Blog Tour: Broken Blood (Dirty Blood #5) by Heather Hildenbrand

Title: Broken Blood (Dirty Blood)
Author: Heather Hildenbrand
Publication Date: March 11, 2015
Source: Via the author in exchange for a review.

I thought watching my Werewolf boyfriend get arrested for murder was the worst experience of my life. But then I was knocked out and dragged off to a cell of my own by the very people who were supposed to protect me from danger.

I thought being held prisoner in solitary confinement for weeks on end was the worst experience of my life. But then a visitor came, and I realized I’d been wrong all along. There are worse things than torture and death. Much worse.

He wants my blood. More than that, he wants to get into my head. To use my bond to control his army, to wipe the world clean of anything with dirty blood. I can’t let that happen, but if I don’t he’ll kill every single person I’ve ever cared about — beginning with my Werewolf pack.

The prophecy said I would have to make an impossible choice, but I must be doing this wrong — so far every choice I’ve made has only led to more pain and danger and death. Hunters are pitted against Werewolves and I’m alone in my war against Gordon Steppe. I can’t fight him off anymore; all I can do is try to keep him out of the important places. And I’m failing at even that.

I thought the demons were out there, clearly marked and clinging to the shadows. But they’re not. The monsters are within the ranks of those sworn to protect. The enemy is among us.

AMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE / KOBO / GOODREADS

Dirty Blood has been one of my favorite YA series' ever! It is bittersweet that it has now come to an end. Broken Blood is the final book in this amazing roller coaster of a story. I am so sad to know that there will be no more. Ever. Like ever. 

Tara is the raddest, most fun character. She still kicks butt and takes names. She has been through some crap since the first book, Dirty Blood but she is still just as strong and determined as ever. Wes is as drool worthy as always. He is my most loved book boyfriend of all time. Something about him is just... yum. And of course Cambria and her sarcasm, Chord and her bitchiness, Derek, Logan, Grandma and a whole slew of other characters that make Dirty Blood what it is.

I can't even describe this book without giving anything away. Just know that Heather has wrapped up Tara's story fabulously. I loved how it ended. It was a rocky ride to get where they are now, but they never gave up! 

The Dirty Blood series is one that you will fall in love with. It is all about family, friendship, taking chances, thinking outside of the box and standing up for what and who you believe in. I can't say much more other than read it. Read them all. Once you pick up that first book, you won't stop until you've put down the last. 

Heather is an amazing author. She is an amazing person. I'm glad that I could be a part of this journey. She has so many other great books and more to come! I, for one, can't wait to see what her mind continues to pump out. 

So, yeah, pick up the Dirty Blood series. You will not be sorry. You'll be thanking me. Guarantee it. You can click the covers below to read my reviews on the previous books in the series.

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REVIEW: The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon by Stephen King

Title: The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon
Author: Stephen King
Publication Date: June 1, 1999

Source: Purchased my own copy.

Nine-year-old Trisha McFarland strays from the path while she and her recently divorced mother and brother take a hike along a branch of the Appalachian Trail. Lost for days, wandering farther and farther astray, Trisha has only her portable radio for comfort. A huge fan of Tom Gordon, a Boston Red Sox relief pitcher, she listens to baseball games and fantasizes that her hero will save her. Nature isn't her only adversary, though - something dangerous may be tracking Trisha through the dark woods. 

AMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE / KOBO / GOODREADS

This book seemed very out of the norm for Stephen King. It's just not his usual doom & gloom that I love about him. While this was a fun read & a rather quick read for a Stephen King book, I just was not that into it.

Our story revolves around 9 year old (but big for her age) Trisha. She gets lost in the Appalachian Mountains while hiking a trail with her mom & brother. I give Trisha credit. She's tough for a kid. Even now, at my age of 32, I don't know that I could survive in the woods for days on end. But she amazed me at the things she did for survival.

Trisha loves baseball & hangs onto her love for the player Tom Gordon as her main grasp on life. It's actually very touching how she looks up to him. And while Tom Gordon was an actual baseball player that I know nothing about, his fictional character seemed like a genuinely decent human being.

