The First Last Boy by Sonya Weiss #BookReview #Giveaway

The First Last Boy
by Sonya Weiss
Release Date: October 20th 2015
Genre: Adult, Romance, Erotica

Sex was the plan. Falling in love wasn't.

Eighteen-year-old Montana "Tana" Shaw has a plan for her life and she follows it to the letter. That includes losing her virginity to her best friend, Ryan Collins before she leaves for college. He's wild, tattooed, and oh-so-tempting. She never meant to fall for him. But when Tana learns that Ryan's past is responsible for her family's heartache, she's not sure her heart or their relationship can survive.

Ryan Collins is the foster boy from the wrong side of the tracks. He's scarred, no good, and knows with a past like his that he shouldn't get involved with Tana even if the sparks are hot enough to drive him crazy. But when the past rears its ugly head, he'll become the guy he hates in order to save the girl he loves.

The First Last Boy was such a different read for me. The synopsis intrigued me but when I started reading it wasn’t exactly what I expected. I don’t mean that in a bad way, it’s just that sometimes when a book describes the bad boy you think okay and then he turns out to not be as bad. Well this book took me off guard because Ryan really comes from the wrong side of the tracks. Which makes his character more gritty, raw and real. Montana is a girl who has lost everything but is trying to make it through.

First we have Montana, the girl who wants to lose her virginity before college. You see right away that maybe she does want to do that her intentions towards losing it with Ryan and not exactly innocent. I like Tana because she is this rich girl whose life gets blown away. She sucks it up though and keeps on trucking because that’s what she needs to do, for her mom and her brother Creature (his nickname). It’s not always easy, she is not always happy about it but doesn’t stop to cry. Not only that her bond with Ryan is so sweet. The way that they support the other. Although Ryan keeps a lot of things from Tana. She tries her best to show him that she is there for him.

Ryan, now he hasn’t just been through a little bit of shit. He’s been through a whole lot of shit. I can’t believe the guy is still standing and not a bad guy. He has a good heart and I think that is what gets him through. He got sucked into the hard life at such a young age. He nothing else he really could do. You can’t always escape your past especially in a gang situation. When one of Ryan’s brothers screws up, he finds himself faced with his past. It sends a very clear message that there is no way Ryan can escape and protect his love ones.

The relationship between Tana and Ryan is great. They have such a great chemistry that it makes you want to go into the book and defend them so they can be together. I always really enjoy Ryan’s relationship with his brothers, Tana’s brother and Mama Leena. As well as Tana’s relationship with her family and friends.

The story is very intense at times which keeps you interested and reading. Just crazy, you need to know what happens and how it will work out.

The First Last Boy was a good read and almost out of my comfort zone. It was more intense than I was expecting but good because of it. I liked how Sonya Weiss did not sugar coat things. The emotions are out there. I’m hoping to maybe see some more stories with some of the side characters.



Sonya Weiss is a freelance writer, ghostwriter and author. She's addicted to great books, good movies, and Italian chocolates.

She's passionate about causes that support abused animals and children. Her parents always supported her bringing stray animals home although the Great Dane rescue was a surprise.

Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook


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Mother Bruce by Ryan T Higgins #BookReview #Giveaway

First off if you are in the US Happy Thanksgiving! Welcome to my stop for the Mother Bruce Tour hosted by the Irish Banana. I'm really excited to be a part of the tour since I have both a 4 and 6 year old.
Title: Mother Bruce
Author: Ryan T. Higgins (Facebook)
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Genre: Children's Picture Books
Release Date: November 24, 2015
Format: Hardcover

Bruce the bear likes to keep to himself. That, and eat eggs. But when his hard-boiled goose eggs turn out to be real, live goslings, he starts to lose his appetite. And even worse, the goslings are convinced he's their mother. Bruce tries to get the geese to go south, but he can't seem to rid himself of his new companions. What's a bear to do?

The first thing I noticed about Mother Bruce is how vivid the colors are. The printing of the book is beautiful and the illustrations are fantastic. I even love the book without it's book cover.
Even in my amatuer pictures the colors look great

The story also feels really modern. My son is a big reader so we have gone through many books. I liked how Bruce uses the internet to find recipes and they show the pictures of the different kinds. He uses a shopping cart when goes to snatch them up.

I was actually wondering how my kids were going to take the fact that Bruce eats the eggs and we see him swiping them but they loved the book and they laughed at all the parts that were supposed to be funny so it didn't seem to matter. I asked them a couple questions

Me: What is your favorite part?
6yr Old Son: When the eggs hatch, because the baby geese are so cute
4yr Old Daughter: When the Turtle says mama

Me: What is your favorite picture in the book?
6yr Old Son:
He loves how cute they are sitting there. 
4yr Old Daughter:

I also got an apron that goes with the book that my kids thought was hysterical. Maybe I will use it while cooking Thanksgiving dinner. 

We really enjoyed the book and I would definitely recommend it for your picture book collection. It's been kid tested. Ha ha.

