No Joke.. April Fools Giveaway!

No Joke - Win Big April Fools Giveaway

Kindle Fire HD 7" Giveaway

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HD (US Only)

Or $199 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

Or $199 in Paypal Cash (International)

Sponsoring Authors

The Breeders by Katie French

"The Breeders is a YA dystopian read that's as gritty and dark as the cover and title suggest. It takes a look at how society might devolve if females were commodities: bought, sold, stolen, and traded to keep the dwindling human race going. Frightening concept. I loved it." --A.G. Henley, author of The Scourge

 Facebook * Twitter * Blog * Purchase

Dissidence by Jamie Canosa

"An amazingly snarky protagonist, two hot boys, a mass rebellion, and an ending that will blow your mind are the perfect ingredients that will make Dissidence the next big thing in YA." --Beth, YA Sisterhood

Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Purchase

The Moon Dwellers and Fire Country 

by David Estes

“Fire Country is an epic start to the Country saga and left me with my heart pounding and totally breathless. Phenomenal" --K-booksxo.blogspot.com

Blog * Facebook * Twitter * Purchase

Blue Hearts of Mars by Nicole Grotepas

Love between humans and androids is forbidden, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen...

Twitter * Facebook * Website * Purchase

The Tale of Mally Biddle by M.L. LeGette

"To say I loved this book is an understatement." --April Holgate

 Facebook * Twitter * Blog * Purchase

Terra by Gretchen Powell

"This could be your world... but it's definitely Terra's, and she navigates it with determination, and a longing for answers that makes her story engrossing and entertaining." -- abookobsession.com

Twitter * Facebook * Website * Purchase

After the Fear by Rosanne Rivers

"The book is just breathtaking from the moment you start till the moment you put it down." -- Amazon review

Twitter * Website * Facebook * Purchase

Entanglement by Dan Rix

A YA Dystopian Romance where every human is born with a soulmate, whom they meet on their 18th birthday...and the one boy who's the exception.

Twitter * Facebook * Blog * Purchase

daynight by Megan Thomason

“Sure to win over YA readers looking for a dangerous, dystopian adventure story” --Kirkus Reviews

 “Gripping; page-turner” --BlueInk Review (starred review)

Twitter * Facebook * Blog * Purchase

Fields of Elysium by A.B. Whelan

"The novel's take on otherworldly travel is a compelling one, and the romantic plot will likely appeal to Twilight fans." - Kirkus Reviews

Twitter * Facebook * Blog * Purchase

Giveaway Details
1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire HD (US Only), $199 Amazon Gift Card or $199 in Paypal Cash (International).
Ends 4/15/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the participating authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Sweetest Dark by Shana Abe

The Sweetest Dark by Shana Abe
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Release Date:  April 2, 2013

Summary:   For fans of Lauren Kate and Libba Bray, The Sweetest Dark is filled with thrilling romance, exciting adventure, and ancient magic. Shana Abé brilliantly captures the drama of post-Victorian England, while unfolding a passionate love story that defies time.
 
“With every fiber of my being, I yearned to be normal. To glide through my days at Iverson without incident. But I’d have to face the fact that my life was about to unfold in a very, very different way than I’d ever envisioned. Normal would become forever out of reach.”
 
Lora Jones has always known that she’s different. On the outside, she appears to be an ordinary sixteen-year-old girl. Yet Lora’s been keeping a heartful of secrets: She hears songs that no one else can hear, dreams vividly of smoke and flight, and lives with a mysterious voice inside her that insists she’s far more than what she seems.

England, 1915. Raised in an orphanage in a rough corner of London, Lora quickly learns to hide her unique abilities and avoid attention. Then, much to her surprise, she is selected as the new charity student at Iverson, an elite boarding school on England’s southern coast. Iverson’s eerie, gothic castle is like nothing Lora has ever seen. And the two boys she meets there will open her eyes and forever change her destiny.

Jesse is the school’s groundskeeper—a beautiful boy who recognizes Lora for who and what she truly is. Armand is a darkly handsome and arrogant aristocrat who harbors a few closely guarded secrets of his own. Both hold the answers to her past. One is the key to her future. And both will aim to win her heart. As danger descends upon Iverson, Lora must harness the powers she’s only just begun to understand, or else lose everything she dearly loves.