There is mention of something dark lurking in the woods. TGWLTG definitely does not scare though. And after the final showdown (which I absolutely will not delve into), I found myself questioning if the "monster" was even real or just the figment of a child's imagination.

I can't say that this would be high on my recommendation list but it would be on there none the less. TGWLTG was more of a story of survival told from a child's point of view than a tale of terror. Although I am still a huge Stephen King fan, this is not a favorite of mine.

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Cover Reveal: Broken Blood (Dirty Blood #5) by Heather Hildenbrand

I thought watching my Werewolf boyfriend get arrested for murder was the worst experience of my life. But then I was knocked out and dragged off to a cell of my own by the very people who were supposed to protect me from danger.

I thought being held prisoner in solitary confinement for weeks on end was the worst experience of my life. But then a visitor came, and I realized I’d been wrong all along. There are worse things than torture and death. Much worse.

He wants my blood. More than that, he wants to get into my head. To use my bond to control his army, to wipe the world clean of anything with dirty blood. I can’t let that happen, but if I don’t he’ll kill every single person I’ve ever cared about—beginning with my Werewolf pack.

The prophecy said I would have to make an impossible choice, but I must be doing this wrong—so far every choice I’ve made has only led to more pain and danger and death. Hunters are pitted against Werewolves and I’m alone in my war against Gordon Steppe. I can’t fight him off anymore; all I can do is try to keep him out of the important places. And I’m failing at even that.

I thought the demons were out there, clearly marked and clinging to the shadows. But they’re not. The monsters are within the ranks of those sworn to protect. The enemy is among us.

 

 

 

Are you as excited about this as I am? You should be. The Dirty Blood series by Heather Hildenbrand is one of my absolute favorite book series'. I CAN. NOT. WAIT. to get my little paws on this one!

 

AVAILABLE MARCH 11, 2015! 

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It's Monday! What are you reading?

It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next

 I have pretty much failed at doing this meme every Monday. I've started this year in kind of a reading slump. I'm trying really hard to break it, but Netflix is my downfall. Is anyone else stoked that they added all of those cheesy Lifetime movies? (guilty pleasure!) I've also been spending a lot of time cleaning. Like DEEP cleaning. I've let it go for way to long and it's time to bleach it all down. I'm also still working on Insurgent, so I'm not going to list that below. Was it hard for anyone else to get into this one? I keep telling myself I have to be ready for the movie, but that's not helping. Anywho, on with the books...

Ten days, twelve competitors, two million pounds cash.

What at first appears to be a wonderful opportunity for Damien Banks turns out to be the worst nightmare he can imagine.

Trapped inside a house with eleven strangers, and a booming voice known only as 'The Landlord' controlling his every move, Damien will be forced to compete not only for the money, but for his life.

Let the games begin...

AMAZON / GOODREADS

 Stephen King has always been one of my favorite authors, even tho there are many of his books that I haven't read. I've slowly been building a pretty nice collection just from going to thrift store so I figured it was time that I began reading some of them. Most of them are so massive that they're a little intimidating but I'm taking the plunge finally. I absolutely loved this movie as a kid so here's hoping the book is even better!

What are you reading this week? I'd love to know!

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Blog Tour Stop: Losing It: A Collection of Vcards Review

Title: Losing It: A Collection of Vcards

Author: 22 Best Selling Authors

Publication Date: February 10, 2015

Source: Via the authors in exchange for review.

 

22 Bestselling YA authors reveal what went on behind the curtain in your favorite YA novels! From paranormal to contemporary, this collection features over 200 pages of ALL NEW CONTENT full of deleted scenes, extended endings, and more from the young adult series’ you love. 

In this YA/NA crossover collection all of your favorite heroines are cashing in their VCards! YA just got steamy, sexy, and not afraid to go all the way!

(Due to the graphic nature of some content, this collection is recommended strictly for mature readers.)