GIVEAWAY
2 Finished Copies of MOTHER BRUCE
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Royal Marriage Market by Heather Lyons #CoverReveal

We are absolutely thrilled to bring you the Cover Reveal for Heather Lyons’ ROYAL MARRIAGE MARKET! Releasing December 15, 2015, ROYAL MARRIAGE MARKET is a brand new standalone contemporary romance by Heather Lyons. Be sure you preorder your copy today!
Royal Marriage Market - cover

Pre-Order ROYAL MARRIAGE MARKET Today!

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Add to your Goodreads

Excerpt:

“You go by Chris?”

“It’s an acceptable nickname for Christian.” The owner of the name snatches his glass of champagne back, chugging the rest of the drink. Naturally, this promptly sets off another round of coughing.

Parker is now the one to smack Christian’s back, and I am grateful because I most certainly do not need to be touching him again, even if in a life-saving gesture.

“Maybe so,” I murmur as Christian, rapidly turning redder from what surely must be embarrassment more than alcohol down the wrong pipe, shoves his friend’s hand away. “But it doesn’t fit.”

“If I might be so bold to ask, Your Highness, how so?” Parker inquires at the same time Christian wheezes, “What does that mean?”

I side skirt the men to claim a chocolate covered strawberry from the dessert table. “Chris is a boring name.”

“I believe you’ve just issued an unforgiveable insult to all the Chrises in the world,” Christian says flatly while Parker struggles to hold in his mirth.

“Of course I haven’t. I simply said Chris is a boring name. Look at Elsa; it is a hopelessly old-fashioned name you find in old women who bake streusel. My parents aged me the moment I came out of the womb.” I point the zebra-striped berry at my sparring partner. “Now that is unforgiveable. You were given a nice name and have elected to make it boring when it doesn’t suit you one bit.”

Too much silence expands between us; I am tricked into looking up at him once more. One of his dark eyebrows arches upward. “Are you saying you don’t find me boring?”

Did I? Oh, bollocks. I did, didn’t I? I clear my throat and smile winsomely. “Just because I don’t wish to marry you doesn’t mean I find you boring as a bag of rocks.”

Both of his eyebrows shoot up, as if I informed him grass is blue and sky is green. As if he doesn’t already know he’s interesting. Please. Must I remind him of all the glossies dedicated to his comings and goings?

“When we were children, His Highness was teased quite a bit about his name,” Parker tells me.

I toss the strawberry stem back onto the table; it’s whisked up by a passing waiter in less than a second. “What! Why?”

“I’m named after a religion,” Christian grinds out. “There was Prince Jew. Prince Muslim. Prince Buddhist. Prince Hindu. Prince Zoroastrian. There were lots of choices, you see.”

Another moment I want nothing more than to just laugh and laugh. “How delightful. Now, those nicknames aren’t boring. Sacrilegious, yes, but definitely not boring.”

“You have a seed in your front teeth,” is Christian’s response.

“You are a veritable Prince Charming, publically pointing out women’s flaws. How chivalrous of you.”

It is annoying how much I like that he refuses to appear properly chastised.


Royal Marriage Market - full cover wrap

About ROYAL MARRIAGE MARKET:

Every decade, the world’s monarchs and their heirs secretly convene to discuss global politics and social issues—and arrange marriages between kingdoms.

Elsa may be the Hereditary Princess of Vattenguldia, but she finds the entire situation archaic and unsavory. While she wants what's best for her country, she isn't about to jump into an unwanted relationship—let alone a marriage—with a virtual stranger. Of course, her feelings matter little to her parents, whose wheeling and dealings over trade pacts and alliances achieved at her expense begin the moment they set foot in California for the Summit. So when a blindingly handsome royal runs into her, she doesn't hesitate to tell him there's no way she's marrying him.

Christian is all too happy to agree: no marriage. As the Hereditary Grand Duke of Aiboland, his main goal is to get through the summit without a bride being foisted on him. Which is why he suggests they help each other field potential intendeds. As Christian slowly gets to know Elsa, though, he realizes they have a lot more in common than just their feelings about the Royal Marriage Market. Only he can't fall for her, because royal or not, they're not meant for each other.

Elsa and Christian will have to evaluate matters of the heart verses those of state and crown, and decide whether or not tradition trumps love.


Author PhotoAbout Heather Lyons:

Heather Lyons writes epic, heartfelt love stories and has always had a thing for words. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. She and her husband and children live in sunny Southern California and are currently working their way through every cupcakery she can find.




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How to be Brave by E. Katherine Kottaras #BookReview #Giveaway

Title: How to Be Brave
Author: E. Katherine Kottaras
Published: November 3rd 2015
Publisher: St. Martin's Press

An emotional contemporary YA novel about love, loss, and having the courage to chase the life you truly want.

Reeling from her mother's death, Georgia has a choice: become lost in her own pain, or enjoy life right now, while she still can. She decides to start really living for the first time and makes a list of fifteen ways to be brave - all the things she's wanted to do but never had the courage to try. As she begins doing the things she's always been afraid to do - including pursuing her secret crush, she discovers that life doesn't always go according to plan. Sometimes friendships fall apart and love breaks your heart. But once in a while, the right person shows up just when you need them most - and you learn that you're stronger and braver than you ever imagined.


