right in Mia’s head.

The first thing is that her name isn’t Mia. In fact, she has no clue what her name is—who she is. All that she knows is that she’s not like the ones who found her: Dante with his kind blue eyes, Amy with her child-like demeanor, James with his questioning gaze.

And Briggs.

The one she cannot decipher no matter how hard she tries.

As Mia tries to fit in with these people, a strange occurrence is amidst outside. And as she finally remembers who she is …

Well, let’s just say that things get a little more complicated.

REVIEW:

This review is really hard to go in length about because I would be revealing spoilers but I will attempt! Reap is a one of a kind novella! It is extremely addicting and opens the doors up to a great series. My only problem with Reap was the length,  I wanted it to be much longer. Novellas, Novellas, Novellas!

The book begins with "Mia" waking up of sorts.  You spend almost the entire novel in limbo because she has no idea who she is and you don't really find out anything about her until the last few chapters. This aspect made it a bit confusing at first but the writing is really so good that all the kinks are smoothed out.  The writings draws you in from the first page to the last.  The book is broken down into three parts her not knowing who she is, starting to remember her old life, and then finally everything comes back to her!  I thought that was really clever. Mia is a really likable character and I immediately wanted her to be with Dante.  However, it is hard to fall in love with someone when you don't even know yourself.

I would recommend this book to any YA lovers.  There is a hint of paranormal, though it doesn't happen until the very end.  I have a hunch that the rest of the series will be more paranormal based. My last question for you is do you believe that true love will always find it's way?


Links-

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18048218-reap

Smashwords- http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/355391

Nook- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/reap-christina-channelle/1116875194?ean=2940045253406

Kindle- http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FSHPPQE/

Kobo-http://prod-www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Reap/book-raKVoRmtskSp0u7gG6zp9g/page1.html?s=jKdfrhVL40u4Vr20dxAwcA&r=6


iTunes- https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/reap/id703588499?mt=11


About the Author-


A dreamer, Christina Channelle holds two degrees in health sciences but has always had a passion for writing. You will find her reading other young adult novels, or typing up a new story on her computer. When not writing, Christina spends her free time at the movies, listening to music, or eating sushi. She’s a reality TV junkie and has a close relationship with many characters on TV that have been a topic of many heated discussions among friends. She resides in Ontario, Canada.

Links-

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6862036.Christina_Channelle

Twitter- https://twitter.com/channellewrites

Website- http://channellewrites.wordpress.com/

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaChannelle

Giveaway Info-

Print copy of ‘Reap’ with bookmark, 4 winners of bookmarks only. US ONLY


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Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Waiting On Wednesday (6)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine
and spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.


Brittany and Michelle are BOTH waiting on: 


Paperback, 256 pages
Expected publication: 
November 5th 2013 by St. Martin's Griffin

When Elanor’s near-death experience opens a door to a world inhabited by bold, beautiful Madeline, she finds her life quickly spiraling out of control

Fourteen-year-old Elanor Moss has always been an outcast who fails at everything she tries—she's even got the fine, white scars to prove it. Moving was supposed to be a chance at a fresh start, a way to leave behind all the pain and ugliness of her old life. But, when a terrible car accident changes her life forever, her near-death experience opens a door to a world inhabited by Madeline Torus . . . Madeline is everything Elanor isn’t: beautiful, bold, brave. She is exactly what Elanor has always wanted in a best friend and more—their connection runs deeper than friendship. But Madeline is not like other girls, and Elanor has to keep her new friend a secret or risk being labeled “crazy.” Soon, though, even Elanor starts to doubt her own sanity. Madeline is her entire life, and that life is drastically spinning out of control. Elanor knows what happens when your best friend becomes your worst enemy. But what happens when your worst enemy is yourself?

Were actually Literally waiting on this! It should be on our doorsteps any day now to read and review! What do you think? Will you be adding this to your TBR pile? Not sure yet? Be sure to check back in with us and we will update you on when our review will be posted!

As always, Please feel free to leave us links to your own blog posts if you have them :) Don't have a blog? Doesn't matter! 
Tell us what your waiting on! ;) 

Monday, October 21, 2013

The Puppet Spell by E.L Adams

The Puppet Spell by E.L. Adams

Source: Received a copy from author in exchange for an honest review, no compensation.
Release date: January 2nd, 2013
Edition: Ebook & Paperback
Genre: Young Adult/Fiction/Fantasy
Rating: 4/5


Synopsis via Goodreads:

Unlike her rebellious sister Lucinda, fifteen-year-old Lexa prefers to spend her free time playing video games, fighting the forces of evil with her partner-in-crime Marlon. But when Lucinda steals an invisibility potion from their uncle’s storeroom, she unleashes chaos into their lives. Lexa and Marlon find themselves catapulted into a world far more dangerous than any video game, full of misleading illusions, sinister Conjurors and deadly Fey, and threatened by a man with a grudge known as the Puppeteer. Accompanied only by Lexa’s uncle’s unreliable (and rather dangerous) Chimera, Lexa and Marlon must navigate this world to find Lucinda- before they too fall under the spell of the puppet master....


