The Rose & The Dagger Release Day! #Excerpt #Giveaway

I am so excited that THE ROSE & THE DAGGER by Renée Ahdieh releases today and that I get to share the news, along with an awesome giveaway!

If you haven’t yet heard about this wonderful book by Author Renée Ahdieh, be sure to check out all the details below.

This blitz also includes a giveaway for a paperback of THE WRATH & THE DAWN and a hardcover of THE ROSE & THE DAGGER and an awesome candle from The Melting Library’s Etsy Store, US Only!  So if you’d like a chance to win, enter in the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.

 Title: THE ROSE & THE DAGGER
Author: Renée Ahdieh

Release Date: April 26, 2016

Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers 
Pages: 432

Formats: Hardcover, eBook, & audiobook
Find it: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | iBooks 

The much anticipated sequel to the breathtaking The Wrath and the Dawn, lauded by Publishers Weekly as "a potent page-turner of intrigue and romance."

I am surrounded on all sides by a desert. A guest, in a prison of sand and sun. My family is here. And I do not know whom I can trust.

In a land on the brink of war, Shahrzad has been torn from the love of her husband Khalid, the Caliph of Khorasan. She once believed him a monster, but his secrets revealed a man tormented by guilt and a powerful curse—one that might keep them apart forever. Reunited with her family, who have taken refuge with enemies of Khalid, and Tariq, her childhood sweetheart, she should be happy. But Tariq now commands forces set on destroying Khalid's empire. Shahrzad is almost a prisoner caught between loyalties to people she loves. But she refuses to be a pawn and devises a plan.

While her father, Jahandar, continues to play with magical forces he doesn't yet understand, Shahrzad tries to uncover powers that may lie dormant within her. With the help of a tattered old carpet and a tempestuous but sage young man, Shahrzad will attempt to break the curse and reunite with her one true love.

Praise for The Rose and the Dagger:

“Above all there is the shattering, triumphant catharsis of love… In a story about stories, love is ‘the power to speak without words.’ Thrillingly full of feeling.”—Kirkus Reviews

“Fiery romance, a spirited heroine, shifting loyalties… With more than a few heartrending twists and turns.”—Booklist 

Excerpt:

Renée lives in North Carolina (Go Heels!) with her husband Victor and their dog Mushu. Her YA fantasy novel, THE WRATH AND THE DAWN, will be published on May 12th, 2015. In her spare time, she likes to cook, dance salsa, and wreak havoc on the lives of her characters.

She’s also a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, as well as an active member of theScience Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America.

Website| Twitter | Facebook| Goodreads | Tumblr  |Pinterest | Instagram

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a paperback of THE WRATH & THE DAWN, a hardcover of THE ROSE
& THE DAGGER, and a His Calipha candle from The Melting Library’s Etsy Store, US Only.

Ends on May 3rd at Midnight EST!

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Bright Blaze of Magic by Jennifer Estep #BookReview #Giveaway @The_FFBC

Bright Blaze of Magic (Black Blade #3)
by Jennifer Estep
Publisher: Kensington
Release Date: April 26th 2016
Genre: Young Adult, Urban Fantasy, Romance, Paranormal, Magic, Supernatural

Bad Things Always Come In Threes…

As a thief, I'm good at three things: hiding in the shadows, getting in and out unseen, and uncovering secrets. I put these skills to work for the Sinclair Family, one of the magical mobs that run the tourist town of Cloudburst Falls.

Everyone knows Victor Draconi wants to take over all the other Families--and kill every last Sinclair. What they don't know is that I'm on to him, and no way will I let the man who murdered my mom get away with hurting all the other people I care about. Especially when I've got places to break into, stuff to steal, and Devon Sinclair fighting right by my side…

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Bright Blaze of Magic was everything that I hoped it would be. I have really enjoyed the world that Jennifer Estep has created in Cloudburst Falls. I’ve also grown extremely attached to Lila and her thieving ways. She has grown so much as a character as the story has progressed and there are multiple characters to love.

War is coming, war is here. The book picks up two weeks after we left at the end of the Tournament of Blades. Lila, Devon and Felix are smuggling out the black blades with the help of Deah. They all know Victor is planning something but they are not sure for when.