Wow so How to be Brave. I really loved what this book is about. Georgia has lost her mother recently in a very painful way to watch. Her mother writes her a letter and encourages her to be brave, Georgia uses this to compile a list of things that she wants to do in order to carry out this last decree.

I have to tell you that this is one of the best portrayals of high school I have read. Mean girls are mean but they are not following you around making your life miserable. It’s more of when you cross their paths. There is a particular dance scene that you might want to brush off and go noooooo but the answer is yessss that happens. So I just felt that part was definitely really realistic.

Chicago, I love anything set in Chicago or the burbs. This is another thing that I love is the Georgia pointing out the difference between city dwellers and suburbanites. I’m a suburbanite through and through and my husband is a city boy. He would love if we could live in the city (where he’s from) and I’m happy where we are (where I’m from). So I thought that was great and of course I love the descriptions of different things that I know!! It made me want to go to the Art Institute of course I always want to go to the Art Institute.

So besides the setting I really enjoyed the meat of the story. It really had me thinking about what I would want my own kids to do if I passed away. Georgia is dealing with grief and making the list gives her an outlet to deal with it. Something else to focus on but makes her feel like her mom is still there and a part of it. I think through the list she starts to find where her mom ends and she begins. I think we really see that with the Art.

For me the weight issues didn’t feel like a giant issue. I liked that the focus seemed to be more on losing weight for health more than image. I know Georgia is insecure but at the same time she also seemed comfortable. Maybe I’m way off. I just liked that Georgia would mention that if her mom had lost weight it would have helped with some of her medical problems.

It’s of course a book so at one point shit does hit the fan. I was kind of surprised by it actually but it helped to kind of bring things around. The ending where everything comes out and is in the open is great. I really liked the romance and the friendships.

I was good with the pacing but I could see how it might start slow for some. The middle and end are really good. Once I got sucked in, I was sucked in and couldn’t stop reading. I stayed up to finish the book. Which seems to happen less and less lately.

I really enjoyed this book. It’s definitely has its highs and lows and I felt like it was realistic. I just hope that if I’m gone my kids will brave themselves.

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Titans by Victoria Scott iPhone wallpaper #TitansJockey

There is no better way to show your book love by decorating your phone with it. I'm happy to share an awesome iPhone wallpaper with you for Titans. First though you should add the book to your goodreads. It feels like the book is coming out just around the corner!!!!

Titans by Victoria Scott
February 23rd 2016 by Scholastic Press

Ever since the Titans first appeared in her Detroit neighborhood, Astrid Sullivan’s world has revolved around the mechanical horses. She and her best friend have spent countless hours watching them and their jockeys practice on the track. It’s not just the thrill of the race. It’s the engineering of the horses and the way they’re programmed to seem so lifelike. The Titans are everything that fascinates Astrid, and nothing she’ll ever touch.

She hates them a little, too. Her dad lost everything betting on the Titans. And the races are a reminder of the gap between the rich jockeys who can afford the expensive machines to ride, and the working class friends and neighbors of Astrid’s who wager on them.

But when Astrid’s offered a chance to enter an early model Titan in this year’s derby, well, she decides to risk it all. Because for a girl from the wrong side of the tracks, it’s more than a chance at fame or money. Betting on herself is the only way she can see to hang on to everyone in the world she cares about.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | TBD

iPhone Wallpaper
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Forget Tomorrow by Pintip Dunn #BookReview #JointheFight

Title: Forget Tomorrow (Forget Tomorrow Series #1)
Author: Pintip Dunn (Goodreads Author)
Published: November 3, 2015
Publisher: Entangled Teen

Imagine a world where your destiny has already been decided...by your future self.

It's Callie’s seventeenth birthday and, like everyone else, she's eagerly awaiting her vision―a memory sent back in time to sculpt each citizen into the person they're meant to be. A world-class swimmer. A renowned scientist.

Or in Callie's case, a criminal.

In her vision, she sees herself murdering her gifted younger sister. Before she can process what it means, Callie is arrested and placed in Limbo―a hellish prison for those destined to break the law. With the help of her childhood crush, Logan, a boy she hasn’t spoken to in five years, she escapes.

But on the run from her future, as well as the government, Callie sets in motion a chain of events that she hopes will change her fate. If not, she must figure out how to protect her sister from the biggest threat of all—Callie, herself. (less)


Forget Tomorrow is definitely on my top Sci-Fi YA list. I really loved this book and the direction it takes Science.

We are living in the future but the it’s not so drastically different that it’s not doable. There are no strange creatures roaming about that they have to stay inside protective walls. A large majority of people are actually living content lives. It’s those who realize the price of future memories and having special abilities that have their eyes open to what is going on. Callie keeps her head down because she doesn’t want to draw attention to herself, which would then draw attention to her sister Jessa. Callie has seen what can happen when she witnessed Logan’s brother being taken away. When Callie receives her unexpected memory it puts into motion a chain of events that makes her realize she is a lot more connected then she realizes.

