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!

Read More

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!

Read More

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!

Read More

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?!

Read More

Review: Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper by J.L. Bryan

Title: Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper
Author: J.L. Bryan
Publication Date: August 27, 2014
Source: Via the author in exchange for review.

Ellie Jordan’s job is to catch and remove unwanted ghosts. Part detective, part paranormal exterminator, Ellie operates out of Savannah, Georgia, one of the oldest and most haunted cities in North America.

When a family contacts her to deal with a disturbing presence in the old mansion they’ve recently purchased, Ellie first believes it to be a typical, by-the-book specter, a residual haunting by a restless spirit. Instead, she finds herself confronting an evil older and more powerful than she’d ever expected, rooted in the house’s long and sordid history of luxury, sin, and murder. The dangerous entity seems particularly interested in her clients’ ten-year-old daughter.

Soon her own life is in danger, and Ellie must find a way to exorcise the darkness of the house before it can kill her, her clients, or their frightened young child.

AMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE / KOBO / GOODREADS

I thought Ellie Jordan, Ghost Trapper was fantastic! J.L. Bryan weaved a fascinating story of ghosts, the occult and survival. I'm a huge fan of horror, but never so much of ghosts. That didn't matter with Ellie Jordan, I was sucked in from the beginning.

Ellie Jordan is a ghost hunter. She works for a small paranormal investigating firm. She's taken on a new partner named Stacey to help out. Ellie likes to work alone. She's open to bringing Stacey along but doesn't hold out much hope for her working out. Watching the friendship bloom between these two through out the book is fun. It reminds me a lot of myself. I don't take very well to new people and tend to push them away at first. 

Ellie is a beast. She gets scared but never shows any fear. There is no way I could make myself do half the things she did. She has one mission and that is to get rid of the ghost, no matter what. Stacey comes from money but wants to branch out on her own. She gets started working with ghosts accidentally but ends up loving it. She is spunky and funny and I really enjoyed her character. 

I actually don't want to reveal to much of this story because it's more fun for you to uncover it own your own! Ellie Jordan has many twists and turns and discoveries that you are constantly questioning what the big picture is. And the ending? Awesome. I almost think it was the best part of the whole book. 

Some of the plot line is kind of predictable. I've spent most of my life watching horror movies, so it wasn't hard for me to guess the outcome of certain happenings. But that didn't take any of the enjoyment away. I literally ate this book up in one sitting. I just couldn't put it down!

You will not be disappointed with picking up Ellie Jordan: Ghost Trapper. J.L. Bryan's writing is fantastic and this story is one that you don't want to miss out on!

5 Hearts!

Read More

REVIEW: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Title: Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children
Author: Ransom Riggs
Publication Date: June 7, 2011
Source: Purchased my own copy.

A mysterious island. An abandoned orphanage. A strange collection of very curious photographs.

It all waits to be discovered in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, an unforgettable novel that mixes fiction and photography in a thrilling reading experience. As our story opens, a horrific family tragedy sets sixteen-year-old Jacob journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales, where he discovers the crumbling ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children. As Jacob explores its abandoned bedrooms and hallways, it becomes clear that the children were more than just peculiar. They may have been dangerous. They may have been quarantined on a deserted island for good reason. And somehow—impossible though it seems—they may still be alive.

A spine-tingling fantasy illustrated with haunting vintage photography, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children will delight adults, teens, and anyone who relishes an adventure in the shadows.

AMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE / KOBO / GOODREADS

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is a magical story about love, friendship and family unlike any you have read before. I fell so completely in love with this book, that I wanted to cry when I turned that last page.

The concept of this story is brilliant. It's rare to find a non-children's book that has pictures through out. I loved it! Mr. Riggs allows you to still use your imagination while giving you an extra boost in experiencing the characters.