Lila is such a great character. She has changed so much from the first book. She used to be extremely mistrusting and didn’t want to work with anyone else. Now she has friends and comrades. She has a relationship with Devon, finally, that she fully embraces. Friends like Felix and Poppy. Family in Deah and Seleste and of course a mutual respect from Claudia head of the family. She has come long way from someone who used to live in a library and pickpocket from tourist. Avoiding any and all conflicts with the family. I love how she uses her past experiences to help with her now and the way she respect the monsters as well. She has become a really well rounded girl.

Devon is still the dreamy bruiser of the Sinclair’s but his relationship with Lila is no longer the focus. Yes they are together but I love how they work as a team. They don’t usually rush into things to save the other, although it’s a struggle. They have learned to really trust that the other can get themselves out of situations. It’s just a great relationship/partnership.

We get a lot of Deah in this book which is great. She’s caught in a bad spot right now. She wants her brother and father to be her family. They just make it too hard to love and be loyal to them.

I loved the plot. There is always something happening. This is the final showdown with Victor but there are many components to it. There is a lot of different wheels turning that finally lead up to the showdown. You know it’s coming you just don’t know exactly what form until the end. I liked that everything is addressed.

I don’t want to spoil anything on the plot because it was fast paced and fun to read. If you have enjoyed the first two books in the series you are not going to be disappointed in this one. I think they just kept getting better. Is this the end? I don’t know, I felt like it left it so there could be more books if Jennifer Estep wanted to write more. That might just be wishful thinking on my part.

Jennifer Estep is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance.

Her Elemental Assassin series follows the life and times of Gin “the Spider” Blanco, a barbecue restaurant owner who also happens to be an assassin with magical control over the elements of Ice and Stone.

The Mythos Academy series focuses on Gwen Frost, a 17-year-old Gypsy girl who has the ability to know an object’s history just by touching it. She studies at Mythos Academy, a school for the descendants of ancient warriors.

Her Bigtime paranormal romance books feature sexy superheroes, evil ubervillains, and smart, sassy gals looking for love.

Estep’s new Black Blade series is about 17-year-old thief Lila Merriweather, who has a Talent for sight, along with the ability to take magic others used against her to boost her own powers. She tries not to get involved with the Families who control much of the town, but ends up in the middle of a potential turf war.

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Love, Lies and Spies by Cindy Anstey #BookReview

Title: Love, Lies and Spies
Author: Cindy Anstey
Published April 19th 2016 by Swoon Reads
Buy: Amazon | B&N | Goodreads

Juliana Telford is not your average nineteenth-century young lady. She’s much more interested in researching ladybugs than marriage, fashionable dresses, or dances. So when her father sends her to London for a season, she’s determined not to form any attachments. Instead, she plans to secretly publish their research.

Spencer Northam is not the average young gentleman of leisure he appears. He is actually a spy for the War Office, and is more focused on acing his first mission than meeting eligible ladies. Fortunately, Juliana feels the same, and they agree to pretend to fall for each other. Spencer can finally focus, until he is tasked with observing Juliana’s traveling companions . . . and Juliana herself.

Love, Lies and Spies is such an adorable historical fiction. With a Sherlock Esque plot and a couple who has Pride and Prejudice witty banter. It was such an enjoyable read.

I could gush forever about my love of Juliana and Spencer for hours. Every second they were on the page together it made my heart happy. They are such a great and adorable couple. Both are involved in the “season” yet neither has any intentions of finding someone to marry. The way they cross paths accidentally originally and then start to cross paths conveniently is just adorable.

Juliana has a tendency to get herself into trouble. She is also extremely intelligent and strong willed. I loved how she knew how to act her place but can find ways to get around formalities to get what she wants.

Spencer is his own brand of swoony. He is a spy for the war office and is very focused on his work. He also isn’t sucked into scheming mommies, trying to pair him off. I loved that besides his work he only cares about Juliana. The other ladies never hold any of his interest.

The plot of the book is so much fun. With the spy work and trying to find who is the traitor among them. I liked how the story ends up coming out in the end.

There are also many wonderful side characters. From Julianna's cousin and Uncle to Spencer’s best friend. They had so many different layers to the plot.

If you want a fun historical fiction. This is definitely on my favorites list. I can’t gush enough about this book.

Up In Flames by Kelly Hashway #BookReview #Giveaway

Title: Up in Flames
Author: Kelly Hashway
Pub Date:March 28th 2016

Seventeen-year-old Cara Tillman is in more danger than ever.

All around her, Cara’s fellow Phoenixes are being attacked. With no other choice, she and her group take the only option they have—call more Phoenixes out of hiding and wage an all-out war against the Hunters. But with the lines of loyalty blurred, and Phoenix secrets to be kept, there’s no guarantee anyone can be trusted.