Review:

*Disclaimer: If you have read my reviews lately you have seen almost all 4's.  Yes, I do realize it and no I am not an inflated rater, just ask my student's about their midterms grades. :)  However,  as a book reviewer I usually do not post overly negative reviews on the blog.  I want to use this space to promote books that are overall good books!  This being said I pick almost 95% percent of the books that I review, so I know that I will like the content.  

Ok, onto the actual review of this magical awesomeness.  Puppet Spell is a YA fantasy in the vein of the Chronicles of Narnia or even a Wrinkle in Time.  The characters find themselves in a parallel magical land under the rule of the Puppeteer.  I am not going to lie the Puppeteer freaks me out, it's just plain creepy.  It's like Coraline but in book form, scary!  With no magical training, Lexa and Marlon have to find Lucinda and save everybody from the Puppeteer.

I despised Lucinda's character, what a brat!  She reminded me of Edward in the beginning of the Chronicles of Narnia.  They are extremely selfish and think nothing about the implications of their actions.  However, I am very thankful for Lexa and Marlon
as characters.  I really enjoyed Lexa's voice throughout the novel and felt that she was a very brave young lady.

The only negative thing I think some readers may find is that it is quite high fantasy.  I loved it but I could see some readers finding it to be too much!

The book is suitable for readers above 8 and I loved it as an adult reader. I would recommend this book to readers that like heavy fantasy reads, magical lands, and are looking for new adventure. I will definitely be reading the second!



 






Hollywood Angels ( book #2 ) by Karri Thompson - Release day!

Hollywood Angels
Title: Hollywood Angels (Amateur Angel #2)
Author: Karri Thompson
Genre: YA Paranormal

Ashley’s back – and this time, she’s no amateur. She has a new assignment, someone who’s thoughtful, loveable, and caring – someone unlike her last assignment—Cannon Michaels, rock-and-roll bad boy, her celebrity crush, and the boy she loves. But will her next stint on earth will be any easier than the last? Can she forget Cannon and continue her role as a responsible guardian angel? Someone has followed Ashley back to earth, and this person reminds her of who she used to be – an untrained angel full of sorrow and regret – but this someone is rash and unpredictable, lacking the patience and training needed to watch and wait and keep his assignment from harm. What will Ashley do when she meets this unexpected angel? Can she suppress her human emotions while teaching him how to love and protect his assignment? If he doesn’t cut it as an angel, will he be replaced by another, tearing Ashley away from her true love? Find out when Ashley falls back to earth and lands in a city full of surprises – Hollywood, California.

About Karri Thompson
Karri
My debut YA novel, Amateur Angel, was released May 1, 2012. The next book in that series, Hollywood Angels, comes out October 21st. The first book in my upcoming dystopian trilogy, The Van Winkle Chronicles, will be released by Entangled Publishing Summer 2013.

Stealing Promises *Teaser* by Brina Courtney

Stealing Promises
Title: Stealing Promises
Author: Brina Courtney
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Release Date: November 20th, 2013

Promises are made to be kept, never stolen. But that’s exactly what happened to Victoria Blane and Levi Manor. Tragedy strikes their perfect relationship leaving Victoria struggling to overcome the darkness that threatens to bury her. With Victoria’s life in tatters she decides that running away is easier than dealing with her troubles. But when a friend finds her on the floor in her kitchen, she knows it’s time for a change.
  Brighton Hanley knows what it’s like to lose someone. He knows what it’s like to be haunted by things that can never change. When he meets Victoria he recognizes the pain she’s trying to bury deep in her eyes. He knows she’s trying to run away, but he also knows that you can’t run forever.
  Victoria is drawn to Brighton in ways she never expected. He becomes her champion, her life line… her sunshine in the darkness. But is Victoria ready to let go of the past and grab on to her future? Or will she run away from Brighton before she can be hurt again?


