Friday, February 28, 2014

[Book Blitz + Giveaway] The Headhunters Race by Kimberly Afe


AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! I am so excited to share this book with you guys, you have no idea! Ever since I read Fire & Flood, I've been hooked on survival games stories and this one sounds like a gem! Hope you can add it to your TBR lists! Review will be up in few days so don't miss out!

The Headhunters Race (Headhunters #1)The Headhunter's Race
by 
Sixteen-year-old Avene was sentenced to prison at thirteen for a crime she didn't commit. Now she has a chance to win her freedom back – if she enters the Headhunters Race. Second prize isn't so bad either, an upgrade to the Leisure Prison if you make it to the finish line. To win either prize, Avene and the other prisoners must navigate one hundred and fifty miles of dense forest, desert, and worst of all, cannibal territory.

With a mechanical collar timed to strangle the prisoners if they're not back in nine days, Avene allies herself with seventeen-year-old McCoy, another prisoner that insists on helping her at every turn and a boy she's trying hard not to fall for. Together they battle nature, other prisoners, and the timed death collars to win the coveted prize. But when Avene is tested with one deadly conflict after another, she realizes there is more at stake than winning her freedom – first she has to survive...


EXCERPT
Hours later, when the birds start chirping, I know it's almost time to wake up. I get out of bed and change into my special clothes. The ones I've been saving for this day: a sturdy pair of jeans and a man's blue flannel shirt. Underneath I wear my white fitted tee-shirt, depicting a crudely drawn skull. I added the crossbones bearing a set of daggers with a nearly dried-up marker I found a year ago. It represents my mantra for the race: stay away from me or I'll kill you.

I tie my sheath around my thigh, re-lace my boots with longer and sturdier cord I found on a pair of men's boots in the goodie two shoes clothing pile, and then gulp down several handfuls of water. I wipe the droplets from my mouth while I pace like a caged panther. A few minutes later I slug down another five handfuls before I remember to fill my water bottle.

Zita leans up on her elbow. "You're sure you want to do this?"

"I have to, Zita. It's our only way out. The only way we'll be free."

She throws off her cover and leaps to her feet. "Well, we better do something with that hair. They'll start calling the prisoners out soon."

Zita snatches our slop container from the table. She fills it with dirt from the corner and mixes in a bit of water. "I'm not sure how well this will work," she says, stirring it with her finger. "Sit."

I sit on the ground cross-legged at her feet. She kneels beside me, takes a small lock of hair, and rubs mud all through the strands. The stringy tresses stick together, cold and wet against my cheek. After one side of my head is finished, she steps back and surveys her work. "Nope, this isn't working. Your roots are still too light."

"Why don't you wash her whole head in it?" says McCoy.

I stiffen. Leave it to him to think of dunking my whole head in mud.

"You're a genius!" says Zita. She grabs my arm and pulls me to my feet. "Help me," she says to McCoy and I cringe at the thought of him touching my head when I'm a direct competitor. He might send his ninja blade across my neck.

He grabs the sink, half full of water, water I need to drink, and dumps three quarters of it into the corner. "Hey, I need to drink that!" I say.

"You can drink ours," says McCoy.

Right. I'm not going to drink theirs. He'd love that. Especially now that he's going to have to hunt on his own and the only way he knows how is by poaching off me.

Zita stops short of pouring in handfuls of dirt. Instead she goes to the fire pit and scoops out gobs of ash. She swishes it around with her fingers, stares at it like she's not satisfied, and goes ahead and dumps in a handful of dirt anyway. "Okay, bend over, girl."

I lean over the sink while Zita pours the murky mixture over my hair and massages it in. It's gritty and gross.

"Hand me that old shirt in the corner," says Zita.

I'm looking upside down at McCoy while he retrieves the old shirt she uses as her dust rag. She wrings out my hair and then places the shirt over top and squeezes out the excess water. "I wish I had a comb," she says, flipping my head up and steering my behind back to the ground.

"It's okay, I can use my fingers," I say.

McCoy dashes into their room. "Boom has one, hold on."


I lean my head back in defeat. He's determined to help me, to make me feel obligated to help him in return, but his niceties aren't going to work on me.

Picture
Author Bio
Kimberly is the mother of two awesome kids, wife of the nicest man in the world, and her dog's best friend. She works by day and writes middle grade and young adult science fiction and fantasy novels in her spare time. She lives with her family in the beautiful Sonoran Desert.