Filled with lush atmosphere, thrilling romance, and ancient magic, The Sweetest Dark brilliantly captures a rich historical era while unfolding an enchanting love story that defies time.

First of all, the cover is just beautiful! It caught my attention right off and I wanted to see what this book was about. When I read the summary, I knew I just had to read it. This is a whole new kind of Paranormal, so different than the typical vamp, werewolf, fairy, or angel stories out there. Not giving away too much, the creature featured is something I have had some interest in, but the way it is portrayed brings a whole new light to something so fiercely feared.

The world Abe creates is alluring. I adored the time-period which it all took place. I haven't read anything post Victorian times, during World War One. Not only is this era brought to life, but also the landscapes of England, with the rocky shores, greenery, castles, and vibrant colors. There was so much detail at times, that I could almost smell the damp musty walls of the castle, feel the ocean mist on my face, and hear the beautiful music that called to Lora.

“Those nights, in the sweetest dark, we shared our dreams.”

I was not disappointed by the romance which was clean yet captured the passion. It was such a new twist on a love triangle, that I don't really know for sure,if it was one.

Lora Jones. A girl with a past lost and couldn't remember, was put into an orphanage, where she had to survive until she was given a chance at a private school for girls. Knowing she wasn't like everyone else is quite a burden, but yet all this makes her a girl with strength and courage.

Armand, was definitely my favorite character. A boy born into wealth, a snotty attitude and a troublemaker of sorts. His frank and boldness is what captures my heart. I was team Mandy from the beginning. But of course, Jesse... the mute, heartthrob groundskeeper at the school definitely gives Armand competition. Jesse is the kind considerate, loyal and loving man who would sacrifice it all for Lora.

Abe's writing was magnificent. I was truly caught by her words and entranced in this world of beauty and history. I bawled at the end, but I am looking forward to reading book two.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group for allowing me to read and review this Advanced Readers Copy.





View all my reviews

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Release Date: March 19, 2013

Summary (Goodreads):  Danger and betrayal, secrets and enchantment in the breathtaking conclusion to the Infernal Devices trilogy

Tessa Gray should be happy - aren't all brides happy?
Yet as she prepares for her wedding, a net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute.
A new demon appears, one linked by blood and secrecy to Mortmain, the man who plans to use his army of pitiless automatons, the Infernal Devices, to destroy the Shadowhunters. Mortmain needs only one last item to complete his plan. He needs Tessa. And Jem and Will, the boys who lay equal claim to Tessa's heart, will do anything to save her.

WOW! Just WOW! I really don't know what to say about this except that it just floored me! I was so engrossed in this book that is was really difficult to put it down! There were so many shocking twists that left my mouth literally hanging open, with my hand over my mouth!

Let me say... THIS is the best book of the whole ShadowHunter world! I liked this series better than the Mortal Instruments, but this book took the cake of them all! Cassandra Clare is pure genius, I don't know how she was able to go from American modern English writing to Victorian English writing from one series to the next. Plus bringing in Characters, terms, and weapons back into the past was brilliant.

Once again, the characters both first and secondary continued to grab my heart. Even the cat, Church, was endearing in his own way. The details Clare brought to the pages were undeniably captivating.

Tessa, Tessa, Tessa.. I was a little disappointed by her easiness to "move on" in her love life. I was team Will in the first book, the Clockwork Angel, but by the second, The Clockwork Prince, I was a complete team Jem! Still am! I can't go into much more without giving away too much.

I know Cassandra Clare is working on another series in the Shadowhunter World and I imagine it will be just as great as these have been. I am also looking forward to the movie City of Bones!!

Here is the movie trailer if you haven't seen it already!  

Enjoy! 

Wicked Kiss by Michelle Rowen

Wicked Kiss by Michelle Rowen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Release Date: February 26, 2013
Summary:  MY KISS CAN KILL.

I used to be ordinary Samantha Day, but that's changed. Now, after one dark kiss from a dangerous boy, I can steal someone's soul...or their life. If I give in to the constant hunger inside me, I hurt anyone I kiss. If I don't...I hurt myself.