Logan Schmidt walks the blade of love and obligation—and just one slip may end them all.

After stealing the Phoenix dagger and going into hiding, the Hunters are convinced Logan is one of their own. But with Cara’s memories recovered, her heart is set on Logan’s return. The problem is, she may be the only one who trusts him.

It isn’t long until Logan’s disappearance is noticed by his long-time friend, Anton Botas, who is more than just an outsider. Though Logan trusts him, the Phoenixes do not, opening yet another fault line in their plans.

Where there is one, there are many.

Determined to end this once and for all, Cara and the others must destroy the Phoenix daggers—the only weapons able to kill her kind. But in a raging battle, Cara learns the awful truth about the relics. Destroying them may destroy the Phoenixes in the process.

Can Cara and her friends end this war, or is their future destined to go Up In Flames?

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Up in Flames by Kelly Hashway is the final installment of the story following Phoenixs. Yes the birds who look like humans but are reborn five times. Each time they lose a life it brings them closer to their death. Which is enough without being chased around by Phoenix hunters.

I like Logan but he was starting to get a bit on my nerves in the first half of the book. Cara is pretty kick butt and I hated when he would be like. I won’t fight my girlfriend, I won’t train with my girlfriend. Dude chill out and get over it. Your girlfriend can probably kick your ass with or without the dagger.

Despite when Logan is acting overly protective and silly. I love the relationship Cara and him have together. They are done fighting against other people’s opinions or resistance to the idea. They understand what the consequences are that they are different. They don’t care anymore they just want to be together and they do work together as a team to protect each other. They are always saving the other.

Cara is a kick butt phoenix. I love how she has changed and really come into who she is. She is really matured and thinks about what is good for the order even though yes she still puts Logan first at times.

The plot is interesting. I thought of at as being in two parts. One is more dealing with the hunters themselves, the second is more dealing with the daggers and who the original phoenix is and the impact on all of them. I did see some of twist coming. Only because I’m very mistrusting, I don’t even trust the main characters sometimes. Ha ha. I’m kidding.

This has been a fun and unique series. I really loved the idea of taking Phoenix’s and giving them a new twist.

Kelly Hashway grew up reading R.L. Stein’s Fear Street novels and writing stories of her own, so it was no surprise to her family when she majored in English and later obtained a masters degree in English Secondary Education from East Stroudsburg University. After teaching middle school language arts for seven years, Hashway went back to school and focused specifically on writing. She is now the author of three young adult series, one middle grade series, and several picture books. She also writes contemporary romance under the pen name Ashelyn Drake. When she isn’t writing, Hashway works as a freelance editor for small presses as well as for her own list of clients. In her spare time, she enjoys running, traveling, and volunteering with the PTO. Hashway currently resides in Pennsylvania with her husband, daughter, and two pets.

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Dreamology by Lucy Keating #BookReview #Giveaway @The_FFBC

Dreamology
by Lucy Keating
Publisher: Harper Teen
Release Date: April 12th 2016
Genre: Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance, Fantasy

For as long as Alice can remember, she has dreamed of Max. Together they have traveled the world and fallen deliriously, hopelessly in love. Max is the boy of her dreams—and only her dreams. Because he doesn’t exist.

But when Alice walks into class on her first day at a new school, there he is. It turns out, though, that Real Max is nothing like Dream Max, and getting to know each other in reality isn’t as perfect as Alice always hoped.

When their dreams start to bleed dangerously into their waking hours, the pair realize that they might have to put an end to a lifetime of dreaming about each other. But when you fall in love in your dreams, can reality ever be enough?

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I have to say Dreamology really intrigued me. I love reading books that have to do with dreams because of the way I myself dream. We definitely get that trippy magical ride through wonderland.

In the beginning of the book I really liked Alice. She was fun and interesting. Kind of carefree but as the book progressed I started liking her less I think her immaturity and her need for the dreams as her security blanket kind of shone through. It’s almost like she didn’t get to hit rock bottom until she meets Max in real life. When she was dreaming she didn’t have to face reality but once he’s in reality she has no choice.

I like that it takes the term dream guy literally and answers the question can your dream guy actually measure up in real life. What a twist on that whole frame of thought. Max at first comes across as the complete opposite of his dreamscape self. He changes as we progress in the story as well but I went from not liking him as much to see that he’s really the one who has dealt with life.