I love how much Callie follows her own heart. So many books have me frustrated with the main character when they do the, I have to ignore my feelings for you to protect you. Callie, even though she has those thoughts in her head, also knows how to embrace the moment. How to love openly and trust that she can find a way to protect someone by doing that. Which includes her sister. She fights until she is out of options, it doesn’t matter if it seems hopeless to begin with. She exhaust every other option first.

Logan, oh sweet Logan. How can you not love him, I definitely love him. He is so adorable with the admiration of Callie he has. He cares about her and doesn’t really hid it. I love it, I love him. He has some guilt about his brother and tries his best to repent. He also can’t control how he feels though and it’s so great.

One thing I love is the unpredictableness of the ending. It could go at least three ways that I could think of but you don’t really know how it’s going to turn out. Well let me tell you, I can’t talk about it because you need to read. I definitely need the next book now though.

There are so many things to love in this book but it’s one of those that I don’t want to spoil so I’m not going to delve into too many things. If you like Sci-fi, read it. If you like it romance, read it. If you like a good book, read it.
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World Prematurity Awareness Day is an Important Day #worldprematurityday


Today is an important day to me because my daughter was born at 32 weeks and weighed 3 pounds 11 ounces. So I thought I would share what I remember about those first weeks. We are so lucky that Nina came home because not all the babies get to.


I remember the moment they told me they were going to have to take Nina out early because my kidney’s had failed and they had no choice.

I remember thinking, can’t you just hook me up to another machine to keep her in there. I wish this wasn’t happening

I remember that that when she came out, I was able to hold her a couple seconds before they whisked her away because she took a breath on her own. I didn’t see her again until more than 24hrs after that.

I remember my strong intimidating dad with tears in his eyes after visiting Nina at the NICU

I remember not being able to hold her

I remember them saying they would have to make sure there was no bleeding by doing a brain scan (she did not)

I remember when they said that development issues were a possibility (she has none)

I remember when they told me there was a hole in her heart but were optimistic it would close (it did)

I remember when they said they would have to close the NICU to install her Pic line because it needed to be completely sterile

I remember she had oxygen because even though she breathed on her own she wasn’t strong enough to push air in and out of her lungs

I remember being overwhelmed

I remember them calling her a NICU overachiever

I remember the nurses gushing to me about how beautiful they thought she was going to be, how much they loved taking care of her, how she never cried unless someone messed with her for a test. Then she would get pissed.

I remember them struggling to get her bilirubin count right. She spent a lot of time in a glowing box wearing shades and I would have to hold her with a blanket wrapped around her that glowed. (they felt sorry for me because I wouldn’t have been able to hold her at all otherwise)

I remember when the tubes were all removed and she took her first feeding through her mouth instead of a feeding tube.

I remember when she was moved into the almost going home room in the NICU

I remember that because of her overachieverness she was able to go home way earlier at about 3 ½ weeks after being born. She was 4 pounds when she left the NICU

I remember the love and care that each doctor and each nurse gave to each baby. I'm eternally grateful. My daughter was blessed to have them.



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Your B&B or Mine? by Melissa West #BookReview @entangledbliss

Title: Your B&B or Mine?
Author: Melissa West
Published: November 9th 2015
Publisher: Entangled Bliss

All's fair in love and war, especially in the Deep South...

Savannah Hale never planned to come back to Maple Cove, Georgia. Her hometown has too many painful memories, especially of her high school sweetheart, who was killed during combat. And yet here she is…broken-hearted from her mother's death and left to deal with the Hale family legacy—Maple Cove's landmark bed and breakfast. In need of repairs and near foreclosure, she’s hanging on to the B&B by a thread.

And the man out to buy it is the man she's never been able to forgive…or forget.

Former soldier Logan Park is haunted by memories of his own. Some are of his best friend. Other are filled with longing for the girl he could never have. Now Savannah is back, and their attraction can’t be denied. But Logan has already sacrificed everything to atone for his sins, and there’s no way he’ll let himself fall for a girl who might never love again.
I finished Your B&B or Mine in one day. Melissa West writes fantastic romance. I love the characters she creates, the boys especially. I already want to read it again just thinking about it. I’m so excited for more in this series. I don’t know which will be next Leigh? Jack? I’m kind of hoping Jack.

Maple Cove reminds me a bit of Gilmore Girls. The small town where everyone knows your business and is very leery of change. I really want to go to the bakery, my mouth was watering reading about that part. It was fun to have the setting be a small town and the majority of the action revolving around the family B&B. I’m guessing the series will branch into different parts of town if it’s going to continue to be about the Hale siblings.

I loved Savannah because she is a successful business woman. Sometimes I feel like I read too many books sometimes where the main female lead is down on her luck job wise. There is one particular part where Savannah yells at Logan about assuming that her work doesn’t need her. Maybe they are actually compassionate. I was like ya you go girl. I’m personally fortunate to have a job and bosses that are understanding about family so I know how that goes. Melissa is very good at creating a strong woman who you can relate to.

