Cover Reveal & Review (and a GIVEAWAY): "The Proposal" (Breaking Boundaries #4) by Crystal Blue ..GIVEAWAY CLOSED.

 

 

 

Synopsis:                                                                              

 

Gloria’s year has been interesting, to say the least. From using her unusual oral skill to land her first job to being hired away from that job by a couple of sexy brothers who help her break yet another boundary, she has experienced just about every sexual pleasure she knows of. However, her world is about to come crashing down, and now she will have to decide what she really wants out of life. Is crazy wild sex all there is for her? Or, can she find true love?

Intended for readers 18+. Explicit sex scenes and sexual language

 

 

My Review:                                                                     

 

  

* I recieved a copy of this short story from the author for free in exchange for an honest review.*

Oh my, poor Gloria. I saw this train wreck coming. I felt surprised how fast the offer with the Downs brothers went bad. I knew they were slimy and that Jon Downs…ohhh, I wanted to punch him in the throat. What a spoiled, self righteous jerk he turned out to be. I’m glad that Gloria took the time to look within herself and try to figure out what was going on with her emotions. I finally grew to like Nathan, even though in the beginning I wasn’t that fond of him. The ending was nice, especially after all the drama that took them up to that point. The author didn’t disappoint. I like that the underlying “love story” was prevalent through the whole series, though it was easy to forget when you are reading all those super steamy scenes. I’m glad Gloria got her happily ever after AND a job she could be proud of. The story flowed smoothly, the characters stayed true to form and the overall conclusion had me smiling.

This Book Will Be Available On Amazon … Check Crystals Page for Links. HERE

Disclaimer: This review was done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews, please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.Ng    

 

 

Giveaway Details: 

 

Okay now as a little treat for checking out Crystal's new book and to celebrate RELEASE DAY for it, she has graciously decided she will give ONE lucky reader of my blog a COMPLETE SET of her Breaking Boundaries Series!

 

To enter the giveaway you have to be a follower of MY BLOG, Leave a comment on THIS blog post telling Crystal "congrats" on her release of "The Proposal." Also, It'd be great if you could go to her Facebook ( www.facebook.com/CrystalBlueAuthor)  page and "Like" it...tell her "A Girl Amongst Books" sent you!

 

I will draw 1 winner from Random.Org at 10 pm EST. Please make sure to leave contact information so I can let you know if you won & Crystal can send your prize!                                                              

 

AMAZON PURCHASE LINK FOR "The Proposal":

 

http://www.amazon.com/The-Proposal-Breaking-Boundaries-ebook/dp/B00EV4ZZGA

 

Goodreads Link For "The Proposal":

 

 http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18397362-the-proposal

 

 

 

 

Crystal's Amazon Page:

 

http://www.amazon.com/Crystal-Blue/e/B00ED0ATLI/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1377782421sr=1-1&

 

Follow Her on Goodreads:

 

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7214699.Crystal_Blue

 

Twitter:

 

@CrysBlueAuthor

 

Book Review: "Muse" by Erin McFadden

Synopsis:

The Brotherhood of the Guardians has existed for thousands of years to serve a single purpose: the protection of Talents, the mortal descendants of the original nine Muses.
Twenty-one year-old Daniel Lyoncourt has trained his entire life to join the Guardians. Daniel is prepared to risk his life in order to keep his Talent safe, but when he's assigned to nineteen year-old Anna Saint-James, he discovers that his life isn't the only thing he could lose. Anna has no idea how special she is and knows nothing about her abilities. He must teach her to control her gifts, keep her safe, and hope that he can find a place in her life as something more than just her bodyguard.
All power comes at a price. Like all Talents, Anna must one day make a choice: lose all of her powers, or ascend to a higher plane, leaving behind everyone she loves.

