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2.17.2013

Review: Devil's Lullaby


Title: Devil's Lullaby
Series: The Ringer's Masquerade #1
Author: Sarah J. Pepper
Genre: YA, Romance
Format: eBook, 238pg
Source: Author, Requested Review



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Synopsis


Sebastian’s haunting gaze penetrated my very being, revealing my secrets, fears, and desires. My name rolled off his tongue, tempting me to take exactly what I hungered for. His world was laced with inconvenient truths; mine was saturated with sweet, beautiful lies. Sebastian promised me nothing of a happy ending. The demonic spawn with an angelic voice could derail my only purpose for living, but still I didn’t want to look away.  My curiosity would certainly be my undoing—but then again, death was inevitable.

Life perceived by the soulless ones…

Created by the unorthodox hospital known as the Ringer, Catherine’s fated to die on her next birthday. As a soulless spawn, her only purpose for existence is to be the perfect organ donor for her terminal progenitor. Although Catherine has never met her progenitor, an unexplainable bond ties their lives together forever. 
Catherine waits patiently for death, until Sebastian gives her a taste of something more, something worth fighting for. The uncontrollable, consuming passion they share begins to grow dangerous as he reveals the Ringer’s most guarded secrets—secrets they’d kill to keep.



Review

This book is amazing! A little confusing in the beginning. I think the point of that is because we start out knowing as much as Cat does. But around chapter 6, I couldn't put the book down! You have so many feelings circling around this one character. 

Sarah has created a world that absolutely terrifies me. Where people are made in petri dishes. The whole point of their life is to save someone else. Would I be okay with killing a child that looks just like the one I'm trying to save? As a parent, I completely understand. But to have the roles reversed, I'm not so sure. If I was a spawn would I really want to die to save someone I've never met? To go through the painful growth spurts, being poked and prodded everyday, knowing from day one you only have 5 years to live.
Catherine would do anything for her progenitor, as would any spawn. Until she finds something more to live for.

I just know you will get sucked into this life Sarah has created! I cannot wait to read book 2!



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2.07.2013

Breaking Waves: Review, Interview, Giveaway

Title: Breaking Waves
Series: Heart Waves #2
Author: Danielle Sibarium
Format: eBook, 140pg
Genre: YA Romance
Source: Author, Requested
             Review

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Synopsis


From the moment they met, Jenna knew Reece would break her heart, but she never dreamed it would happen like this. Jenna is left shattered and broken. When life becomes too painful to deal with and she feels completely alone, there’s only one person to help her pick up the pieces and move on. The one person she doesn’t want to turn to. The one person she promised to stay away from. Tyler. Can Jenna put aside everything she knows about him and let Tyler help heal her broken heart?



Review

Let me just say that this author is amazing! She weaves a story so real you cant put the book down! It's so easy to believe that these characters are real. Even when the book is over you keep thinking about them. If you haven't read any of Danielle's books you should. They are incredible!

Breaking Waves begins the morning after Heart Waves ends. Jenna wakes up and Reece is gone. He's acting so strange. Tyler has everyone on edge and Reece has completely lost it. You feel just as confused as Jenna does. Reece keeps repeating himself. Then the unthinkable happens.

Jenna does what anyone in her position would do, but there were times when I wanted to yell out to her, and tell her to look deeper. "He was trying to tell you something!"

Oh man, I was on the edge of my seat through most of this book. I love these kind of books but at the same time I hate them, because how do you tell someone why you liked the book without giving away details? I cant give anything away because it will ruin the whole book! Just go pick it up now! I cannot wait for book 3. Please hurry!


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Now on to the Author Interview!



Bio:

Danielle Sibarium grew up as an only child of divorced parents in Brooklyn, New York. Her imagination was developed at an early age. Surrounded by stuffed animals and imaginary friends, she transported herself into a fantasy world full of magic and wonder. Books were the gateway between her play world and reality. On any given summer afternoon she became Snow White sweeping and cooking for the dwarfs, or Cinderella waiting for the prince.