Logan, oh Logan. I loved him right off the bat and of course with Melissa’s masterful way of creating sizzling romance, he is not easy to resist. I like that he served terms in the military and his survivor's guilt is a good issue to touch upon because that happens not just with veterans but with many people. Savannah is the perfect person to pull him out of it being that she was Will’s girl originally. So understands Logan in a way other people can’t, besides there is a history there.

The romance is absolutely perfect. I loved the push and pull between Savannah and Logan, which is what made me finish this book in one day. Such a great romantic read that made me smile and want to see it as a movie, or a mini-series, or a made for tv movie. Something! I also go into a Melissa West book knowing I’m going to get my money’s worth in that respect.

So I could gush all day. Why are the reviews for the books you love the hardest? I just want to say read it. READ IT! I loved it so much. One of my top Romances and I’m so excited for the rest of the series.
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Something Strange and Deadly Readalong Discussion Questions Chapter 15-End #SSaD


3. What do you think about Daniel's answer to Eleanor's question? Do you think he was being honest?

Oh I remember this the first time I read it. I was so frustrated and of course I didn't think he was honest. I was like seriously Daniel, seriously. Of course then I read the novella to get a better understanding.

Which I definitely recommend reading
7. Who is your favorite character in the first book and why?

Eleanor Fitt has was my favorite character in the first book and remained so the whole series. Again it's so hard for me to speak about her since I've read all the books. Of course there is the series after The Sheridan Institute as well. Eleanor is such a strong female lead and I can tell you, that you won't be disappointed as you continue to read the series.

8. How would you convince your friends to read this book?

I would shove it in their hands and say. I loooove this series you need to start reading now my friend. They would say, Jen you are always right, I'm going to read this series. :)


Sailor Moon has joined Link and Zelda to encourage you to keep reading. Mwah ha ha ha. Yes I feel like I have all these figures around they need to be incorporated into pictures.

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Something Strange and Deadly Readalong Discussion Post Chapters 1-14 #SSaD


I actually read the Something Strange and Deadly series as it came out. I think it was one of the few series that I’ve managed to be that dedicated to. You know sometimes you read the first two books and then the third comes out and even though you want to read it, it falls to the wayside of your TBR. (This is Clockwork Princess for me). Anyway so doing these discussion questions is slightly difficult for me because I already know the characters so well and what is going to happen.
1. How do you think you would react to the Dead walking around in your city?
2. What do you think about the Dead? Are you glad it isn't too Zombie-ish, or were you hoping for a more Zombie-esque theme?
I feel that it is easy to tie these two questions together. I actually read Something Strange and Deadly because Sooz was doing a signing with Sarah J Maas (which I love any signing that the two of them are together btw because they are hysterical) So I picked up her book because that’s just what I do. I had never read a Zombie book before, they scare the complete piss out of me to be honest. I look at Zombie’s from every angle and people kind of stare at me. So if they were walking around my city I would probably run, scream, cry and be immediately eaten. I was really happy with the way the dead is presented in this series. I love that Necromancy is a part of it because it makes more sense to me. Yes you heard me, magic is something I can understand. The books have the right amount of Zombie for me.


3. How do you feel about Eleanor as a character?
I love Eleanor from beginning to end to this series and how much she changes. She is such a great female lead. She is strong, feisty and pure awesomeness.
4. What was your first impression of Daniel Sheridan? Joseph Boyer?
Daniel run away with me. I enjoy Joseph (okay seriously I’m not so great at this discussion part)


Zelda and Link want you to get back to reading!

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Elementals by Michelle Madow #CoverReveal #Giveaway


Title: Elementals: The Prophecy of Shadows
Author: Michelle Madow
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Release Date: January 26, 2016
Publisher: Dreamscape Publishing
Series: Elementals #1
Format: eBook
ISBN: 2940152448849

When Nicole Cassidy moves from sunny Georgia to gloomy New England, the last thing she expects is to learn that her homeroom is a cover for a secret coven of witches. Even more surprisingly … she’s apparently a witch herself. Despite doubts about her newfound abilities, Nicole is welcomed into this ancient circle of witches and is bedazzled by their powers—and, to her dismay, by Blake—the school’s notorious bad-boy.
Girls who get close to Blake wind up hurt. His girlfriend Danielle will do anything to keep them away, even if she must resort to using dark magic. But the chemistry between Blake and Nicole is undeniable, and despite wanting to protect Nicole from Danielle’s wrath, he finds it impossible to keep his distance.
When the Olympian Comet shoots through the sky for the first time in three thousand years, Nicole, Blake, Danielle, and two others in their homeroom are gifted with mysterious powers. But the comet has another effect—it opens the portal to the prison world that has contained the Titans for centuries. After an ancient monster escapes and attacks Nicole and Blake, it’s up to them and the others to follow the clues from a cryptic prophecy so that they can save their town … and possibly the world.