The story follows our main character, Jacob, as he deals with his grandfathers death. Jacob grew up hearing all the tales of curious children his grandfather grew up with. After the accident, Jacob begins to question if his grandfathers "tales" were really true. So he sets off on an adventure in search of Miss Peregrine and some answers. He never expects what awaits him on that mysterious island.

I will admit that going into this, I never even imagined that the story would contain the things it does. Magic, time travel, monsters. I guess I really thought it was about peculiar children. I was blown away by the way Mr. Riggs wrote this story. The writing itself is fantastic. There are so many twists and turns and shocking moments that I lost count. (Not that I was really counting..)

Mr. Riggs also paints a picture in your mind that you'll never forget. There are so many characters that I can't even begin to talk about them all. But each one is special and peculiar in their own way. You can't help but fall for each and every one.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is not just a book, it's a journey. One that you are not prepared for. But a journey that will leave a mark on your soul. (CHEESE! Are you understanding me when I say I love this book??)

Read it. Now. Quick, fast but not in a hurry. And prepare yourself for Book 2, Hollow City. I for one can't wait to get my hands on that!

5 Hearts!

Read More

COVER REVEAL: Losing It: A Collection of Vcards

Losing It: A Collection of VCards coming Feb 11, 2015!

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

1-click yours now! Pre-order available for Kindle here.

The Good Girls Have Gone Wild!!

Don’t want to wait? Want a sneak peek NOW behind the curtain with these authors? Request access to the Champagne Room on FB, a private, VIP group where you’ll get excerpts, giveaways, and the dirty details about the VCards we’ve cashed in…in our stories, of course!

Request exclusive access here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/332424686965271/

*Must be 18 to enter

Read More

REVIEW: Enamoured by Shannon Curtis

Title: Enamoured
Author: Shannon Curtis
Publication Date: May 1, 2013
Source: Via Netgalley.

Once Upon a Crime…

Melanie wants to get incriminating information on her evil stepfather and she’ll get it —even if it means giving in to an odious toad’s demands. Cole is undercover, and when the opportunity arises for him to get closer to the criminal he’s investigating, using the man’s beautiful stepdaughter, he grabs it.

Esmerelda is a Fairy Godmother Enforcer charged with getting the Frog Prince fairy tale back on track. But fate has saddled her with a partner, and Rumpelstiltskin — with his sexy bad boy swagger — has a hidden agenda of his own.

In the Fairy Isle, nothing is as it seems… 

AMAZON / BARNES & NOBLE / KOBO / GOODREADS

A fairy tale retelling in the modern world? I'm a sucker for fairy tales. I mean Once Upon a Time is one of my favorite TV shows. But I have to say that Enamoured just didn't cut it for me.

Our story is centered around Melanie and Cole. Melanie's stepfather is evil, controlling, abusive and shady. She's determined to find something on him so she can get rid of him once and for all. Cole is an undercover cop. HIs target? Melanie's stepfather. As their paths cross, Melanie and Cole begin working together. But it doesn't take long for romance to strike.

Esmerelda is a fairy godmother. Her current job is to watch over Melanie and make sure her "tale" plays out as its supposed to. The problem? Cole is not part of the tale. She also has been given a partner for this particular case. Rumpelstiltskin. He's on a sort of probation and this job will tell his fate.

Now all of this seems like the setup for a pretty good story. But I was just left feeling kind of confused. It seems Ms. Curtis has tried to jumble as many fairy tales into one story as she possibly could. Add in the fact that Enamoured is a novella and it's just all to much. We've got a reversed Cinderella situation, a frog prince hint with Melanie's real love partner and Cole, who just doesn't belong.


Enamoured was a quick read to fit in between books, but I felt like it just fell short. Melanie and Cole's chemistry was fun and sexy. Esmerelda and Rumple's situation was comical. Give the chance to expand into a longer book, Enamoured might be improved upon. But as it stands, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Unless you just have to see for yourself. But you know what they say, "Curiosity killed the cat.."

2 Hearts!

Read More