My Review:

*I was given a copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.* I wasn't ready for how fast this book sucked me into it's gravitational pull. From page one I was hooked. The author seamlessly draws you into a world where being a Muse can be dangerous. I really enjoyed the storyline and plot of this YA novel, it was different than most of the young adult books out there. I've read lots of YA novels and this is one of the best I have read in a long time. The characters...more *I was given a copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.* I wasn't ready for how fast this book sucked me into it's gravitational pull. From page one I was hooked. The author seamlessly draws you into a world where being a Muse can be dangerous. I really enjoyed the storyline and plot of this novel, it was different than most of the young adult books out there. I've read lots of books in this genre and this is one of the best I have read in a long time. The characters are well written, the word building is good and the writing flows nicely. Anna and Daniel's relationship isn't based on teenage hormones like so many you read now a days. It was refreshing to read a book that was actually acceptable for a young adult to read. There was a little bit of something for everyone in this book; Action, humor (I laughed a few times while reading because of the banter), romance and suspense. The ending wasn't an epic cliffhanger but definitely left me wanting to read the next book to see what is in store for Anna, Daniel, the other "Talents" and the Guardians. Kudos to Ms. McFadden for writing a YA novel that even a not so "young" adult enjoyed reading. Disclaimer: This review was done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.Ng Author's Goodreads Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7182231.Erin_McFadden

Series Review: "Breaking Boundaries" Series by Crystal Blue

 

 

 

Synopsis:

Newly graduated from college, Gloria had been well-trained in the oral arts by her ex-boyfriend. Jilted, unemployed and getting desperate, she knew she couldn't blow this interview. But when she met the boss, she couldn't help herself.

This story is the first in the Breaking Boundaries series. Follow Gloria as she uses her oral skills to break the first boundary and secure the job. Light-hearted and fun, this erotic story begs the question, what to do if your best skill is not in the job description?

Intended for readers 18+. Explicit sex scenes and sexual language.


My Review:

*I recieved a copy of this short story for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.* This short story (which is the first in a series of 4 and the authors debut) is definitely HOT and not for people who don't like to read about s-e-x. That being said, I loved that Gloria was an "average" girl maybe even a "big girl." You hardly ever read erotica novels that have the main female character described as voluptuous or full-figured. I liked that Gloria felt empowered by what she loves to...more*I recieved a copy of this short story for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.* This short story (which is the first in a series of 4 and the authors debut) is definitely HOT and not for people who don't like to read about s-e-x. That being said, I loved that Gloria was an "average" girl maybe even a "big girl." You hardly ever read erotica novels that have the main female character described as voluptuous or full-figured. I liked that Gloria felt empowered by what she loves to do. I was a bit surprised at what happens during the interview and a little put off by Nathan because of the way he goes about trying to find the perfect "personal assistant." I'm not sure how I feel about him. Is he using Gloria? Is she using him? Only time will tell! The characters are strong, the sex scenes are steamy...sometimes scorching hot and the plot is interesting. The storyline is easy to follow. Wish it was a little longer. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in this series. Disclaimer: This review is done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. To learn more about our reviews, visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.Ng   Synopsis: Gloria has been in her new position at the bed & breakfast and in the boss’s bed for about a month. Now the eighteen-year-old live-in parlor maid wants to get in on the action. After witnessing some afternoon delight involving the boss’s best attribute and Gloria’s signature oral skills, Mandy insists upon an introduction for herself. Gloria is breaking boundaries right and left, with girl-on-girl hijinks and a steamy three-way virgin seduction—or did the virgin seduce them? Intended for readers 18+. Explicit sex scenes and sexual language. My Review: *I recieved a copy of this short story for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.* In this second installment of the series, the story gets even steamier with Gloria and Nathan. There is no denying the chemistry between them. Can she handle this type of "arrangement" and still be professional? I liked that Gloria seemed to grow a little more in this part, taking her job seriously. She is becoming a bit more confident, she is taking well to her real job and still enjoying the "adde...more*I recieved a copy of this short story for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.* In this second installment of the series, the story gets even steamier with Gloria and Nathan. There is no denying the chemistry between them. Can she handle this type of "arrangement" and still be professional? I liked that Gloria seemed to grow a little more in this part, taking her job seriously. She is becoming a bit more confident, she is taking well to her real job and still enjoying the "added" benefits. Nathan is still on my "radar"....I can't quite figure him out. The twist with Mandy was surprising. The characters are still strong, the storyline easy to follow and the ending left me rushing to read the third book to see where the story goes from here. Disclaimer: This review is done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information about our reviews, please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.Ng                       Synopsis:                                                                                             Gloria’s job at Little House B&B is getting a little too routine when her boss gives her full responsibility for hosting an annual retreat for the prestigious Downs Group architectural firm. Although Gloria and her boss, Nathan Little, are experiencing some strain in their relationship, the consolation prize is the tall, dark and handsome Downs brothers...not quite twins but alike in every way that counts, including their sexual preferences. Gloria succumbs to temptation, discovering in the process that she likes MFM a lot better than FFM. But, how will Nathan feel when he witnesses their threesome on his property? Third in the Breaking Boundaries series. 16,000+ words. Intended for mature audiences 18+. All characters depicted are 18 or older. My Review: *I recieved a copy of this short story for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.* WOW. The third short story in this series is crazy, crazy HOT. Gloria definitely has her hands full (as well as other body parts). I really started to feel bad for Nathan in this book. He truly does care for Gloria, but now it's too late. The Downs brothers are super sexy and talented. I'm beginning to wonder if Gloria doesn't understand what she wants. I'm all about doing what makes you feel good, but I think she takes that frame of mind a little bit too far. Sometimes, too much of a good thing, is NOT such a good thing. The Downs brothers seem to be a little slimy to me. Yes they are super hot but how often do they pull this little stunt? The plot has another huge twist and the story gets even more interesting. The authors descriptions of the scenes leave NOTHING to the imagination, so to speak. The story flows nicely and is easy to read/follow. Disclaimer: This review is done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information on our reviews, please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.Ng The author of this series is releasing the 4th installment in the series on August 29th, called "The Proposal." To help with her release, I will be posting MY REVIEW and a COVER REVEAL for the 4th short story. She is donating a COMPLETE SET (ebook in any format) of her series for a giveaway! So one LUCKY reader of my blog will win the complete series! Stay tuned to see what you need to do to win! Check her out on Goodreads! Author's Goodread page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7214699.Crystal_Blue