Website  |   Goodreads   |  Twitter   |  Facebook  |   Blog  | Amazon





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Thursday, February 27, 2014

[Book Blast + Giveaway] From Gods by Mary Ting

From Gods NewFrom Gods by Mary Ting
Did you just see a flash of lightning across the sky on a clear sunny day? Don’t blame Mother Nature.
Skylar Rome should have been having the best summer ever, before heading off to college. Suddenly her whole life changes while visiting her cousin, and meeting the Grand brothers; Mason, in particular. Though she’s sure he is someone she should stay away from, the attraction was undeniable.
Strange things begin to happen, throwing
Skylar’s life into turmoil. Implausibly, she gets caught up in a world where the descendants of ancient gods have super powers, and evil beings are after her. Not only are her discoveries difficult to accept, but now she is running
out of time and running for her life, while trying to unravel the mystery of what they want from her. Forced into a battle set into motion long before she was born, will Skylar find the answers she seeks, or will she die trying?
Smashwords amazon blog Barnes and Noble

    

Praise for From Gods
“A fast paced adventure full of mystery, action, magic and romance! Readers won’t be able to put this book down!” ~InD’tale Magazine
“From Gods takes mythology to a whole new level of imagination with its incredible plot and amazing characters. It’s full of hotness that you never want to end!” ~Michele, Insane About Books
“From Gods by the AMAZING AUTHOR Mary Ting is OMGods good!! If you even LIKE Greek Mythology, set aside some time because you will DEVOUR Mary Ting’s Demi Gods and Vultures!!!” ~Mindy, Books Complete Me
“This book is “electric” as it blends paranormal romance, mythology (which I love), action and suspense together for an amazing read. Mary Ting, you’ve done it again! This book exceeded my expectations and I was literally blown away as if I were struck by lightning!” ~Vanessa, Fairiechick’s Fantasy Book Reader
From Gods Poster


mary tingAuthor Mary Ting
Bestselling/award-winning author Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.

Social Media Website Social Media Blog Social Media Facebook Social Media Twitter Social Media Pinterest Social Media Goodreads

 

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

[Audiobook Review] Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse by Lars Guignard

Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse (Zoe & Zak Adventures, #2)Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse
by   
Move over Percy Jackson. The Yogi's Curse has arrived...

Zoe and Zak are back in India. Again. And this time they're attending Moonstock Himalayan Academy for Boys and Girls, which might seem fun except for the fact that the school itself is a little strange.

Students ride elephants instead of school buses, snarling monkeys work as security guards, and angry parrots monitor the halls. And even when they manage to get used to the wildlife, the food is absolutely terrible.

But living with a bunch of other kids their age can be a lot of fun too, or at least it seems that way until Zoe's roommate goes missing. Following the directions written on a steamy bathroom mirror, Zoe and Zak fly through the clouds on their magic carpet to learn that the two of them have been chosen yet again. This time they've been asked to lift the Yogi's Curse.

It's not going to be easy. Zoe and Zak don't even know what the Yogi's Curse is let alone how to lift it, but like it or not, they soon discover that a whole lot of people are depending on them.

Now, if they're going to save the day, Zoe and Zak are going to have to fool the monkey guards, avoid the nasty parrots, and maybe even develop a supernatural ability or two. Because lurking beneath Moonstock is a powerful new enemy. And if Zoe and Zak can't stop him, nobody can.




Adventures continue when Zoe & Zak are back in India but this time to go to a private school – Moonstock Himalayan Academy for Boys and Girls. Coming to new school is tough but soon Zoe meets her people that come all around the world. When her roommate goes missing, she knows something is not right at the school. After discovering their old friend, they are advised that they need to lift the Yogi’s Curse to stop bad things from happening. 

I love Zoe & Zak, they are so much fun to read about! With Zak’s easy demeanor and Zoe’s “Yoginess”, they are the perfect kids to follow on magical adventures. I have to say that I liked this one better than the first book. Best parts about this book was definitely the Indian culture, the mystery, and the magical powers. Definitely perfect for MG and even some YA readers that want to take a break from werewolves and cheating boyfriends. 