Danielle always loved dialogue and in elementary school began writing plays and short stories. This is when she began to understand she could not only bring her fantastical world to life for herself, but she could enchant others as well. And so she wrote. She wrote and wrote and wrote.

Sadly the first piece she ever sent out for publication of any sort was a letter to the editor of The Home News Tribune. It was a piece thanking the first responders for their bravery and selflessness on Sept 11th. It was chosen as letter of the week.

In 2007 Danielle collaborated with Charlotte Doreen Small to write songs for her CD More. Danielle wrote the lyrics for Take My Hand, and Goodbye, while Charlotte contributed the melody.

In October 2011 Danielle’s debut novel For Always was released. She has since released Heart Waves and the second book in the Heart Waves series, Breaking Waves.

Danielle graduated from Farleigh Dickinson University with honors, and currently lives in New Jersey with her husband and three children.



When and why did you begin writing?

I began writing regularly and knew that I loved writing in the sixth grade. Writing was my way of going from wall flower to blossoming star. I always had an inner dialogue going on in my head. I felt like in order to get it to stop I had to get it down on paper. But then that dialogue was replaced by a new one.


What inspired you to write your first book?

I dealt with a lot of death growing up and I wanted to write about someone like that, a protagonist that must overcome obstacles of chance and her own self-doubt. A girl who doesn’t see her true potential, but uses the experiences she has gone through to find a reserve of perseverance and strength.


What books have most influenced your life most?

When I was young, like preteen young, I read a lot of John Saul, Nathaniel, Brainchild, Suffer the Children, and I learned about allowing your dark side to shine through your writing. And then as an adult, Twilight inspired me to write all the time, each and every day.


Do you have any current projects you’re working on?

YES! Besides the final book in the Heart Waves series, I’m very excited about a single title NA contemporary I’m working on. This book is a tuff stuff novel that deals with date rape and the aftermath. Carly Cavanough is left battered, her trust betrayed by everyone but the boy she’s been infatuated with since the first day of high school, Ryan Crowley. After Ryan finds Carly, he does all he can to help her move on and regain control of her life. I’m very excited about this book.


Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

The most challenging part of writing is having three wonderful and active children that occupy almost every waking moment. Finding time to write is THE most challenging part for me.


How long does it take you to write a book?

This is a really difficult question for me to answer. Each one has been very different. For Always being the longest because I redid the entire beginning and end, years after I first wrote it. Heart Waves took about a year and a half, Breaking Waves took over a year, but I worked on it simultaneously with the NA book I’m finishing now.


What do you think makes a good story?

I think relatable, imperfect characters and a healthy dose of angst are helpful, along with a gripping narration.


Where is your favorite place to write?

I love to write by the water, but I almost never get a chance to write there.


If you could jump into a book, and live in that world... Which would it be?

I’d probably have to go with Harry Potter. I’d really love to ride a broom and mix up some potions that would hopefully not blow up in my face.


Do you have any advice for other writers?

Read incessantly, write daily, and revise, revise, revise. Write what you are passionate about, not what you think the market is currently dictating. Markets change. Be open to the ever fluid times. The publishing industry has and will continue to transform. We have not seen the finished product, so don’t get hung up on the traditional ideals.



Thank you so much for stopping by to answer those questions for us!

Last but not least, The Giveaway!


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9.13.2012

Review: The Truth About Faking



Title: The Truth About Faking
Author: Leigh T. Moore
Genre: YA Romance
Format: eBook, 314 pg
Source: Author, Requested Review

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B&N | Amazon | Goodreads | Smash Words



Synopsis

Jason just wants a date with Harley.
Harley just wants a date with Trent. 

Trent's still getting over Stephanie.


When Harley and Jason decide to fake date, they uncover a school of deceptions. Trent's got a secret, but so does Jason. And the more time Harley spends secretly kissing her fake boyfriend, the further she gets from her dreams with Trent. 