Book Review: "Fall of Venus" by Daelynn Quinn

Synopsis:

In the aftermath of a virus that has obliterated ninety-three percent of the population, Pollen McRae, a young woman plagued with a tragic past, finds herself scarred and abandoned in the wilderness, unable to remember the previous weeks. There she meets Marcus, a mysterious man with a similar plight. Together they are determined to escape a trio of bounty hunters and rescue Pollen’s niece, Evie from her imprisonment at the Crimson Survivor Refuge, a refugee camp which serves as a cover for a much more sinister plot.

Meanwhile, a renegade environmental organization is recruiting survivors for a mission that will change the course of human existence forever.


My Review:

*I received a copy of this book for free from the author (from YAholics Anonymous on Goodreads) in exchange for an honest review.*

Let me first say, I have never read a Dystopian novel before..so I didn't really know what to expect. I LOVED this! The author just sucks you in to her story. Her writing style flowed so smoothly. The characters are well developed, the plot had many twists and turns, word building was awesome and it kept me on my toes. I really liked Pollen, the main character. She starts out weak and kind of discouraged but by the end of the book, she is strong and determined. I hated Glenn from the very beginning, at first I couldn't really put my finger on it but as the story and plot thickened, my disdain for him just grew. Towards the end he did gain a few sympathy points from me, but not enough to get me to like him. Marcus and Evie also have a soft spot in my heart. I'm eager to learn more about Evie and what makes her so "peculiar." The ending left me frustrated...not because it was poorly written but just for the simple fact that now I have more questions than answers. I can NOT wait until book 2 comes out! I MUST find out what happens next! A must read for anyone who likes dystopian, fantasy type books.

Book 2 is due to be released soon I believe.