Teaser
  The next morning Victoria was surprised to find it drizzling outside. She snuggled further under the quilt but when she reached over for Levi, he wasn’t there. She groggily opened her eyes and started to sit up looking for him, but he wasn’t inside the small cabin.
Wrapping the quilt around her body she shuffled over to the window to look out and see Levi rearranging some things in the truck. She opened it slightly and called out to him, “Morning, did you have breakfast yet?”
He waved back at her, there was mud down his jeans but he looked relaxed and almost cheerful. “No not yet. I’m trying to get down to the main house to get us some, it was included with our stay. God damn truck is stuck in the mud.”
Victoria sighed deeply, so much for getting to see the small town that was close by. “Well I packed some snacks.”
He smiled back at her and shrugged his shoulders and walked into the cabin taking off his muddy boots upon arrival. He walked over to Victoria and delivered a light kiss on the cheek, “How did I get so lucky?”
She smiled back at him devilishly, “Can’t tell ya. So what’s the grand plan for today vacation planner?”
He laughed at her teasing, “You’ll just have to wait and see won’t you?”
She set her lips into a thin line, Victoria didn’t like surprises very much.
“Don’t worry about it. Just eat your granola bar.”
After they ate and Victoria had gotten dressed Levi led her to the back of the cabin to a small trail. “I think you’re really going to enjoy this.”
They walked through the cool spring air while trees shed sprinkles on them. They walked in silence, hand-in-hand over small rocks and twigs, through the mud until Victoria finally heard rushing water. “Is that a waterfall?”
Levi smiled at her. “Nope. I did you one better.”
As they continued to walk they came upon a clearing with a small hot spring receded into the ground. There were rocks set up around it clearly put there by nature while others had been moved by people to keep clothes dry and supplies away from the steam. Victoria smiled and pushed Levi playfully. “You know I didn’t bring a bathing suit!”
Levi kissed her on the lips pushing his body against hers, “Of course I know that.” He quickly began to strip, taking his hoodie and shirt off in a flash. Victoria watched with interested eyes as he turned to her, his tanned muscles rippling beneath the light rain. He walked over to her and wrapped his hands around her body to bring her closer. “You’re going to join me, right?” He whispered hotly in her ear.

About Brina Courtney

5295520
Brina Courtney is a new adult author obsessed with chocolate, crime shows, and fantasy movies. She’s spent the last few years as an elementary teacher and a high school cheering coach. She lives in a small town in Pennsylvania with her husband and two very loud, small dogs.
Links:

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Sunday Post



Saturday: Nothing at this moment!  :) 



Michelle's books:
The Sea Monster Memoirs #2
To read my review of Book #1 Tangled Tides go HERE

Previously released as Summer In Salem, 
this story has had a massive overhaul and is now re-releasing as a 
New Adult Paranormal Romance! More info about it and a awesome giveaway can be found HERE



Brittany's Books:


The Puppet Spell




Next Week on the Blog:

Monday: Release Day Blitz
Tuesday: Undecided
Wednesday: What's Up Wednesday 
Thursday: Reap Blog Tour
Friday: Review ( TBD ) 
Saturday: Nothing at this moment!  :) 

Please feel free to leave links to any Blog posts you want to share! Doesn't have to be a Sunday post or Mailbox post. Share Reviews your excited about! Share Waiting On Wednesday's or Cover Reveals! We Will visit them as soon as possible! :)

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Garden of Eden by Kate Cowan BLOG TOUR



Series: The Legend of Eden #1
Re-Release date: October 22nd 2013
Publisher: Anchor Group Publishing
Average Rating: 4.30
My Rating: 4 out of 5 STARS!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13405762-garden-of-eden

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
It has been four years.

Four years since the day the Catchers found her family.
Four years since she escaped capture.
And four years since the day her mother locked her and
Will, a boy she hardly knew, in an attic, 'for their own protection'.

Now, Eden White is fifteen, and sick of being a prisoner of parents who all but abandoned her. It was as simple as one walk down a beautiful, foggy beach, but it ended with Eden and Will face to face with Catchers - and this time, there is no escape.

When Eden wakes, she finds herself on an island, surrounded by hundreds of stolen children. Enrolled in the island school, Jordan Hall, Eden quickly learns that the island is not what it seems.

And, in the woods surrounding the school, she discovers a wild, beautiful magic inside of herself - one she has no idea how to control. With three unlikely new friends, Eden begins to realize that the headmistress is hiding much more than the stolen children - and what they learn in the laboratories below the school could cost Eden her life.