 

 

 

Stories include excerpts and extended material--ALL NEW CONTENT featuring the following YA novels & authors:

The Grimoire Saga by SM Boyce

The Death Series by Tamara Rose Blodgett

Penny Black Trilogy by Stacey Wallace Benefiel

Dirty Blood series by Heather Hildenbrand

The Mythology Series by Helen Boswell

Stories About Melissa Series by Bethany Lopez

Keegan’s Chronicles by Julia Crane

The Tate Chronicles by K.A. Last

Fragile Creatures by Kristina Circelli

The Spellbound Trilogy by Nikki Jefford

Judgement of the Six Series by Melissa Haag

A Dark Faerie Tale Series by Alexia Purdy

The Double Threat Series by Julie Prestsater

The Elsker Saga by S.T. Bende

Ovialell Series by Tish Thawer

The Runes Series by Ednah Walters

The Cornerstone Series by Misty Provencher

The Waiting Series by Ginger Scott

Forged Series by A.O. Peart

The Arotas Series by Amy Miles

Funeral Crashing Mysteries by Milda Harris

The Wolf Trilogy by M.R. Polish

AMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE / KOBO / GOODREADS

 

 I loved everything about this collection! It's like a private peek into the love lives of some of our favorite characters from YA novels. While I haven't read all the stories yet, I can't wait to finish it! I'm only familiar with 3 of the authors in this collection, but some of the stories I've read so far have made me want to read more! I've added to my already humongous TBR pile.

These stories are short, sweet and to the point. But you also get little details that you didn't get from the novels. Dream sequences, Love spells, just a hidden moment that we didn't see in the book. They are fantastic! And most of them are not crazy detailed, so I wouldn't really call this erotica, but I would recommend being over 18 to read these.

I can't wait to dive into some new to me authors now!

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Review & Giveaway: Deviation (The Clone Chronicles #2) by Heather Hildenbrand

Title: Deviation
Author: Heather Hildenbrand
Publication Date: December 30, 2015
Source: Via Netgalley for review.

Until a month ago, eighteen-year-old Ven had never set foot outside the windowless warehouse where she was created. An Imitation of Raven Rogen, Ven spent her days confined in the lab, studying videos of her Authentic, all so she could step into Raven’s life at a moment’s notice.

Now, Ven lives in Raven’s penthouse apartment, kisses Raven’s boyfriend, and obeys every order from Raven’s dad, Titus Rogen—the very man who created her. But Ven has a secret plan. She doesn’t want Raven’s life. She wants her own.

In the action-packed sequel of Imitation, Ven wages a dangerous war against Titus. First she’ll free herself, then she’ll free every last Imitation. . . .

This is a new release of the previously self-published title. 

AMAZON / GOODREADS

I have previously reviewed Deviation before but a lot has happened since then! Heather Hildenbrand was picked up by a publishing company and rewrote it! So, of course I reread it! And I loved it even more than I loved the first version!

We pick up with Ven, Linc, Daniel, Melanie & more still trying to take down Titus Rogen. So many new things happen in Deviation that I'm not sure I can even tell you about them. I hate to give out spoilers, and I feel like the slightest detail is a spoiler! 

All the characters are the same, fantastic characters from book one, Imitation. Ven is awesome. She comes across as fearless, even tho we know she is scared out of her mind. She has such a huge heart and wants to trust and love everyone she comes in contact with. Well, with a few exceptions. Linc is still straight yum. I love everything about him! And we get to meet his mother in Deviation and she is everything a mother should be. Daniel is still Daniel, but we get to meet his Imitation, Neil. Neil is just one more example that Imitations are people too. He has a heart and feelings just like anyone else.

There are so many twists and turns in Deviation that it will keep you on the edge of your seat. Questions are answered and more questions arise. And the ending? Cliffhanger. It makes me even wonder how they can get out of the situation they have been put in. I can't wait to read the next book and find out!

The even cooler part? Imitation was chosen to be optioned for a TV Series for NBC! How freaking amazing would that be?! So basically, what I'm telling you is that you need to read these books. You won't regret it. You will love them. I promise!