Useful Links:

Book Trailer:  http://youtu.be/ACnVXkWphbg


Author Website:  http://www.daelynnquinn.com


Facebook pages:  http://www.facebook.com/daelynnquinn1
http://www.facebook.com/fallofvenus

 
Amazon Product Page:    http://www.amazon.com/Fall-of-Venus-ebook/dp/B00E018NTK/

Book Review: "Sexy Berkeley" by Dani Lovell

Synopsis:

'A long-distance relationship with a hot American businessman is the last thing on Beatrice Hart's mind when the day from hell ends with her drink-booking a last minute escape to glamorous Southern California.
With Bea's firm belief that long distance never works, will she ever consider that that an exhilarating introduction at 35,000 feet could lead to anything more than a steamy holiday romance?
Daniel Berkeley is the irresistible, delectable, smoking hot bachelor, determined to make it happen.

Adult-content rating: This book contains content considered unsuitable for young readers 17 and under, and which may be offensive to some readers of all ages.


My Review:

* I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.*


This debut novel by author Dani Lovell, was fantastic! It had me laughing, crying and cheering on Daniel and Bea. It was sexy, without being overly raunchy, funny, romantic and a little sad at times. The author pulls you into Bea, Clare & Tilly's friendship making you feel like you have been friends with them forever. I felt like I had known those girls for years. I felt like I was reading about my own girlfriends and I. Daniel, oh Daniel...what can I say? He was sexy as hell, without being cocky about it and very sweet/likeable from the beginning. I was prepared for him to be like most men in romance novels you read nowadays but he was a breath of fresh air. Kind, gentle/sweet (when needed), funny and down right naughty when the moment was right. The banter between Bea and Daniel was amusing. It's what really pulled me into the story. I enjoyed how they genuinely enjoyed being around each other, even when there was no naughtiness involved. Usually, when I read a book and the main characters are head over heels for each other right away, it puts me off. In Bea and Daniel's case it just works.The chemistry between them is so tangible and believable.There were a few times that Daniel's dialect slipped to being more British, when he was born and raised in America; But that did not take away from the story. The storyline is easy to follow and the author's writing reminds me of books I've read by Sophie Kinsella and Miriam Keyes. I also enjoyed the ending bit with Tilly's thoughts Luke and her. It was a bit of a cliffhanger (their "story" is kind of a side plot to the main story) but I'm excited to learn more about what is going to happen in the next novel. It was so much more than just an "erotic novel." It would be a fantastic beach read and I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for light, fast paced, fun read

Disclaimer: This review was done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews, please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.Ng


Add to Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17977484-sexy-berkeley?ac=1


Buy Links:

Barnes & Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sexy-berkeley-dani-lovell/1115457836?ean=2940044552524

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Sexy-Berkeley-Series-ebook/dp/B00D3OASKM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1377092269&sr=8-1&keywords=sexy+berkeley

Smashwords.com: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/319227

Short Story Review: "Second Chance Rose" by John McCaffrey

Synopsis:

Sally is 35 years old and has decided life's not worth living. She sits on top of a cold Chicago apartment buildings roof trying to gain the courage to throw herself off. A ghost from her past appears, and shows her not everything is as it seems. As the cold wind sighs, the apparition talks to her of the past, and of a supernatural alternative.


My Review:

* I was given a free copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review.*


This short story reminded me of episodes of "The Twilight Zone." It had an unexpected twist at the end that I didn't see coming, which I love when reading short stories/novellas. Right from the beginning the author grabs your attention. His descriptions of the scenes make you feel like you are there, on that rooftop with Sally. The storyline was easy to follow, word building was good and it flowed nicely. It only took me about 15 minutes to read and I would recommend it to someone who is looking for a psychological thriller type read.

Nerd Girl Disclaimer: Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding out reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.Ng

Add to your Goodreads:

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18361947-second-chance-rose

Buy Links:

Smashwords:  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/320966

Excerpt Reveal: Stained by Elizabeth Marx (excerpt 1)

 

She pushed through the front door, the tail of her trench coat flapping out around her like a backwoods banshee. In my twenty-five years, I’d never seen heels that high, legs that long, or a strut that confident stroll across the tacky floor of Three Sips Distillery. I’d caught a glance of her earlier at the wake and this was the last place she belonged. The bar was formerly called Down and Out and I was doing everything within my power to diminish that image, but her presence mocked me. Crossroads was only one of three towns in the county that wasn’t dry, thus three sips. My gaze swept over the woman again. It would take more than three sips of good whiskey to take the edge off the scenarios burning through my imagination at the sight of her.