Pre-order:  Amazon  |  Barnes and Noble  |  iBooks  

Michelle Madow wrote her first novel, Remembrance, in her junior year of college. Remembrance is the first book in The Transcend Time Saga, a three part series about reincarnation and true love that Michelle successfully self-published. The series was inspired by Taylor Swift's "Love Story" music video. Michelle's latest YA series, The Secret Diamond Sisters, about three sisters who discover they are the secret heirs to a Las Vegas billionaire casino owner, was published in March 2014 by Harlequin Teen. The second book in the series, Diamonds in the Rough, released in November 2014, and the third book, Diamonds are Forever, will be coming out in November 2015. Michelle is active on social media networks and has toured across America to promote her books and encourage high school students to embrace reading and writing.

Michelle lives in Boca Raton, Florida, where she is writing more novels for young adults. She loves reading, spending time with family and friends, traveling the world, shopping, Disney fairy tales, Broadway musicals, and loves talking with fans on Facebook (/MichelleMadow), Twitter (@MichelleMadow), and Instagram (@MichelleMadow).

To chat with Michelle and other fans about her books, join Michelle Madow's Street Team on Facebook!
Website  |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Instagram  |  Goodreads
Michelle is offering one lucky winner a signed paperback ARC of Elementals: The Prophecy of Shadows! To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter below:




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Diamonds are Forever by Michelle Madow #BookReview #Giveaway

Title: Diamonds are Forever
Author: Michelle Madow
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Release Date: October 27, 2015
Series: The Secret Diamond Sisters #3
Genre: Young Adult
Length: 368 Pages
ISBN: 9780373211524

It's cold outside, but the drama is hot!

The Diamond sisters jet to the mountains for spring break, and Savannah's flirt-mance with an international pop star heats up as her pursuit of stardom succeeds. But is this romance meant to be, or has the right guy been in front of her all along? Meanwhile, Courtney takes the next step with her secret boyfriend—and future stepbrother—and as their parents' wedding approaches, the pressure's on to reveal their relationship.

Peyton's figuring out a plan for her future, but she still feels guilty about getting her former bodyguard fired and wonders if she can get over him in the arms of someone else. But the biggest bombshell will change everything once again, because Madison's ready to tell the huge secret she's uncovered. And with the boy who betrayed her but who could be the love of her life fighting for his own life, she might need the Diamond sisters more than ever.


Diamonds are Forever is a great ending for the Diamond sisters story. I loved seeing how the girls have changed and grown. Now finally settling into their new lives. Plus the Vegas setting and trip to Aspen is a great setting for the drama.

So Peyton is such a lost soul. Sometimes I get really irritated with her and sometimes I really feel for her. One of my friends actually did a gap year where she spent that time in Japan. She’s a doctor now so it was obviously a good thing for her. I like that she really starts to consider her options more seriously. It’s just took a little nudge from a special source. Peyton is odd girl out in the romance department since Jackson has left town. (for GH) With Jackson gone and that causing her lack of interest in guys. Peyton has to find a way to make herself happy which makes her a better person for a relationship.

When I was reading about Savannah and Damien I was thinking about the first book and how much their relationship has changed. Savannah is not perfect and I remember not liking her in the beginning. She still has this innocence about her but it’s more like it’s her armor. To believe in the best of everything. Make the most of situations. She’s not as naive as she is open. She is almost the best person in the series because of her unconditional way of living.

Courtney is kind of navigating not having to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders. She is still mourning her loss and dealing with how to respond to her mother and grandmother after they kept such a huge secret. Her secret relationship with Brett is a big deal to her since she is not a rule breaker. Plus her relationship with him is something that is special, precious and new for her. They are so cute together and I liked seeing Courtney allowing herself happiness.

Madison is definitely really different. She really wants to be close with the Diamond girls but also realizes she damaged that relationship. She is putting herself out there way more than she did before and trying. Same goes with Oliver, she realizes after almost losing him how important he is. In true Madison style she is not going to take no for an answer and takes charge of her fate.

I’ve really enjoyed this series. It has the great setting of Vegas, which was really fun to read about. I like having so many different perspectives so that you could root for one girl while being annoyed at another. Then the next day you might flip flop, kind of like having them as actual siblings. I liked how things end up wrapped at the end. This is an ending we have been working for through the whole series and it’s not just something that pops out of nowhere. We’ve really seen these girls change and figure out how to fit into their new lives but I also really liked how saw their relationships change. I would have to say that’s my favorite part.

So if you are looking for a fun drama filled contemporary. This is definitely a great one. I could see this being an awesome TV show.


Michelle Madow wrote her first novel, Remembrance, in her junior year of college. Remembrance is the first book in The Transcend Time Saga, a three part series about reincarnation and true love that Michelle successfully self-published. The series was inspired by Taylor Swift's "Love Story" music video. Michelle's latest YA series, The Secret Diamond Sisters, about three sisters who discover they are the secret heirs to a Las Vegas billionaire casino owner, was published in March 2014 by Harlequin Teen. The second book in the series, Diamonds in the Rough, released in November 2014, and the third book, Diamonds are Forever, will be coming out in November 2015. Michelle is active on social media networks and has toured across America to promote her books and encourage high school students to embrace reading and writing.