Worst of all, Harley's mom is getting cozy with her hot massage therapy student, and even Harley's Reverend Dad can't fake not being bothered by it. But when the masks finally come off, can everyone handle the real truth?


Review

This is such a cute story! This is the kind of romance book I like to read! The description pretty much sums up the whole book. I can't say any more or I will give the whole thing away! The twist at the end is just the icing on the cake! You should really go pick up this book right now.

In the opening of the book, we meet Harley. She is such a great character! We were all that age once, and its fun to reminisce of the days when we were boy crazy. You think you've found your prince only to discover our little girl minds have tricked us. 

I immediately fell in love with Jason! He is so sweet. The creek parts are my favorite!

I think this book could easily become a series. I know I  would love to get to know this little town better!

Overall, I absolutely loved this book! And I think you will too! 


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Loved it!


2.07.2012

Review: Forgive My Fins



Title: Forgive My Fins
Series: Fins #1
Author: Tera Lynn Childs
Genre: Teen, Romance
Format: Hardcover, 293 pp
Ages: 12 - 17 years
Source: Library



Synopsis


Unrequited love is hard enough when you’re a normal teenage girl, but for Lily Sanderson, there’s no such thing as a simple crush.
Lily has a secret, and it’s not her huge crush on gorgeous swimming god Brody Bennett, who makes her heart beat flipper-fast. Lily’s mermaid identity is a secret that can’t get out, since she’s not just any mermaid—she’s a Thalassinian princess. When she discovered three years ago that her mother was actually a human, Lily finally realized why she didn’t feel quite at home in Thalassinia, and she’s been going to Seaview High ever since. Living on land has its problems—like her obnoxious biker-boy neighbor, Quince Fletcher—but it has that one major perk: Brody. The problem is, mermaids aren’t really the casual dating type—when they bond, it’s for life.
When Lily’s attempt to win Brody’s love leads to a tsunami-sized case of mistaken identity, she finds out, quick as a tailfin flick, that happily ever after never sails quite as smoothly as you planned.


Review
 
This was a good read. The only thing I didn't like about it was all the fish terminology. I understand shes from the sea and all but after so long it gets annoying. Like saying "carp" instead of "crap", calling people blow-fishes. It was supposed to be humor, but It annoyed me more than anything. I also hated the fact that she was over obsessed with Brody, and he didn't pay any attention to her. I felt like saying "Open your eyes. He doesn't want you."

When Quince tricks her into kissing him it made me all happy. But I hate the way she treats him. The whole time he is head over heals in love with her and she treats him like crap. But he doesn't give up. He just tries harder to impress her.

Over all this is a good read. I even picked up the second in the series. I'll be reading that next.


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2.03.2012

Review: Borrowed Heart

Title: Borrowed Heart
Series: Evie Sanders Series #1
Author: Linda Lamberson
Genre: YA, Paranormal Romance
Pages: 226 pp
Source: Author, Requested Review

Synopsis

Evie Sanders is pretty good at heeding that gnawing feeling she gets when trouble rears its head—or at least she used to be. Things change when she meets Quinn Harrison one morning after class. Evie would never do anything intentionally to hurt her long-distance boyfriend or jeopardize their relationship, but she finds it increasingly difficult to resist Quinn. Just when things can’t seem to get any more complicated, Evie is involved in a fatal car accident. Yet, her death marks a new beginning—and her new existence as an immortal. It’s not long before Evie and Quinn’s paths cross again, and she finds herself trying to walk a fine line between bending the rules she must now obey and breaking them.



Review

I absolutely loved this book. It sucked me in from the very first page. The romance was fast and all consuming. At lease it was for me. Evie felt an instant bond with Quinn, but she was already in a relationship with Ryan. She felt horrible. Long distance relationships are hard, so to figure out her feelings, she goes to see Ryan. Only she doesn't make it back.