Review:
This book began as another typical dystopian tale but ended as a fictional whirlwind. There is a certain point in the book where I feel like I fell down the rabbit hole.  It began having a really unexpected set of new characters with some very interesting plot twists.  There is nothing predictable about this novel and I wasn't sure at all where the book was going to end.  A lot of questions were left unanswered but it sets up to a be a great series. However, the moment the story ends up on the Island I couldn't stop reading.  I really enjoyed where the story finishes and definitely look forward to reading the next books in the series.

I really enjoyed Eden as a character and I loved how much she was willing to fight for the greater good.  She is not whiney of her situation even though it clearly sucks.  She definitely develops throughout the rest of the book and I am sure this will continue throughout the next few books.   Of course there is a love triangle but I think I am already on Will's side.  There are so many unanswered questions and these questions even involve Eden's love interest.

I would recommend this book to any YA fiction lovers and anyone willing to try a new series, I promise you will not be disappointed.


About the Author
Kate is an artist, an animation student, a black belt in karate and now, an author. She didn't discover writing until mid-high school, when she began writing an (unintentionally) hilarious novel involving a teenage girl and a magic necklace. Her current novel series, The Legend of Eden, began as a story of Arthurian magic, but quickly transformed into something much different.


Kate currently lives in Ontario, Canada, in a zoo of a house. When she isn't writing, she's drawing, cooking, or browsing the Internet for new music.


www.katecowanauthor.com | twitter.com/K_Cowan_Author




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Discovery By Brina Courtney ( Release day post and Giveaway )

Discovery- FINAL

Nine months ago, Teagan Matthews' boyfriend disappeared and took her sense of stability with him. But when the opportunity to live with her aging grandmother in Salem arises, she decides it's time to get on with her life. A new home, new job, and new friends are adding up to a beautiful summer...

 ...until a young girl's body shows up one night in town, wearing a pentagram necklace exactly like Teagan's.

Now a guy, looking remarkably like her missing boyfriend, has arrived in Salem along with a mysterious stranger, who may have some answers that Teagan has desperately been searching for. Teagan must now decide who to trust. It's a matter of life... and her death.

Purchase on Amazon

Re-Released as an NA Paranormal Romance!
*This book was previously published as Summer in Salem but has gone through major plot changes and edits. Not recommended for readers under the age of 17.*
Discovery Teaser Image


Discover Teaser 1

Discovery is technically a re-release of a story once known as Summer In Salem. I truly enjoyed Summer in Salem. But that doesn't stop me from being excited about Discovery! I can tell just by the teaser quotes that the story has had a pretty big overhaul! I cannot wait to see what new elements Brina added, and what these changes mean for Teagan! 


In celebration of Discovery's release day Brina is giving away this gorgeous Pentagram bracelet! 
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Tuesday, October 15, 2013

What's up Wednesday ( 3 )

In place of the Waiting On Wednesday meme where we feature upcoming books we are looking forward to getting our hands on, we will sometimes be doing What's Up Wednesday. Where we will Answer a book related question! 

This weeks question : 

What is your favorite fantasy/ paranormal/ generally non-human creature, and what is a book that you think represents them best ( personal favorites ) 

Brittany's Answer: 

"This is a super hard question. Vampires were my first love so I will stick with them! My top vampire series would be Morganville Vampire, House of Night or Sookie Stackhouse!"



Michelle's Answer: 

 I have always been a fan of Witches. Love for these paranormal characters was actually a big part of my childhood, and even went on to high school. It got a little darker in my high school years, but I came back from it and now still enjoy reading about them as characters and learning the history and lore. One of my favorite series based around Witches/ Wiccans is Cate Tiernan's Sweep series! It's so rich and well researched. It's honest and detailed but has a great group of characters and and awesome story!





Do you have a favorite? Share in the comments!


Monday, October 14, 2013

Tangled Tides by Karen Amanda Hooper

Source: Netgalley
* I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publisher: Rhemalda Publishing
Release date: November 4th, 2011
Series: The Sea Monster Memoirs #1
Edition: Ebook, 314 pgs
Genre: Young Adult/ Fantasy
Rating: 4/5
Purchase: Amazon/ Barnes & Noble/ Book Depository

Yara Jones doesn’t believe in sea monsters—until she becomes one.

When a hurricane hits her island home and she wakes up with fins, Yara finds herself tangled up in an underwater world of mysterious merfolk and secretive selkies. Both sides believe Yara can save them by fulfilling a broken promise and opening the sealed gateway to their realm, but they are battling over how it should be done. The selkies want to take her life. The merfolk want something far more precious.