Michelle lives in Boca Raton, Florida, where she is writing more novels for young adults. She loves reading, spending time with family and friends, traveling the world, shopping, Disney fairy tales, Broadway musicals, and loves talking with fans on Facebook (/MichelleMadow), Twitter (@MichelleMadow), and Instagram (@MichelleMadow).

To chat with Michelle and other fans about her books, join Michelle Madow's Street Team on Facebook!
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Unspoken by C.C. Hunter #BookReview

Title: Unspoken
Author: C.C. Hunter
Published: October 27th 2015
Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Despite her superhuman strength and enhanced senses, Della Tsang's life as a vampire certainly hasn't been easy. Especially since she was reborn and bound to the mysterious, infuriating, and gorgeous Chase Tallman.

But if there's one thing that's always kept Della going, it's her dream of being an elite paranormal investigator. Her newest case is the opportunity she's been waiting for, but as Della tries to solve the twenty year old murder and clear her father's name. She uncovers secrets about the vampire council. And about Chase.

Feeling betrayed by all the secrets he's kept hidden from her, Della is determined to keep him as far away from her heart as she can. But she'll need his help to solve the case that will lead them into the darkest and ugliest vampire gangs in town and into the scariest reaches of her heart.

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The original Shadow Falls focused more on the Boarding School/ Camp vibe, where I think After Dark has always been more the FRU investigation vibe. So my favorite part of this series besides Della because she is a kick butt female character but also the murder mystery that goes along with it. Of course we do have romance, don’t worry it’s in there and even though there was a love triangle at the beginning of the series it’s definitely evened out in this book and is not really a main focus.

So here’s the deal. I have had a hard time liking Chase. I wasn’t sure if it’s because I struggled to let go of Steve. I’m sorry if you are Steve hater but I’ve been attached to him since Della’s novella and I guess I’ve got some loyalty there. The thing that always rubbed me the wrong way about Chase is his frequent use of the bond mate making them belong together. Then claiming the feelings are real. Really Chase you kind of aren’t making sense. The thing about Steve is he has always been supportive of Della being able to make her own choice. Now the thing is the book is in two perspectives both Della and Chase’s so I had to get over my dislike of him. I had to force myself to remember the Chase from the novella that I liked. Not so much the Chase that runs around saying you must be with me. He really does mellow out quite a bit in the book though and it helped. I’m not sure if I’ll ever be completely Team Chase but I really like how Della and Steve relationship turns out. Steve is always honest with Della and I loved when he lays it out there.

Della has so much going on in her life. I’m not sure how she manages to hold it together. Her feeling for Chase are definitely something but she has her father’s murder investigation that really needs to take the forefront for her. She kind of adopts a “not now” mindset of putting some things aside. The time is ticking on her dad and she is having trouble trusting Chase. He hasn’t always given her a reason to. Plus she has ghost problems and murder problems. Della is a survivor though and she always manages to push through.

The murder mystery was great. So many different pieces that need to fit together. I love investigating the crimes with the crew. I don’t want to reveal anything but of course there is a lot with Della’s father and siblings.

Kylie and Miranda were in the book but not as much as I would have liked. Although I kind of feel like since Della is more FRU involved it makes sense. Although I would have liked to see more Lucas (that’s a boy I will always be able to ship). Now I have to say I did notice that Miranda’s story doesn’t seem to be over. hmmmmm.

I really enjoyed Della’s series and I was definitely happy with how it ended. Such a fun read. If you’re a fan of the original Shadow Falls, you will enjoy this. If you haven’t read the original and want to jump in on this series, you could definitely do that as well. I’m hoping we are going to be seeing more with Miranda.
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The Revolution of Ivy by Amy Engel #BookReview #BishopisMine

Title: The Revolution of Ivy (The Book of Ivy #2)
Author: Amy Engel (Goodreads Author)
Published: November 3, 2015
Publisher: Entangled Teen

Ivy Westfall is beyond the fence and she is alone. Abandoned by her family and separated from Bishop Lattimer, Ivy must find a way to survive on her own in a land filled with countless dangers, both human and natural. She has traded a more civilized type of cruelty--forced marriages and murder plots--for the bare-knuckled brutality required to survive outside Westfall's borders.

But there is hope beyond the fence, as well. And when Bishop reappears in Ivy's life, she must decide if returning to Westfall to take a final stand for what she believes is right is worth losing everything she's fought for.

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Wow...wow. This book was just simply amazing. If you haven’t read this series you need to because it’s fantastic. The Revolution of Ivy was perfect

We pick up where we left off. Ivy is now outside the fence and must figure out how to fend for herself. The amazing thing about Ivy is her drive to survive. If it were me on the other side of the fence, I don’t think I would be as strong as Ivy is. Her family always considered her the weak link but really she is the strongest one of all of them. She has the ability to not let herself become consumed by her hate. Which we see her demonstrate during a very scary scene where she comes across someone from the past. There is one part where she throws up her arms even though she is almost done and is like come on at me.