I loved Sophie, Oliver and even Celeste. I thought they brought humor and depth to both Alice and Max.

There are definitely parts of the book that are trippy. Especially with the dreams. I’m not sure why I thought of cotton candy every time we go to a dream sequence but I did. I liked how Alice and Max are connected but I felt some things towards the end came a little too easily. The book has a great pace though and makes it easy to read.

I did enjoy Dreamology. I thought it was pretty interesting and the characters have kind of interesting way of developing.

Lucy lives in Los Angeles, California. She grew up in Boston, Massachusetts, attended Williams College in the Berkshires, and still misses the East Coast very much.

When she's not writing, Lucy can usually be found obsessing over the latest music, inventing new flavors of ice cream, or having what she feels are perfectly acceptable conversations with her dog, Ernie.

You can follow Lucy on Instagram @lucy.keating, and Ernie The Dog @ernsboberns

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No Love Allowed by Kate Evangelista #BookReview #Giveaway

No Love Allowed by Kate Evangelista
Published by: Swoon Reads
Publication date: April 19th 2016
Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:
It’s all fun and parties until someone falls in love in this modern fairy tale from author Kate Evangelista.

Caleb desperately needs a fake girlfriend. Either he attends a series of parties for his father’s law firm with a pretty girl on his arm, or he gets shipped off to Yale to start a future he’s not ready for and isn’t sure he wants. And sadly, the last unattached girl in his social circle has just made the grievous mistake of falling in love with him. Fortunately, Didi, recently fired waitress and aspiring painter, is open to new experiences. As the summer ticks by in a whirl of lavish parties, there’s only one rule: They must not fall in love!

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No Love Allowed is one of those books that once it was over I kind of felt sad about it. I really enjoyed the characters and the story. I read the book in a 24hr time span too so you can tell I was completely submerged.

Kate Evangelista is one of those authors that you can also count on an awesome, confident female lead. Didi is someone who has definitely struggled but she is has accepted the detour her life has taken. She is also very proud of where she comes from and has fantastic relationship with her mom. I love her artist and free spirit.

Didi is the perfect compliment to Caleb. He’s not looking to commit to anyone and is just trying to escape life circumstances. He has experienced loss and struggles in a different way than Didi. They find themselves forming a bond and a relationship of understanding. I also really loved Caleb’s cousins Tash, Nathan and Preston (not cousin but kind of like one).

There are swoony moments in No Love Allowed, even with the rules. There is not instalove in sight and everything develops at a natural pace. Caleb and Didi definitely start out as friends and things just start to change from there.

I like that the book tackles mental illness and how it deals with it. My brother actually has the same issues as Didi and I think sometimes people have a misconception about how detectable some of the illnesses can be. You might not even realize someone is being treated for one. There is also the issue of medication, some of the treatments can cause a person to feel empty which is why you find that people can sometimes stop taking it. I thought this book shows this in such a great way. It’s gentle instead of exploding it in your face, giving the reader a better understanding.

I’m breaking Caleb’s rules and saying I loved No Love Allowed. I have had good experiences with Kate Evangelista’s books and this might be one of my favorites of hers now. I’m always happy with how awesome her female leads are and she creates the swoony romance well.

When Kate Evangelista was told she had a knack for writing stories, she did the next best thing: entered medical school. After realizing she wasn’t going to be the next Doogie Howser, M.D., Kate wandered into the Literature department of her university and never looked back. Today, she is a graduate of De La Salle University – Manila with an Bachelor of Arts in Literature. She taught high school English for three years and was an essay consultant for two. Currently she writes full time and is based in the Philippines. To learn more about Kate, please visit her website at www.kateevangelista.com or follow her on Twitter @KateEvangelista

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The Natural History of Us by Rachel Harris #BookReview #Excerpt #Playlist #Giveaway @rachelharrisbks

One class assignment. One second chance at love. The school player is all in. Now he needs to win back the sweet commitment girl who's forever owned his heart.

Justin Carter has a secret. He's not the total player Fairfield Academy believes him to be. Not really. In fact, he used to be a one-woman guy...and his feelings for her never went away. Too bad he broke her heart three years ago and made sure to ruin any chance she'd ever forgive him.

Peyton Williams is a liar. She pretends to be whole, counting down the days until graduation and helping her parents at the family ranch. But the truth is, she's done everything she can to get over Justin, and salvation is just around the corner. With graduation one short month away, she'll soon break free from the painful memories and start her life fresh. Of course, she has to get through working with him on one last assignment first.