Bishop is the one whose kiss I crave most, but if I kiss him, I'll kill him. Then there's another boy, one I can't hurt. One whose kiss seems to miraculously quell my hunger. They're both part of a team of angels and demons that's joined forces in my city to fight a mysterious rising darkness, an evil that threatens everyone I know and love. I just wonder if I'll be able to help Bishop-or if I'm just another part of the darkness he's sworn to destroy....

NIGHTWATCHERS

When angels and demons must work together, something beyond evil is rising..

It is rare that I find a second book better than the first, but this sequel did just that. A lot of the things I felt were missing in Dark Kiss seemed to be recovered in Wicked Kiss.

For one, I felt that the character development was lacking in Dark Kiss. This book seemed to reach back into the story, bring out the characters and put them under the spotlight. Rowen kept Samantha true to herself...Stubborn! I loved learning about Kraven and Bishops past, digging into Steven's head, and how they all were brought together in the end.

There were so many different directions this book seemed to take, and sometimes confused me. There were many twists and turns that threw me off, but a few were very predictable. Some points seemed to be repetitive... I got it, Sam was a REALIST. But the one problem I had the most was the ending. Everyone trying to be the hero, the martyr, the selfless one. I think I literally rolled my eyes at this. But all in all, I can say I was left feeling good. A great ending.

This series had a great plot, clean and entertaining.

Thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin for giving me the chance to read and review the ARC.


Follow my blog with Bloglovin

The Bane by Keary Taylor

The Bane by Keary Taylor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Release Date: March 5, 2013

Summary from Goodreads:  Before the Evolution there was TorBane: technology that infused human DNA with cybernetic matter. It had the ability to grow new organs and limbs, to heal the world. Until it evolved out of control and spread like the common cold. The machine took over, the soul vanished, and the Bane were born. The Bane won't stop until every last person has been infected. With less than two percent of the human population left, mankind is on the brink of extinction.

Eve knows the stories of the Evolution, the time before she wandered into the colony of Eden, unable to recall anything but her name. But she doesn't need memories to know this world is her reality. This is a world that is quickly losing its humanity, one Bane at a time.

Fighting to keep one of the last remaining human colonies alive, Eve finds herself torn between her dedication to the colony, and the discovery of love. There is Avian and West – one a soldier, one a keeper of secrets. And in the end, Eve will make a choice that will change the future of mankind.

The Bane is The Terminator meets The Walking Dead with a heart-twisting romance.

From the first paragraph this book grabbed my attention and kept me drawn into its world. There was a lot of detail in building up this world filled with action and suspense. Unfortunately, I had a hard time believing in the love story at first, but it seemed to right itself later on.

Eve's personality seemed so frigid at first, I had a hard time getting to know her or believe that a love story could even evolve. How could others love her when she was just so... blah. Of course things fell into place at the right time, discovering the reasons behind all of it, and I began to fall for Eve's character. Well played!

The actions scenes were exciting and entertaining. Even though I am a woman who loves a good romance scene, I am one who gets just as worked up over some good action, fighting, and butt-kicking! This book had it all.

The biggest flaw I could find was character-building. Eve's character was done ok, but I felt that the other main characters..West and Avian needed a little more help with defining who they were. Especially in a love triangle situation, having all the fine details of each one is important.

Overall, I was completely entertained and was happy with a clean and fun read. I look forward to reading the next book in the Eden Series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Keary Taylor for allowing me to read it.

View all my reviews

Book Trailer... Clockwork Princess

YAY!!!

FINALLY! It's coming soon!  Out of all the Cassandra Clare's Books, this series has been my favorite.  I'm so excited!

The Summer Prince by Alaya Dawn Johnson

The Summer Prince by Alaya Dawn Johnson
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I received this book from NetGalley. The summary seemed so captivating describing Brazil in the future, which intrigued me.
I dove into this book expecting lots of vibrant colors, a world full of ancient history as well as futuristic technology. This part did not disappoint. Even though I was confused by a few words which I later figured out as I went on, the world Johnson created was beautiful. A place run by women. Then I hit a wall. The romance just took a weird turn, with insta-love and a different kind of love triangle that I just didn't care for.
To be honest, I didn't finish this book, so not sure this review is as complete as it could have been, but I just couldn't keep reading it.

View all my reviews