Treygan, the stormy-eyed merman who turned Yara mer, will stop at nothing and sacrifice everything to protect his people—until he falls for Yara. The tides turn as Yara fights to save herself, hundreds of sea creatures, and the merman who has her heart. She could lose her soul in the process—or she might open the gateway to a love that’s deeper than the oceans.

Tangled Tides did not win me over in the first chapter, or even the second for that matter, but the description had me so intrigued that I didn't want to stop for fear of missing out on something great. I mean.. what's more precious to Yara than HER LIFE?! I just had to know. My gut was right and I ended up loving this story!

This story is a combination of multiple paranormal / fantastical creatures. It's not just mermaids and selkies like the description includes. There are also bird like Sirens, Ghost like figures, and Gorgons!! Yes Gorgons, as in Medusa. Snake hair and a gaze that turns you to stone MEDUSA! Karen Amanda Hooper added elements that basically made it to where I could not put this story down because I just HAD to know how it all tied together. 

The characters were strong, though some more than others. You may think that there is going to be a love triangle in the beginning of the story, but rest assured there is not. I really enjoyed the push and pull of the romance that was there and really can't wait to see how it grows! Yara was a very .... Stubborn girl.. but she has her reasons. With all the lying going on around her and being forced to become a mermaid against her will, who wouldn't be a bit pissed off and hard headed?

Sometimes the world got a bit confusing with so many elements going on. At times it frustrated me, and at others I thought " this is probably how Yara feels about everything that's going on. Overwhelmed." 

The story has some great scenes. The concepts were wonderful and really had me entranced during certain scenes. There is some wonderful humor, interesting mythology, new ideas on mer and selkie lore, some heartbreak and deceit.... It just really all blended together wonderfully. 

There were definitely some complications with the story. Some ideas that didn't quite mesh well, some moments when it seemed over the top, and some writing that didn't quite feel polished. BUT the overall story held me and had me wanting more. None of those things made me want to stop the book or even put it down for a moment.

I would highly recommend Tangled Tides to fans of Mer and Selkie stories, and also fans of mythology. These elements are combined in a way that I hadn't experienced before and I think other readers will really enjoy it!




Sunday, October 13, 2013

Moirai by Ruth Silver BLOG TOUR





Title: Moirai (Aberrant #2)

Author: Ruth Silver

Published: September 26, 2013

Publisher: LazyDay Publishing (eBook) & Patchwork Press (print)

Genre: YA, Dystopian, Sci-Fi

Rating: 5 out 5 STARS!!!!!

Synopsis:
Olivia has been on the run from the government of Cabal since the marriage ceremony. Finally settling in and finding herself a place to call home in Shadow, Olivia and Joshua prepare for the uprising that they and the rebel alliance have been planning for months.

With new abilities and special talents from Mindonsiphan, Olivia learns she can do more than most ordinary eighteen year olds. Learning both to hide and perfect her skills will be one of the biggest challenges she’ll be forced to face.

A constant rollercoaster of emotion and adventure await Olivia and Joshua as they embark on a journey to the rebel city of Torv, and what was once home, Genesis.

Available for purchase on:

Kindle / Nook / Amazon / Barnes & Noble



REVIEW:

Moirai is a second book that is not to be missed!  I can say that I enjoyed it a little bit more than the first book because of the way it had me on the edge of the seat. Moirai is action packed from the first page to the last, ending with a very emotional and upsetting cliffhanger.  This goes without saying but I need Isaura now!  Is it December yet?

Joshua and Olivia's characters really develop during the second book.  Their understanding of one another deepens while continuing to make decisions for the greater good.  I have been rooting for them since the beginning and I really enjoyed seeing them grow in this book.  I also really liked the way that the romance between them did not overshadow the plot, I am all for romance but action will keep me reading past my bedtime!  

The world building was very consistent between the two books and the story was taken in some very unexpected directions.  My only negative about the story was that time moved extremely fast when Olive is back in Genesis.  I would have liked to know more about the time she spent their before the fighting began.  

Overall, I would recommend this book to any dystopian lovers or anyone that loves YA!  I read both books in one sitting and simply can't wait for #3!!!!!!!


About the Author:

Ruth Silver attended Northern Illinois University and graduated with a Bachelor's in Communication in the spring of 2005. While in college, she spent much of her free time writing with friends she met online and penning her first novel, Deuces are Wild, which she self-published in 2004.

Silver enjoys reading, photography, traveling and most of all writing. She loves dystopian and fantasy young adult stories. She currently resides in Plainfield, Illinois.