For Justin, nothing ever felt as right as being with Peyton, and now that fate's given him a shot at redemption, he's determined to make the most of it. And for Peyton...well, Justin Carter has always been her kryptonite.

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The Natural History of Us introduces us to a couple of very adorable characters. Who we get to see grow from Freshmen to Senior year. It’s amazing how the plot takes us on this young love journey. Rachel Harris makes me applaud her because this book is a home run! (that’s a little book related baseball humor)

I couldn’t stop smiling. Everything is so cute in this book it kills me. Yes yes there is drama but my heart stayed happy with the cuteness. I loved all the young Peyton/Justin interactions and all the older Peyton/Justin interactions. Even though they are the same people you can see the maturity level change. It’s so great. So great.

Oddly enough I do know someone who had Peyton’s condition. (I feel like I say this everytime I write a review about an illness) I remember when he told me his story I was surprised. I had never heard of it before and can’t even imagine how terrifying it is. That is not what gave me the bond with Peyton. It’s her need to go to school after dealing with her illness. It actually made my eyes water a little. When I was diagnosed with my chronic disease in college. I was very sick, but I knew I was going to have it forever and I refused to take a semester off. I needed to go to school to feel somewhat normal. It’s very hard to explain but I felt like Rachel captured that feeling with Peyton perfectly. It’s the you control the disease and not let the disease control attitude Peyton has that makes me embrace her. She is such a strong and wonderful character. I think I have to say she is my favorite lead from Rachel’s YA.

Justin, my boy Justin. I developed quite the soft spot for him in The Fine Art of Pretending. I’m glad it was rewarded with a swoon worthy boy in The Natural History of Us. He’s so charming and even though he has that kind of arrogant swagger he makes up for it with the way that when invest his heart. He invest his whole heart, forever. He hasn’t had the easiest go of it but we see how his relationships in high school have really shaped him into the person he comes out to be at graduation.

Okay I have to say that I also like the Cade and Peyton relationship. Not because I want Peyton with Cade, of course I don’t. It’s that feeling of needing to stay with someone because they have helped you through a hard time. That even though you moved into the friendzone you feel like you owe them something and because you care about them you stay. It’s a very difficult rut to get out of and I’m glad it was brushed upon here.

Hooray for the homeschool shoutout. I’m so glad it was in the book.

This is such a great feel good, make you smile, contemporary YA. It really just gives you warm fuzzies. Who doesn’t like warm fuzzies. So just read it. Psst there is also a pretty awesome coach in the book.

Some reviews are harder to write because you don’t just have love for the book but because the author is an amazing person. I know that every component of this book Rachel really put thought into from making sure she understood the disease she was portraying to knowing about Rodeos. She kicked stuff around Flirt Squad to make sure and that is incredibly awesome. Sometimes you are on a street team and you don’t really feel a part of something. The Flirt Squad is an amazing group people and Rachel started that by being active in it. I loved that I have read her books from the beginning and have really seen her develop as an author. (I loved all of them of course). All the books that Rachel writes always have me smiling the whole way through and I have resting bitch face so this is an accomplishment!

“Hold out your hand.” At the expression on his face, I rolled my eyes. “Just do it.” Cautiously, as if I was going to put out a cobra or something, he uncurled his fingers and lifted his palm. I dropped a small silver coin in the center. “For luck.”

Wonder warred with confusion in his gorgeous brown eyes and my heart melted. 

“On this side there’s a horseshoe,” I said, my cheeks warming with a blush. “You know, the universal symbol for luck… and a small reminder of me.”

I bit my lip, hoping he didn’t think that was too corny—or that it revealed too much.

I flipped the coin over, exposing the other side, and my fingers slid across his rough skin. My breath caught. When I lifted my eyes, I found him watching me with so much intensity, so much heat, that an actual shiver rolled through me. Just like in my favorite books.  

Huh. So that was what smoldering looked like. Good to know.

I swallowed hard and noticed him do the same, and nothing could hold back my smile. Justin glanced down and laughed. “Kick some ass!” he read, skimming his fingernail over my initials.

“I figured…” I cleared my throat. “I thought you could hide it in your sock or something,” I said, unable to tell if he liked the gift or not. He just kept staring at it. “If it’s dumb, you don’t have to—”

“No.”