5 Hearts!

Plus if you sign up to be a subscriber to Heather's Mailing List, The Love Birds, not only will she keep you up to date on new releases, fun things, and occasional exclusive giveaway goodies, BUT you are entered to win a signed swag pack just for being a subscriber! On 2-7-15 ONE random, lucky winner will win a pretty sweet prize!

                                 A signed paperback of Dirty Blood and Imitation swag pack!

                                                           To sign up, click here!

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Review: Cold Shadows (Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper #2) by J.L. Bryan

Title: Cold Shadows (Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper #2)
Author: J.L. Bryan (website)
Publication Date: November 28, 2014
Source: Via the author in exchange for review.

Footsteps in the attic. Toys that play by themselves. A dark presence in an upstairs room. 

Paranormal investigator Ellie Jordan faces a difficult new case. Her new clients are a family haunted by multiple ghosts and a poltergeist that wrecks their home at night. Their seven-year-old son’s invisible friends may not be imaginary at all, but the restless spirits of dead children. 

To clear her clients’ house of the dangerous entities, Ellie must unravel the mysterious deaths of another family who lived in the old mansion more than a hundred and sixty years ago—and she must do it before the ghosts can carry out their malevolent designs on her clients and their children.

AMAZON / KOBO / GOODREADS

Cold Shadows is the second book in the Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper Series. Cold Shadows was another great read by J.L. Bryan. This story features a whole ghost family who haunts the old house of Ellie's new client. Cold Shadows has suspense, thrills and a twist ending that I did not see coming!

I still love Ellie's character. She is a girl on a mission but never misses the chance to throw in a bit of sarcasm. And Stacey, bless her heart, she is a trip. I love watching her grow into the job of ghost trapping. Its fun to still see her quirky, came from money side show through at times. And the fact that she is all about some Jacob! I would definitely be OK with these two getting together. I wouldn't object to seeing more of Jacob in this series.

Now, this story started out not blowing my mind. It was still super interesting to read about but I just wasn't feeling it as much as the first book. This little ghost family is more self contained. Their history is just about them. While they had a tragic story to tell, it just didn't get my engine going. That is, until the end. Even I, miss self proclaimed horror buff who can predict everything, didn't see this one coming. 

And that is what makes for an excellent book.

I've heard that there is going to be lots more to come in the lives of Ellie, Stacey, Jacob and their boss (dear lord, I can't remember his name!). I already have my little paws on Book 3, The Crawling Darkness (which comes out on February 5th) and I can't wait to dive in a little deeper!

If you love anything and everything about ghost stories, pick up the Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper series. You can thank me later. :)

4 Hearts!

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It's Monday! What are you reading?

It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a fun weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey where we share what we've read and reviewed over the past week and what we plan to read next.

I apologize for not posting last Monday. But I was pretty much still reading what I posted the week before! So I didn't think it'd do much good just post about the exact same thing. Here it is a brand new year and I'm already having trouble with my reading. I want to read, I do. I just can't seem to make myself sit down and actually do it! But, I'm gonna work on that and hopefully things will get smoother. 

I also missed posting a review last week. My grandfather hasn't been doing to well and I spent most of my time helping my parents get things ready for him. He's lived with them for a few years now, but recently was put on Hospice. So we had to make room for a hospital bed and all that jazz. He seems to be doing a little better but He is also 98 years old. So we think his time is getting close. Prayers and good thoughts are always appreciated!

Until a month ago, eighteen-year-old Ven had never set foot outside the windowless warehouse where she was created. An Imitation of Raven Rogen, Ven spent her days confined in the lab, studying videos of her Authentic, all so she could step into Raven’s life at a moment’s notice. 

Now, Ven lives in Raven’s penthouse apartment, kisses Raven’s boyfriend, and obeys every order from Raven’s dad, Titus Rogen—the very man who created her. But Ven has a secret plan. She doesn't want Raven’s life. She wants her own.

In the action-packed sequel of Imitation, Ven wages a dangerous war against Titus. First she’ll free herself, then she’ll free every last Imitation. . . . 

This is a new release of the previously self-published title.

So what are you reading this week?!

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