When Caleb and Ash enter the picture Ivy is at her limit and they save her. Ash becomes such a great support for Ivy and Caleb although Leary of her at first. Also ends up becoming an important person in her life. I loved how they form their own little family and begin to depend on each other. Ivy is not afraid to do her share and work hard.

Bishop, oh Bishop. Talk about the awesome amazing fantastic book boyfriend that is Bishop. Holy smokes. He finds Ivy and even though she tries to push him away. He still the kind, patient, loving boy that he has always been. He is there for her, no matter in what capacity that has to be.

The thing I like about this book is that it gives us a real view of hate. How people can sometimes hate so much and for so long that the hate ends up becoming bigger than they are. It ends up becoming their essence that without it they don’t really know how to live. This is definitely the case for Ivy’s family. Ivy knows that she cannot move forward until she can let go of the past. She doesn’t want to end up like her Father and Callie, which is what drives the end of the book.

It’s so hard to write a review for such a fantastic book like this because I don’t know if I can do it justice. I loved this series so much and I can’t wait to read more Amy Engel’s works. She will be auto buy for me without a doubt. I really think you should pick up this book and fall in love with the series like I have. I want to share the love.


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The Anatomical Shape of a Heart by Jenn Bennett #BookReview #Playlist #Giveaway

The Anatomical Shape of a Heart
by Jenn Bennett
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Release Date: November 3rd 2015

Artist Beatrix Adams knows exactly how she's spending the summer before her senior year. Determined to follow in Leonardo da Vinci’s footsteps, she's ready to tackle the one thing that will give her an advantage in a museum-sponsored scholarship contest: drawing actual cadavers. But when she tries to sneak her way into the hospital’s Willed Body program and misses the last metro train home, she meets a boy who turns her summer plans upside down.

Jack is charming, wildly attractive . . . and possibly one of San Francisco’s most notorious graffiti artists. On midnight buses and city rooftops, Beatrix begins to see who Jack really is—and tries to uncover what he’s hiding that leaves him so wounded. But will these secrets come back to haunt him? Or will the skeletons in Beatrix’s own family’s closet tear them apart?

The Anatomical Shape of a Heart is hands down one of the best contemporaries that I have read. I actually read this book coming off of saying “I need a break from contemporaries”. Everything about this book is perfect. I loved the characters, the pacing and the plot. It all fits together so well. I want to pick up Jenn Bennett’s other books now.

Beatrix, or Bex, is such a cool girl. She is someone who doesn’t necessarily have the greatest life. Her family consists of her mom and brother after their dad left them. Her bedroom is the dining room but she is not a woes is me girl. She is a I’m going to find a way girl. Another character describes her as a Lake, calm and still. Which is exactly what she is. I’m not sure if it’s because she loves to draw anatomically correct organs but she has a way of dissecting things in her mind. Looking at them with that scientific eye.

Jack, Jackson, is the nobel bad boy with the not so bad background. Everything that we find out about Jack explains his actions. He makes a great counterpart for Bex, where she is creative/scientific he is more creative/adventurous. I don’t want to give too much away about his backstory just because finding things out about him is a great part of reading the book.

Their love story is the best. The best from the minute they meet on the Owl. I just want to hold that moment forever and it will always be my favorite meeting in a book. Plus I admit the fact that the Night bus is called the Owl makes me think of Harry Potter. My best friend lives in San Francisco and now I want to convince her to take the Owl. She will, I’m sure, think there is something wrong with me. I love that their relationship has sort of a role reversal. Not so much in life but in the way we see it in books. It’s hard to explain until you read but it was nice to see Bex have the upper hand in some things. One of the things that I love and wish that we would see more is that the characters don’t spend the book trying to get together. They go into things together and are able to be support for each other. The drama isn’t necessarily them but the things that happen around them and how fits together with them.

There is also a side point about divorce that I like how it was portrayed. Simply because even parents with good intentions can have selfish motivations when they themselves are hurt.

Pacing is absolutely perfect. Sometimes with a contemporary I can get a little bored. Just because it’s hard to have stuff happening all the time. There is no magic or monsters attacking you every other second. The Anatomical Shape of a Heart manages to keep every second interesting always something going on. It made me want to keep reading. This a book you could easily finish in one setting.

Simply stated this is one of my favorite books of the year. So yes read it. Read it as soon as you can.

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Jenn Bennett is an artist and RITA-nominated author of the Arcadia Bell urban fantasy series (Kindling the Moon) and the Roaring Twenties romance series, including Bitter Spirits, which was chosen as one of Publishers Weekly Best Books of 2014 and winner of RT Book Reviews Paranormal Romance Book of the Year, and Grave Phantoms—which was awarded RT's May Seal of Excellence for 2015. The Anatomical Shape of a Heart, (akaNight Owls in the U.K.) is her first YA contemporary romance. She lives near Atlanta with one husband and two evil pugs. Visit her at www.jennbennett.net.

Want to be notified when her next book is coming out? Join her mailing list: http://eepurl.com/V5il9

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