Audio Notes: Great performance by Sonja Field! Her voice was definitely perfect for Zoe & Zak and she knows how to do the Indian accent just right. There were some moments where her narration would get monotone but that would be during conversations when there was a lot of "he said, she said". Other than that, it was very enjoyable!


cHECK OUT MY REVIEW OF THe first book in this series "Zoe & Zak and the ghost leopard"!
Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard (Zoe & Zak Adventures, #1)

About Lars Guignard

Author Lars Guignard
Lars Guignard is a former film and television writer and a graduate of both McGill University and the American Film Institute in Los Angeles. His debut thriller novel, Lethal Circuit, has been an amazon top 100 Technothriller since its release.

Guignard has wanted to write Indian stories for kids ever since he attended a boarding school in the majestic Himalayas. The time he spent in the “school above the clouds” affected him profoundly, and once he returned home to North America he was struck by the lack of children’s stories from India available in our culture. Since India is such an incredible country, he decided to write a series of action adventure books for young adults about India to introduce young readers to this magical, mystical land. So if you’re looking for a great book adventure for kids, try Ghost Leopard today!

yogiscurse

Monday, February 24, 2014

[Entangled Edge Release Day Blast] Deals & Giveaway Frenzy


Edge, a digital-first single-title romance line from Entangled Publishing, takes its lead from their popular Select imprint but gives its novels an edge in the marketplace by bringing great stories to readers at reasonable prices in a quick-and-easy way.

Whether sexy or sweet, traditional romance or love and lust with a women’s fiction bent, at the center of every Edge book is heart. From Urban Fantasy to Contemporary Romance to Science Fiction Romance, Edge has a book for all romance readers—and right at their fingertips! As they say, all’s fair in love and war.

To find out more about their titles, chat with authors, participate in special events, and to find out what books are coming next, visit the Entangled website, follow them on Twitter, and like their Facebook page.


Today I'm happy to be featuring Edge's February releases!!

Mustang Sassy by Daire St. Denis

Special $0.99 Introductory Price!


Find Out More!

Jordan Michaels wants his car fixed, now, and he wants Sass’s auto body shop to do it. But the handsome blond has a secrethe’s really Jordan Carlyle of Carlyle’s Classics, Sass Hogan’s biggest competitor, and he’s determined to prove himself to his family. As Sass and Jordan get to know each other, the depth of the attraction has them falling in love. But a relationship based on lies will only leave them primed for the worst wreck of their lives.



Death Defying by Nina Croft
Blood Hunter #3


Special $0.99 Pricing on First 3 Books in Series!

Find Out More!

After five hundred years, Callum Meridian, founding member of the Collective, is bored out of his mind. Until he realizes he’s physically changing—into what, he isn’t sure. Callum is determined to discover the truth, but his own people will stop at nothing to prevent it from coming out. He turns to Captain Tannis of the starship El Cazador. Sparks fly as they work together to make it out alive, but can Callum really trust the one woman hell bent on using him? Defying death has never been more dangerous…or more sexy.


Bittersweet Darkness by Nina Croft
The Order #3

Special $0.99 Pricing on All 3 Books in Series!


Find Out More! 

As payment for a debt, Ash Delacourt finds himself working with the Order of the Shadow Accords as the demon representative. It’s a chance to be near his daughter, make a new start, and—once he’s met the delectable Detective Connolly—maybe have a little fun. But Faith has a secret, and falling in love with Ash—one of the bad guys, albeit a stunningly gorgeous one, isn't part of her future. How can she ever let Ash close when her time is running out…?


Before the Devil Knows You're Dead by Patricia Eimer
Speak of the Devil #3

Special $0.99 Pricing on All 3 Books in Series!


Find Out More!

There’s never an end to the crazy when you’re demon spawn. Not that Faith Bettincourt’s complaining. She's patching things up with her angelic on-again off-again boyfriend, Matt, and saving kids from Death in her pediatric unit, one soul at a time. But when she's forced to take over as the Angel of Death, and then Matt’s ex comes back, bringing the Apocalypse with her, Faith’s not about to give up the world...or her man. When the chips are down, what’s a girl to do but take matters in her own hands, consequences be damned?