This book was amazing, but its one of those that you can't tell this because it will give away that. It frustrates me because I cant really say a whole lot about it, but it makes the book all the better. This is one of those stories you never want to end, but you cant stand the suspense so you tear through it. Then regret it because you have to wait another year for the sequel to come out. I got stuck on the characters, I would find myself thinking about them when I wasn't reading.

I can not wait for Peace of Mind- The second book  in the Evie Sanders Series to come out!





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12.21.2011

Author Interview: Shelli Johannes-Wells



I am so excited to have Author of Untraceable, Shelli Johannes-Wells
on the blog today! Untraceable was released November 29th. 
Welcome, and Thank you for taking the time out of your day to
answer some questions for us!



Bio:

S.R. Johannes lives in Atlanta Georgia with her dog, British-accented husband, and the huge imaginations of their little prince and princess, which she hopes- someday- will change the world. After earning an MBA and working in corporate america, S.R. Johannes traded in her expensive suits, high heels, and corporate lingo for a family, flip-flops, and her love of writing. You can find her hanging out online and visit her at srjohannes.com


When and why did you begin writing?

I always loved to write. When I was younger, I used to write short stories and poems. I even won a State essay contest, which to me was the lottery. But it went on the back burner all through college and my marketing career. After I had my daughter, I took maternity leave. Since I was an executive, I got 5 months. I started writing while she was napping. 

What inspired you to write this book?

I am always concerned about wrongs to nature and my husband camps a lot. He came back one weekend from camping and talking about how remote some places are. So emotes people could do things and get away with it. That sparked an idea that grew over time.

How did you get interested in writing this particular genre?

I think my brain stopped growing at 16. I relate better to teens and love young adult books. I also wanted to write strong girl characters.

How many books have you written?

Written? About 5. This is my first published one.

Is there anything you wish was different about this book?

Besides more sales and movie deal?? J No I love this book just the way it is. I’m 
very proud of it.

Is this book based on someone you know, or events in your own life?

All my characters have pieces of me - or someone I know - in them. That’s what makes writing so personal to most authors. I did visit NC and see the bear pits. I was so horrified; I had to do something to speak out against them.

What books have influenced your life most?

My life? Kahil Gibran, Bible, and teaching of Dali Lama. For my writing? James Patterson, Sue Grafton, and James Hall.

Do you have any current projects you’re working on?

I have a tween paranormal book, On the Bright Side, that was almost bought by a publishing house back in 2009 coming Jan 31st., 2012. And Uncontrollable (the sequel to Untraceable) is scheduled for summer 2012. I am also part of an indie pub group and we have an anthology coming out for Valentine’s Day with short stories from boy characters.

Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

Voice is harder for me than plot.

How long does it take you to write a book?

6 months to a year from beginning to end.

Do you have any advice for other writers?

Follow your heart and find confidence in your writing.

If you could jump into a book, and live in that world... Which would it be?

A utopic one that was truly utopic J

What do you think makes a good story?

I cannot read a book unless it is pacy and then makes me cry.

How do you react to a bad review?

I haven’t really gotten one yet. (knock on wood) But I would try not to. If it were constructive and well thought out, it wouldn’t bother me. Not everyone connects with a book. But if it were a personal attack on me or just plain mean, I wouldn’t (and don’t) give it any credibility. That is for any bad review – not just any for me.

Where is your favorite place to write?

My office. As long as it’s quiet. I can’t write in public, I have adhd so I get too distracted.

What’s the best thing about being an author?

I love the feeling of writing. Making up stories that people connect to. Seeing people care about your characters as if they were real.


Thank you so much for stopping by the blog today! It was so much fun!
Be sure to check out Untraceable. 



Grace grew up in the woods. When her forest ranger dad disappears on patrol, she fights town authorities, tribal officials, & nature to prove he’s alive. Torn between a hot boy and cute ex, she heads into the wilderness to find her dad. Soon, Grace is caught in a web of conspiracy, deception, and murder. It will take more than a compass and motorcycle for this tough heroine to save all she loves.