 

It was lust; unexplainable, mindboggling, burning hot lust for a perfect stranger. I’d swear the lights flickered the moment her fingertips left the panic bar, and the jukebox came to life on Aerosmith’s Janie’s Got a Gun as she stepped over the threshold.

 

Polly Anna looked up from washing miniature Mason jars, but didn’t speak a word as the young woman approached the bar. The peacock eased onto a swivel barstool, crossing her legs with the grace of a Southern debutante, while she tossed the large black pocketbook she was carrying on the sticky bar top carelessly. I wasn’t an expert in women’s accessories, but I knew her purse, which was sized like small luggage, reeked expensive. I’d shopped enough with my sister, Mandy, to know. That handbag was sized larger than most diaper bags for twins and the leather was probably as silky as a baby’s freshly powdered bottom.

 

Her face was angular with fine skin, and familiar to me, but the oversized sunglasses and ridiculous hat with netting was preventing me from figuring out exactly whom she looked like. She removed the hat and it looked like a black widow spider sitting on the bar. She started pulling pins from the back of her head, wincing as she did. Then she ran her fingers through her hair and scratched at her scalp until the entire dark mass framed her face.

 

“A double Spiced Boxed Whisky on the rocks,” she said politely as she started pulling her elbow-length leather gloves off by the fingertips.

 

I couldn’t help myself, I watched her, as transfixed as Polly Anna was. The young woman’s movements were so practiced and elegant, I couldn’t look away. She started at the index finger and loosened the glove at the tip of her finger before moving onto her middle finger, then her ring finger, then her pinky, and finally her thumb. Once she had the silk lining loosened, she gave a gentle tug on the tip of her middle finger and the glove gave way grudgingly, as if the leather was sore to lose the comfort of the captivating and perfectly manicured hand it was concealing.

 

She removed the second glove in exactly the same manner before she bothered looking back up at Polly Anna, who was standing as still as a wax figure in a museum. The woman pulled her dark, oversized sunglasses partway down her perfectly formed patrician nose and examined Polly Anna from her golden headed mop of hair all the way to the her oversized belt buckle, not missing a detail in between.

 

I thought Uh-oh, ’cause Polly Anna didn’t take crap off anyone, that’s why she was the only barmaid I’d ever hired. Three Sips Distillery might now host a beautiful southern interior—from the uneven floorboards I’d pulled from an old barn in Guntersville, to the new bar I’d hand stained and fitted with custom stained glass, to the twinkling Christmas lights that danced around the perimeter of the room—but the patrons were still a little rough around the edges. The sweet, but at times surly, barmaid who’d been tough enough to cut off every redneck in shit kickers with enough nerve to start slurring his words wasn’t going to take kindly to a prissy stranger.

 

The young woman smiled at Polly Anna appreciatively and said, “Sweetheart, it’s emptier than a hog pen on Easter Sunday in here, do you think you can pour me that drink?”

 

Polly Anna burst out giggling, which was unusual in a woman as pessimistic as our Polly Anna, and something I’d never thought to hear from her. Polly Anna’s reaction, combined with the woman’s nasally Yankee accent spewing the southern saying confidently, had me totally transfixed. That and the fact that I was dying for her to take off her coat so I could see if what it was keeping warm was as fine as what I’d seen so far.

 

I don’t know if it was what the young woman said or the fact that such a fancy lady said it, but Polly Anna couldn’t stop chuckling and snorting as she moved to the liquor well, filled a glass with ice, and poured the whiskey without necessity of a shot glass.

 

The young woman smiled from ear to ear as she pulled her sunglasses the rest of the way down her nose and placed one of the stems of the glasses between her perfectly formed teeth. She bit into them.

 

I swallowed. Hard.

 


Pre-order Stained on SMASHWORDS.

 

Add Stained to your GOODREADS want to read list!