[Release Day Party + Giveaway] Pan's Conquest by Aubrie Dionne

panconquestbanner

Pan's ConquestPan's Conquest

Syrinx pulled a fast one on Pan to escape his raging lust. The God of Chastity wasn't about to break her vows and succumb to his temptations. Transported to the twenty-first century, she runs a florist shop—fulfilling her fake, mortal life. Until the breathtaking Parker Thomas hires her to decorate his grand estate for a gala. Five hundred roses? Easy enough. Except Parker makes her feel things she can't ignore...

As the God of Fertility, Pan is used to maidens flocking in droves to his pastures. So when Syrinx denies him, he's determined to win the one that got away. He poses as a mortal to get close to her, but he doesn't count on falling hard for his conquest—hard enough to make a life and stay.

But Syrinx is falling in love with a man that doesn't exist. Can Pan hide his identity forever, or will the truth tear them apart?

Release Day Sale!


We’re happy to celebrate the release day party for “Pan’s Conquest”, a contemporary paranormal romance by author Aubrie Dionne. today.

We’re celebrating the release with an awesome giveaway for a sparkly flower pin. Scroll down below to find out more!


To make things even better, the book is on sale for $0.99! Go get your copy today.

Author Bio

Aubrie Dionne
Aubrie grew up watching the original Star Wars movies over and over again until she could reenact every scene in her backyard. She also loved The Goonies, Star Trek The Next Generation-favorite character is Data-, and Indiana Jones. But, her all-time favorite movie is The Last Unicorn. She still wonders why the unicorn decided to change back to a unicorn in the end.
Aubrie wrote in her junior high yearbook that she wanted to be “A Concert Flutist” when she grew up. When she made that happen, she decided one career was not enough and embarked as a fantasy, sci fi author. Two careers seems to keep her busy. For now. Aubrie Dionne is an author and flutist in New England. Her books have received the highest ratings from Romance Times Magazine, as well as Night Owl Reviews and Two Lips Reviews. She has guest blogged on the USA Today Happily Ever After Blog and the Dear Teen Me blog and signed books at the Boston Book Festival, Barnes and Noble, and the Romance Writers of America conference. Her writings have appeared in Mindflights, Niteblade, Silver Blade, Emerald Tales, Hazard Cat, Moon Drenched Fables, A Fly in Amber, and Aurora Wolf. Her books are published by Astraea Press, Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Publishing, Inkspell Publishing, Lyrical Press, and Gypsy Shadow Publishing. When she’s not writing, Aubrie teaches flute and plays in orchestras.
 Website | Twitter | Blog 
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Sunday, February 23, 2014

[Book Review] Doll Bones by Holly Black

Doll BonesDoll Bones
by  
Zach, Poppy and Alice have been friends for ever. They love playing with their action figure toys, imagining a magical world of adventure and heroism. But disaster strikes when, without warning, Zach’s father throws out all his toys, declaring he’s too old for them.

Zach is furious, confused and embarrassed, deciding that the only way to cope is to stop playing . . . and stop being friends with Poppy and Alice. But one night the girls pay Zach a visit, and tell him about a series of mysterious occurrences.

Poppy swears that she is now being haunted by a china doll – who claims that it is made from the ground-up bones of a murdered girl. They must return the doll to where the girl lived, and bury it. Otherwise the three children will be cursed for eternity . . .



“I thought you needed to be tougher. But I've been thinking that protecting somebody by hurting them before someone else gets the chance isn't the kind of protecting that anybody wants.”

A middle grade horror novel, Doll Bones tells a story about adventures and friendship that gets mixed with creepy events and different emotions. This was very age appropriate and even though it was horror story, there wasn't much scary things about it except the old china doll. 

Friendship that was presented between Zach, Poppy, and Alice was incredible. It's that kind of friendship that you have with people who you've known since you were 5 and probably will be going to each other's kids birthdays. Their emotions and feelings were very well portrayed. With Zach being 12, it was interesting to see his confusion about girls and anger about his dad leaving their family and then coming back. 

I did think that adventure aspect of it could have been more intensified and not so much left to the imagination. The bus ride, the park, and even the boat - give me something more creepier! But overall it was a good story line, except I wasn't much a fan of writing and didn't connect with the story as much as I wanted to.

Saturday, February 22, 2014

[Stacking The Shelves] #14 - Birthday Special

Stacking the Shelves is a meme hosted by Tynga's Reviews featuring the books we got this week.