He’d said it so quietly I almost wasn’t sure he’d spoken at all. But then he closed his hand around the coin and raised his head. Time ceased to exist as Justin’s eyes trailed across my face. I held my breath waiting and a sweet smile crossed his face.

“Damn.” He shook his head softly. “You’ve done it now.”

“What?” I asked, hoping whatever it was that it was a good thing. “What did I do?”  

Justin merely shook his head again and smiled. “Wait for me after the game.” Shifting his gaze to the old concession stand, he took a step back and said, “Over there, okay?”

When I nodded, excitement lodging in my throat, making it impossible to speak, he winked and then took off to join his teammates. As I watched his cute butt in those uniform pants run across the field, a giddy grin found my lips.  

I also decided to create a playlist of my own for the book.

New York Times bestselling author Rachel Harris writes humorous love stories about sassy girls-next-door and the hot guys that make them swoon. Vibrant settings, witty banter, and strong relationships are a staple in each of her books…and kissing. Lots of kissing.

An admitted Diet Mountain Dew addict and homeschool mom, she gets through each day by laughing at herself, hugging her kids, and watching way too much Food Network with her husband. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult romances, and LOVES talking with readers!

Website ** Facebook ** Twitter ** Newsletter Signup ** Goodreads

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That Natural History of Us Release Week! #Giveaway @Rachelharrisbks

Yay it's my day to celebrate the wonderful release of Rachel Harris's The Natural History of Us. I'm so excited to share this book with you guys for so many reasons. One of those being Rachel is a pretty kick-ass gal. Tomorrow my review will be posted so stop back to check it out. Mwah. 

One class assignment. One second chance at love. The school player is all in. Now he needs to win back the sweet commitment girl who's forever owned his heart.

Justin Carter has a secret. He's not the total player Fairfield Academy believes him to be. Not really. In fact, he used to be a one-woman guy...and his feelings for her never went away. Too bad he broke her heart three years ago and made sure to ruin any chance she'd ever forgive him.

Peyton Williams is a liar. She pretends to be whole, counting down the days until graduation and helping her parents at the family ranch. But the truth is, she's done everything she can to get over Justin, and salvation is just around the corner. With graduation one short month away, she'll soon break free from the painful memories and start her life fresh. Of course, she has to get through working with him on one last assignment first.

For Justin, nothing ever felt as right as being with Peyton, and now that fate's given him a shot at redemption, he's determined to make the most of it. And for Peyton...well, Justin Carter has always been her kryptonite.

Amazon **Barnes and Noble ** Kobo ** IndieBound

 Add to your Goodreads

A musical laugh sprang free, her happy smile trailing behind, and I was in heaven. “Until you,” she agreed. She squinted one eye and added, “Though you should know, I’m probably gonna be really, really bad at it.”

The expression on her face said she honestly believed it, and I couldn’t wait to prove her wrong. I leaned close to her ear and whispered across her skin, “That’s impossible.”

Peyton’s breath caught in a gasp, and I angled back to see her face.

That’s when the moment changed.

Sounds of the emptying baseball field fell away. The cool air around us kindled. The soft smile on her face faded as she looked into my eyes, shifting her gaze between them to see what I’d do next. Part of me wondered the same thing.  

I’d kissed dozens of girls before. Some I wanted, others purely because I was bored. But I’d never felt anything like this. Anticipation. Want. Fear. Unlike any other kiss I’d ever shared, this one needed to be epic. Girls remembered their first kiss for the rest of their lives, and I had to leave Peyton with something good to cling to later… when I inevitably screwed everything up.

Gauging her reaction, I slowly lowered my head and watched her soft lips part. Adrenaline surged through my veins at the swipe of her tongue. She nodded once, silently giving me permission, then closed her eyes.

Inhaling the scent of sunflowers, I kissed her.   

Soft and sweet. Those two words defined this girl. She tasted like sugar and her sigh was addictive as I brushed her mouth with mine. Again and again. I couldn’t get enough. Her hands clenched my wrists, tugging me closer. I could’ve lived in that moment forever. 

My restless hands memorized the curve of Peyton’s spine, the dip of her waist. Hers slid down my arms and around my back, fisting my shirt before slipping underneath. A jolt of electricity ran over my skin. When her nails raked down my spine, I jerked and groaned into her mouth. She was a fast learner.

I kissed the corners of her triumphant smile, licked the bow of her top lip, and nipped at the bottom one. She sighed again and sank in my arms, matching me kiss for kiss, playful tug for playful tug. And still, I needed more. I’d probably always need more.  