 

About the Author: Windy City writer, Elizabeth Marx, brings cosmopolitan life alive in her fiction—a blend of romance, fast-paced Chicago living, and a sprinkle of magical realism. Elizabeth resides with her husband, girls, and two cats who’ve spelled everyone into believing they’re really dogs. She grew up in the city, has traveled extensively, and still says there’s no town like Chi-Town.

 


 

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER
Purchase Links: AMAZON |

Cover Reveal: "The Inheritance Series" by Olivia Mayfield (Brought to you in conjuction with Tasty Book Tours)

The Inheritance Series

Books 1-6

By: Olivia Mayfield

　

Blurb (Book One)

Maggie Willings knew that returning home for her estranged grandfather’s funeral would not be easy, but she never expected the reading of his will to be the most difficult part. The four people named in the will—Maggie, her brother Robert, her ex-boyfriend Andrew, and her grandfather’s far-too-young girlfriend Bethany—are given a challenge: find out the truth about what happened to Maggie’s younger sister Cassandra, who vanished over eight years ago, and win the entirety of the estate.

Maggie is thrown by the strange request, reluctant to drag up painful memories of her sister’s disappearance, and bothered by her lingering attraction to Andrew, who wants to team up to solve the mystery. But there are ten million dollars on the line and Maggie has no idea where to start—or who she’ll be able to trust.

Buy Links

Amazon:　http://www.amazon.com/The-Inheritance-Part-I-ebook/dp/B00BPDN102/

BN:　http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-inheritance-part-i-olivia-mayfield/1114771138?ean=9781101626016

iTunes:　https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-inheritance-part-i/id614792946?mt=11

Goodreads Link:
　http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17623500-the-inheritance

Author Info

Olivia Mayfield has been an unabashed fan of romance since she was a young teen, secretly devouring her mom’s Harlequins. She has a bachelor’s degree in Creative Writing, as well as a Master’s degree in English, and lives with her family in Ohio. In her free time, she loves reading, shopping, wearing absurdly high-heeled boots, cheesecake, singing karaoke, and harassing her friends.

Author Links

Website: http://www.oliviamayfield.com

Twitter:　https://twitter.com/OliviaMayfield

FB:　https://www.facebook.com/AuthorOliviaMayfield

Cover Reveal: "Down By The Water" by Anna Cruise

SYNOPSIS: Lily McMahon can't escape the past. Ten years after a tragedy tore her family apart, Lily is on her way to college for what she hopes will be a fresh start. Instead, she finds herself broken down in the place she swore she'd never return to, the place by the water that damaged her family beyond repair. When local resident Ty Reilly offers her help, she reluctantly accepts, eager to get her car fixed and get the hell out of town. But before that can happen, an eerily similar recurrence stops Lily cold. With her identity and ties to the old tragedy revealed, new suspicions cast a bright light on Lily. Everyone around her—the guy who offered her help, her own wayward sister, and the town sheriff who remembers her from a decade earlier—begins to wonder if her reappearance is merely a coincidence or if she's somehow involved. As Lily begins to thread together strands from the past with the present, she realizes there's no such thing as a coincidence down by the water. And that you can't ever really leave the past behind. Author BIO: Anna Cruise has been writing and drooling over boys since middle school. Lots of years have passed but some things never change... Her books include the best-seller IT WAS YOU (New Adult), IF I FALL (Mature YA) and MAVERICK (New Adult). Additional titles include SET IN STONE (YA Paranormal) and IT WAS ME, the follow-up story to IT WAS YOU. Anna loves to hear from readers and authors. Email her at authorannacruise@gmail.com. You can also like her Facebook page, find her on Twitter @AnnaCruiseBooks or friend her on Goodreads.