You can visit her online at http://writeawaybliss.com



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Title: Aberrant (Aberrant #1)
Author: Ruth Silver
Published: April 17, 2013
Publisher: LazyDay Publishing (eBook) & Patchwork Press (print)
Genre: YA, Sci-Fi, Dystopian

Synopsis:
In the future dystopian society of Cabal, the government instills equality for all and offers its citizens the perfect system. There is food, shelter and jobs for everyone. The one requirement is to follow the rules without question, including the government's match in marriage and "The Day of the Chosen", a lottery that randomly selects families to conceive children as natural means hasn't existed in generations. Following her eighteenth birthday, Olivia Parker accepts her requirement to marry her childhood best friend, Joshua Warren, and is eager to start her work assignment and new life when it all comes abruptly to an end as she's arrested and thrown in prison. The only crime committed, her existence.

Olivia is unlike the rest of the world born not from "The Day of the Chosen." The truth haunts the government and puts her life in grave danger as one simple fact would destroy the perfect system. With Joshua's help, Olivia breaks free of prison and is forced on the run. Together they set out to find the promised rebel town in search of a new home and new life together. Their situation seems less than promising as they reach the town of Haven. New rules and customs must be adhered to in order to stay. Leaving would mean most certain death in the large expanse of the Gravelands. Time is running out as the government mounts an attack to destroy Olivia and bury her secret with her. Thrown into a world unlike their own, they must quickly adapt to survive.


Check out my review of Aberrant here: http://thepassionatebookworm.blogspot.com/2013/09/aberrant.html



Add to Goodreads

Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Book Depository




Sunday Post ( 10 )



( Don't forget you can tweet every day through the rafflecopter widget to get more entries! ) 
Wednesday: W.O.W
Thursday: Cover Reveals for 2 books
Friday: Nothing.




Michelle's books:


I Have Avoided Netgalley like the plague! Not that it's evil.. I just have no willpower haha. Not buying anything for myself latey, just focusing on reading the huge stacks of books I already have :)

Brittany's Books:

Also didn't purchase any books last week! But she is reading a book from one of my favorite series - Taken at Dust by C.C. Hunter! Have you read the Shadow Falls series yet? It's awesome!



Next Week on the Blog:

Monday: Ruth Silver Blog Tour ( Review ) 
Tuesday: Tangled Tides by Karen Amanda Hooper ( Review ) 
Wednesday: What's Up Wednesday 
Thursday: Undecided! 
Friday: Garden of Eden Blog Tour
Saturday: Nothing at this moment!  :) 

Please feel free to leave links to any Blog posts you want to share! Doesn't have to be a Sunday post or Mailbox post. Share Reviews your excited about! Share Waiting On Wednesday's or Cover Reveals! We Will visit them as soon as possible! :)

Thursday, October 10, 2013

Cover Reveal of two books by Sara Hantz

Today we’re revealing not one, but two covers for upcoming books by Sara Hantz. In the Blood releases November 5 and Will the Real Abi Saunders Please Stand Up? releases May 6, 2014.

In the Blood


For seventeen years Jed Franklin’s life was normal. Then his father was charged with the abuse and murder of four young boys and normal became a nightmare.

His mom’s practically a walking zombie, he’s lost most of his friends, and the press camps out on his lawn. The only things that keep him sane are his little sis; his best friend and dream girl, Summer; and the alcohol he stashes in his room. But after Jed wakes up from a total blackout to discover a local kid has gone missing—a kid he was last seen talking to—he’s forced to face his greatest fear: that he could somehow be responsible.

In a life that’s spiraled out of control, Jed must decide if he chooses his own destiny with Summer by his side or if the violent urges that plagued his father are truly in the blood…

Excerpt

Chapter One

Pedophile: Noun

An adult who is sexually attracted to children.

Scum.

Sleazeball.

Creep.

Loser.

Lowlife.

Asswipe.

Dad.

Chapter Two

Benjamin Franklin. My Dad.

Not that Benjamin Franklin.

That Benjamin Franklin.

Pedophile and murderer.

Freaked out?

Did you even know a bastard like that could lead a regular life?

With a wife and two children. A son and a daughter. No, nor did we. Until it was too late.

Too fucking late.

The numbing shock when he was arrested. The disbelief. The conviction that the police had gotten it wrong. Way wrong. Even in the face of damning evidence, we knew that the truth would come out. That the evidence got switched. That there was a cover up, or something.

Something.

Then the police found locks of hair belonging to each of those dead boys, so well hidden in the little trinket box my dad’s mom gave him on her deathbed.

Then we knew. Really knew.