Tilting my head for better access, I grazed her cheeks with my fingertips. Traced the seam of her mouth with my tongue, silently asking for what I wanted. Hoping like hell she’d open up. Her answer was one shy flick. The shiver reached my toes.

No girl had gotten to me like this. Burrowed under my skin, held my interest, or had me thinking about tomorrow. Wishing I could be that guy. I lost myself in the strawberry taste of Peyton’s mouth, the sweet sounds in her throat, and I didn’t fully emerge until hours later. When I did, it was with one thought circling my brain:

How long until I mess this up?

You can order a signed and/or personalized copy of THE NATURAL HISTORY OF US now through April 8^thHERE!

New York Times bestselling author Rachel Harris writes humorous love stories about sassy girls-next-door and the hot guys that make them swoon. Vibrant settings, witty banter, and strong relationships are a staple in each of her books…and kissing. Lots of kissing.

An admitted Diet Mountain Dew addict and homeschool mom, she gets through each day by laughing at herself, hugging her kids, and watching way too much Food Network with her husband. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult romances, and LOVES talking with readers!

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The Glittering Court Release Day! #Giveaway

I am so excited that THE GLITTERING COURT by Richelle Mead releases today and that I get to share the news, along with a special giveaway!

If you haven’t yet heard about this wonderful book by Author Richelle Mead, be sure to check out all the details below. This blitz also includes a giveaway for a signed copy of the book and a $25 Sephora Gift Card courtesy of Richelle, Penguin Teen, and Rockstar Book Tours. So if you’d like a chance to win, enter in the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.

About The Book:

Title: THE GLITTERING COURT

Author: Richelle Mead

Pub. Date: April 5, 2016

Publisher: Razorbill

Format: Hardcover, eBook, & audiobook

Find it: Amazon | Barnes
& Noble | iBooks | Goodreads

The
Selection meets Reign in this dazzling trilogy of interwoven novels about three
girls on a quest for freedom and true love from #1 internationally bestselling
author Richelle Mead.

"Brilliant and original, Mead’s new series starts off with a bang and will
leave readers on the edge of their seats until the very end."

—School
Library Journal

For a select group of girls, the Glittering Court offers a shot at a life
they’ve only ever dreamed of, one of luxury, glamour, and leisure. To high-born
Adelaide, whose wealthy family is forcing her into a loveless marriage, the
Glittering Court represents something else: the chance to chart her own
destiny, and adventure in an unspoiled, prosperous new land across the sea.

After a chance meeting with the dazzling Cedric Thorn, Adelaide poses as a
servant to join the crop of impoverished girls he promises to transform into
proper ladies. But her familiarity with upper class life comes with a price:
she must hide her identity from her new friends, mysterious refugee Mira and
fiery former laundress Tamsin, and most importantly, from Cedric himself—even
though she’s falling in love with him. 

Everything begins to crumble when Cedric discovers Adelaide’s ruse, and she
catches the eye of a powerful young governor, who wants her for a wife. She
didn’t leave the gilded cage of her old life behind just to become someone
else's property. But nothing is as daunting—or as wonderful—as the potent,
forbidden attraction simmering between Adelaide and Cedric. One that, if acted
on, would make them both outcasts in a wild, dangerous, uncharted world, and
possibly lead them to their deaths.

Exclusive Excerpt:

About Richelle:

Richelle Mead has written over twenty-five novels for teens and adults. She is the author of the international #1 bestselling Vampire Academy series and its spinoff series, Bloodlines. Her recent standalone novel, Soundless, draws upon Chinese
mythology and history, and her forthcoming series, The Glittering Court, follows the adventures of girls destined for arranged marriages in a fantasy
world inspired by colonial America. A lifelong reader, Richelle has always had a particular fascination with mythology and folklore. When she can actually tear herself away from books (either reading or writing them), she enjoys bad reality TV, traveling, trying interesting cocktails, and shopping for dresses
to wear on tour. She is a self-professed coffee addict, works in her pajamas,
and has a passion for all things wacky and humorous. Originally from Michigan,
Richelle now lives in Seattle, Washington, where she is hard at work on her
next novel.

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Giveaway Details:

1 winner

will receive a hardcover of THE GLITTERING COURT & a $25 Sephora Gift Card.

US Only.

Ends on April

15th at Midnight EST!

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