Purchased:

  • These Broken Stars by Amie Kaufman - I caved in and bought this as my birthday present. I have been hearing so many great things that decided it's time to spend some moolah and buy a copy for myself. I'm so excited for it! 


Birthday SPECIAL:

Ignore my retarded smile lol Me and my boyfriend ended up going to Anthony's for my birthday and it was so much fun! We went there last year for my birthday and I loved their food! & the place that we went to is right on the water so I could see all the boats and even the ferry that was going between the islands. Either way - I'm a year older! 

What's on your list today?  Leave comments below & I'll return the favor! 

Friday, February 21, 2014

[Book Review] Carrier Of the Mark by Leigh Fallon

Carrier of the Mark (Carrier, #1)Carrier Of the Mark
by 
Their love was meant to be.

When Megan Rosenberg moves to Ireland, everything in her life seems to fall into place. After growing up in America, she's surprised to find herself feeling at home in her new school. She connects with a group of friends, and she is instantly drawn to darkly handsome Adam DeRÍs.

But Megan is about to discover that her feelings for Adam are tied to a fate that was sealed long ago—and that the passion and power that brought them together could be their ultimate destruction.



What the f did I just read??

First of all - let me just say that I'm sure a lot of you saw all of the negative reviews on Goodreads about this book and I'm with them. Therefore this will be just a short rant about the book that had potential but was very poorly executed...

...AS IN:

1. I hated all of the characters. 

2. Elements topic wasn't the main focus as it should have been. 

3. It's all about OMG-He's-Hot-&-I-Can't-Live-Without-Him.

The whole situation just felt fake - conversations, "magic tricks", talking through the earth and fire. And when Megan finds out that she is a part of the element, she only thinks about Adam and not about how her life just turned around. It just felt staged and empty. 

Then there's Adam and he is a little creepy, not going to lie. He's completely obsessed with Megan and all scenes with him eating her face and declaring his love for her on the second day they meet is just annoying. And Megan falls for that and might even blame it on her powers. But she doesn't care! 

OMG HOW SHE DOESN'T CARE!!!

She doesn't care so much that she would rather not have any powers and be with him even if it means that the world would end and they would have monster babies that would end the world. *gag*

Thursday, February 20, 2014

[Book Review] Say Forever by Tara West

Say Forever (Something More #3)Say Forever
by  
Christina
I love Andrés so much, more than anyone I’ve ever loved before, yet there are days when I don’t know if I want to scream, swear, or fall to pieces. We’re trying to plan a future together, but our families won’t leave us alone. What’s worse is I can see Andrés is not happy.

They say love trumps all hurdles, but some days I wonder will “our” love trump “our” hurdles? Then I look into Andrés’s sensual smile and passionate gaze and I fall in love all over again.

Andrés
When I told Christina I would love her forever, I meant every word. The nightmares are back, and I don’t know how to stop them, but I have to be strong for her. This pressure from my family and my job feels like a noose around my neck, but I will do whatever it takes to give Christina the life she deserves. She’s everything to me, and I won’t lose her.



Say Forever - the final book in Something More series by Tara West. & I just want to say that I love the set up that was done for this series to show different stages of relationship. Bravo!

Since Christina found out that she was pregnant, she decided that she was ready to marry Andres. But with his crazy family and her actual mother, it's hard to say what actually goes. She said that she wouldn't make anyone push her around anymore but it is so hard to say anything when your future family only wants what's best for you. Then you got the crazy hormones that keep getting in the way. Andres is not doing so well either. Being worried for Christina, his nightmares are back. The future doesn't scare him but he wants to be able to provide for his new family. Realizing that he doesn't want to take over the family business puts him in tough situation. 

love gif photo:  love-2.gif

Something More series was definitely a good run for me. Being able to see their relationship grow really made love both of the characters and wish that they would work out their problems. But in this book I saw the side of Christine that I did not like to see. Just as in Say When, she was being pushed around, didn't stand up for herself, and let everyone walk over her. She felt somewhat disconnected from the story until she finally took the wedding into her own hands. 

Andres... Well he's perfect. Your typical book-boyfriend that... Well yes. I would like to marry him and carry his children. But their relationshp worked and the ending to this series couldn't have been better :)


CHECK OUT MY REVIEWS OF Say When SAY YES - PREVIOUS BOOKS In "Something More" SERIES! 
Say When (Something More #1) Say Yes (Something More #2)