And that’s when our lives changed.

Forever.

Add In the Blood to your Goodreads shelf.


Will the Real Abi Saunders Please Stand Up?


Abi Saunders might be a kickboxing champion, but when it comes to being the center of attention, she’d rather take a roundhouse kick to the solar plexus any day. So when her trainer convinces her to audition to be the stunt double for hot teen starlet Tilly Watson, Abi is shocked—and a little freaked out—when she gets the job.

Being a stunt double is overwhelming, but once the wig and makeup are on, Abi feels like a different person. Tilly Watson, to be exact. And when Tilly’s gorgeous boyfriend, Jon, mistakes Abi for the real star, Abi's completely smitten. In fact, she’s so in love with her new life, it isn’t long before she doesn’t have time for her old one.

But when the cameras are turned off, will she discover running with the Hollywood A-list isn’t quite the glamorous existence she thought it was?


Excerpt

“Abi, for God’s sake, concentrate,” Zak shouts. “Fairies don’t look like elephants when they fly. Legs together, arms graceful, and glide. Please.”

My cheeks are crimson and I want to die. I know he’s the director and has the right to holler, but doesn’t he understand that the louder he is the worse I am? We must have gone over this move fifty times and I still can’t get it. And I know, without even looking, the other guys have lost it with me. It’s easy for them but I’m a kick-boxer, not a freakin’ acrobat.

And now Zak’s saying something to one of the crew. Let’s all guess what it is: get rid of the silly girl. We couldn’t get anyone more incompetent if we tried. In fact a monkey could do better.

Well, he’s right, a monkey could do better. Then again, a monkey wouldn’t need to wear a harness that cuts badly into its thighs so it can fly across the room. We’re doing wire work, the one thing I was looking forward to. Ha. What a laugh that is.

At least we’re not filming yet. This is just the rehearsal or, as they say, ‘prepping’. We’re in one of the studios that’s full of equipment with pulleys and wires. I’ve no idea how it all works, except that it keeps me up in the air. I thought we’d be doing this outside but it seems they film wire work stuff indoors against a big screen, and then edit to make it look like it’s outside by dropping in a background. As Mom would say: “the wonders of modern science”.

What I’m doing is really basic stuff, nothing like the things they did on the Matrix. Which it wouldn’t be, obviously. I remember reading that those actors had months and months of kung fu training even though most of the stunts were done by stunt men.

Right. This is it. I’m going to really concentrate. I will not be beaten. I can do this. It’s not hard.

I’m a graceful fairy, 

I’m a graceful fairy, 

I’m a graceful fairy. 

“Ready,” I call, for the first time feeling confident of success.

The technician holds up his thumb so I know we’re about to go. I take a deep breath, point my toes, bring my legs together and hold out my arms at a forty-five degree angle. So far, so good. I swallow hard as I begin to move.

Yay, I’m doing it. I’m actually doing it. Please let Zak say it’s ok. 

“Hu-fucking-ray,” booms Zak’s voice. “At last, she’s got it.”

I’ve done it. I’ve actually done it. I can do wirework. And even Zak’s sarcastic tone can’t spoil it.

A loud crash, sounding like someone slamming the door, gives me a start and I jerk backwards. My legs splay and I lose all control of my body, until suddenly I’m hanging upside down.

This so isn’t happening to me. My hair flops into my eyes and my arms dangle in mid-air. And let’s not even think about how shallow my breathing is.

Crap.

After what seems like an eternity (which is probably only a few seconds) someone starts a slow handclap. And here’s me thinking it couldn’t get any worse.

I figure it’s Zak and wait for everyone to join in. Except they don’t.

The silence is deafening. Until…

“Look at that crazy bitch. You’re surely not expecting her to be my double.”

Tilly Winters in the flesh. And none too happy to see me!

Add Will the Real Abi Saunders Please Stand Up to your Goodreads shelf.

Amazon | B&N

About Sara


Sara Hantz originally comes from the UK and is one of four children, having three younger brothers. Although she was an avid reader from a very early age, she didn’t get the writing bug until much later in life, though English was always one of her stronger subjects. She’s an avid sun chaser and now lives on the beautiful Sunshine Coast in Australia (via 10 years in New Zealand). She writes young adult fiction and her debut book The Second Virginity of Suzy Green was published by Flux Books and made the prestigious list ‘New York Public Library Books for the Teen Age’. Sara has a PhD in Education and lectured for many years before deciding to devote more time to her writing and working in the family hospitality business. She has two grown-up children and w hen not writing, working or online with her friends, she spends more time than most people she knows watching TV - in fact if TV watching was an Olympic sport she'd win gold.