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11.13.2011

The Jinx



Title: The Jinx
Author: D.F. Lamont
Genre: Young Adult
Format: eBook, 61pg
Source: Author, Requested Review
 
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Synopsis
13-year-old Stephen Grayson's run of bad luck gets so bad he worries he is endangering his family. Fearing he is cursed, he flees home to protect his family, only to find that he is in the middle of a tug-of war between a cult obsessed with order and misshapen monsters known as “Chaons” who seem bent on hunting him down. 


Review

Stephen has horrible luck. Crazy luck, like a gas can that falls over, then a file rubbing the concrete just right to make a spark. Whoosh.. Up in flames. Then his bad luck starts to rub off on the people around him. I would be ready to leave too.

At only 61 pages (nook) this story will leave you wanting more. The author has such a way with words, it leaves you on the edge of you seat the entire time. There is never a dull moment. I can't say too much more about the story with out giving away the whole thing. You should read this book, you won't be disappointed.


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11.12.2011

The Magi



Title: The Magi
Series: The Magi Series #1
Author: Kevin Turner
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
Format: eBook, 350pg
Source: Author, Requested Review

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Synopsis

On a quest to solve his family's murders, thirteen-year-old Elijah Hawk stumbles upon the world of the Magi, a simple people with a very complex secret.

Elijah is soon accepted into their community and is permitted to train with their power. However, he soon learns that stumbling upon this world may not have been an accident. How does he know this? His family's killers are now hunting him! 


Review

This is a book that will keep you wanting more. It holds your interest from beginning to end. It reminded me of a cross between Harry Potter and Avatar the Last Airbender. A great adventure for any age!

From the start I felt sorry for Elijah. The beginning of the book pretty much throws you into the death of his parents and sister, who he loves deeply.  Family is a big theme in this book which I love. He goes to live with his Uncle only to have him disappear. Elijah is taken to a school which he later finds out is more than it seems. Things change pretty fast from there. The end is left wide open. I'm ready to read the next book!

This series is going to be great! I can't wait to see where this series goes! You can read the first 5 chapters on Kevin's blog here.  You should go read it. I promise you won't be disappointed.


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10.28.2011

Review: Wishless


Title: Wishless
Author: Louise Caiola
Genre: YA
Format: eBook, 220pg
Source: Author, Requested Review

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Amazon | B&N

Synopsis

Can strangers become sisters, a long-lost father become a dad, and can love really conquer all? The challenge is extreme-the stakes have never been higher.
The fortune cookies tease her. You will lead a long and happy life. Those dumb things are never right.
Chessie Madrid wants to fall in love, she wants to fly airplanes, and most of all she wants to live longer than 6752 days. With a fatal disease camped inside of her wreaking havoc since she turned sixteen, the doctor's predictions are far more sinister. Preparing for death is a total drag.
Instead, Chessie makes a list of her deepest desires, keeping her impending demise a secret, and being pretend-well. When the list suddenly starts to come true, sending Chessie's life and everything in it reeling, it's a case of being careless what you wish for.
With a new sister she's always dreamed of, a father who's a nightmare, and a lesson in love arriving all at once, Chessie makes her last wish the one that will matter most of all-to live or die trying. 


Review


It all started with a fortune cookie. "You will live a long and happy life." But everyone knows Fortune Cookies can't tell you your future. Same goes for Chessie. She had a disease, The Big S. as she calls it. The out come isn't looking good for her. She has kept this hidden for over two years. She swore her grandmother to secrecy. So she makes a wish list. It may just be coincidence, but all her wishes start to come true.

This was a very good book. I really liked Chessie's character, until she started hooking up with Johnny. She knows what it's like to be a victim of cheating, and she does that very thing to his girl friend. Even though she can tell he doesn't really love her. She does things with him so he will notice her. I really liked Logan, I was hoping to get more of her story. I'm glad Chessie finally got to tell Mark Madrid how she really felt about him.

I think I've given away to much already, so go out and buy your copy now! You wont be disappointed!


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