Website | Twitter | Facebook


Giveaway

In celebration of the reveals, Sara is giving away a $50 Amazon giftcard! Use the rafflecopter below to enter.


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Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday ( 5 )

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine
and spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating


We know were not alone on this one, 
but were gonna share it anyway!

Anxiously, Desperately Awaiting: 

Allegiant ( Divergent #3 )

In readers hands October 22nd 2013
And still not soon enough!

Have you read the series? Are you anxiously awaiting this release as well? Or is there something you are waiting for even more anxiously than Allegiant? Share in the comments!

Can't wait ? 
Read some Short stories from Four's ( Tobias' ) Perspective!










Monday, October 7, 2013

Steel Lily by Megan Curd - Dual Review and Giveaway

Steel Lily (The Periodic Series, #1)

Steel Lily by Megan Curd

Source: Received a copy from author in exchange for an honest review, no compensation.
Release date: August 12th, 2013
Edition: Ebook
Genre: Young Adult/Fiction/Dystopia
Rating: Brittany: 5/5
              Michelle: 4.5/5


Synopsis via Goodreads: 
AVERY PIKE is a commodity. No, more than a commodity. Her existence is guarded at all costs.

She’s a water Elementalist, the strongest of her dwindling kind. She creates steam to provide energy to fuel Dome Four: the only thing standing between humanity and an earth ravaged by World War III. No steam, no Dome. No Dome, no life.

Or so she thinks.

That is, until a mysterious man offers her a way out of having to donate steam. A way to escape the corrupt government of Dome Four. While the offer seems too good to be true, Avery is intrigued. But when she arrives to her new home, she realizes the grass isn’t any less dead on this side of the fence. Instead, the lies are just hidden better.

…Which means digging deeper.

When Avery enlists the help of her friends to uncover the truth, she learns that while some secrets are better left concealed, humankind was never meant to live in a cage. And when you can control the most sought after resource, you can learn to control anything…including the fate of your world.


Brittany's Thoughts

This book was awesome!  It is steampunk, dystopian, elemental and science fiction heaven.  I LOVED the world building, it was so unique.  From the idea of domes, to the elemental abilities, to the character's problems everything was so remarkably different than other books in this genre.  I was feeling tired of the dystopian genre but this book was the perfect cure. Megan Curd's ability to create images is out of this world!  I felt like I was in the dome with the characters! The plot twists and turns enough to keep you guessing but not feeling dizzy.   

I really liked Avery's character.  She is one of the strongest water Elementalists despite that she very much wants to be a normal teenager.  At first I was not sure if I was going to enjoy Avery but she really grows into a more sassy and spitfire character by the end.  I also really enjoyed the banter between Avery and Jaxon.  Yes, there is a swoon worthy boy in the book! :)

I haven't read a dystopian this good since The Maze Runner, Divergent, or even Hunger Games.  It just caught my attention from the first sentences to the last!  The ending was ARGH and a little bittersweet but it makes me want the second! 

If you are looking for something different and love dystopian novels, than this book is for you!  I also really think fiction readers will like this book, it has just a little bit of something for everybody.


Michelle's Thoughts

Ah Steampunk how I love you so! If it weren't for the inevitable bad guys that always show up in steampunk novels I would want to dive in and live there. It's just such a unique world. Right from the start of Steel Lily I could picture the world playing like a movie in my head, I could smell the rusty metal I could hear the gears turning. Megan Curd did a wonderful job of pulling me into Avery's world and keeping me there... 

The characters in Steel Lily were entertaining, strong and varied. Jaxon was one of my favorites, so cocky and full of sarcasm but also a bit vulnerable once you break though the layers. Avery was a "spitfire" as well, She is tough and stands up for herself and her family and friends no matter what. I wanted to get to know some of the side characters more.. they kinda pop out of the background every now and again and leave you stunned. But it didn't deter from my love of the story. 

The magic or Elemental side of the story was really interesting, I can't wait to see how the idea grows with the characters and what more will come. Steam punk and magic was a perfect blend and really kept me hooked on the story. 

I agree with Brittany, Steel Lily has a bit of everything. Magic, Romance, Action, Adventure, Science and Survival. Mix it with amazing characters and Megan Curd has a fan in me! I can't wait for # 2!!


We are so excited to offer you a chance to win a copy of Steel Lily for yourself! Megan has offered up 2 Ebook Copies ( international ) and 1 signed paperback for the U.S. ! Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter!



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