Book Review: Sebastian Falls by Celeste Holloway--4 stars

*I received a free ecopy of this book from the author through the YAholics Anonymous Book Group on Goodreads in exchange for an honest review* This book overall was great. At first I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. The beginning of the book left me with a lot of questions. I was really irritated with Meadows moodiness and freakouts. Casey's half-truths also frustrated me. If he was trying to help Meadow, why not be up front with her? Once Banter and Kaler were introduced into the story I was hooked. Meadow had this weird "love triangle" going on and I had to know who she'd chose. The characters were well written and the plot/storyline was easy to follow.I really liked where the story went at the ending. Sometimes "angels vs demons" novels can be quite predictable but not in this case...I didn't really know what was going to happen, until it happened! I'm not a religious person but liked the fact that they're were quotes from the Bible. It made the story feel much more believable. The ending left me wanting more and I look forward to a sequel. I would have given it more stars but there were a few editing mistakes (missing words/grammatical errors) and a few chapters that had HTML codes that I had to decipher the words through. Other than that it was an easy, entertaining read. I'd recommend it to someone who is looking for a good vs evil; angels vs demons type of book. Note: AFTER posting my review on Goodreads the author contacted me personally and was surprised to hear the Epub version had issues. She is working on getting it fixed.

Cover Reveal! Laura Kaye's "Hard As You Can"

Avon is proud to announce the publication of Laura Kaye’s second book in her hot Hard Ink series, HARD AS YOU CAN (On Sale: February 25, 2014). Ever since hard-bodied, drop-dead-charming Shane McCallan strolled into the dance club where Crystal Dean works, he’s shown a knack for getting beneath her defenses. For her little sister’s sake, Crystal can’t get too close. Until her job and Shane’s mission intersect, and he reveals talents that go deeper than she could have guessed. Shane would never turn his back on a friend in need, especially a former Special Forces teammate running a dangerous, off-the-books operation. Nor can he walk away from Crystal. The gorgeous waitress is hiding secrets she doesn't want him to uncover. Too bad. He’s exactly the man she needs to protect her sister, her life, and her heart. All he has to do is convince her that when something feels this good, you hold on as hard as you can-and never let go.

Some exciting news & a book review!

I'm super excited! I am now a member of the Nerd Girl Official Street Team! I get to review free ebooks from Indie authors! I'm so happy to be part of the team and being able to get some great books by some fantastic indie authors out there in to the waiting hands of Nerd Girls like me!

Here is my FIRST review for the Nerd Girl Official:

Book Review: Under the Sun by Jude Ouvrard--3 star rating

Disclaimer: I was given a free ecopy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

 

This novella (which is the debut of the author) was a short, easy read. The setting of the story is on a beach (what better place to have a romantic encounter!). The overall plot of the story was good, but the romance/relationship between the two main characters felt a bit rushed. I felt like as soon as they laid eyes on each other that was it and was pretty predicatable. There was no real build-up to the falling in love...i'm all for love at first sight but felt the story could have been even better with a little more build-up. I also felt like there were parts that could have been left out, i.e. the description of Jackson's cabin. I like how both characters had their own story of loss. Jackson had been through his, learned how to cope and was living a life he could be proud of. Tracey, fresh out of her loss, was trying to learn how to move on. I have to admit when Jackson shared his story of loss I felt a pang of sadness. Overall the story was good, if it had been a little longer and had more romance I would have rated it higher. If you're looking for a quick,easy read about loss and finding love after, try this one out.

 

 

Note: Review has been in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding out reviews please visit out Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.Ng

Book Review: Waking Dreams (The Soul's Mark Novella) by Ashley Stoyanoff

I'm not one to typically read novellas. The reason behind this is; I feel like the author hardly has anytime to really create a story that will grab my attention and keep it in around 100 pages. The characters always seem under-developed or rushed and the plot never seems to go anywhere. NOT the case with Ms.Stoyanoff's novella. I was immediately thrown into the story...there was preamble, boom you were there in the field with the main character, feeling what he was feeling. Her descriptions were amazing, they were so vivid I did not once have to try to imagine what she was describing I could actually see it perfectly in my head. I read this novella in less than 45 minutes. From page one the author's words had me hooked. Never have I liked a novella so much. I can not wait to read the rest of the series. Ms. Stoyanoff has a new fan...and it's this girl right here. Usually novellas leave much to be desired but the author has a way with words and the only thing I'm left wanting is the rest of the series. If you would like to check out this series for yourself...I will post the links below for a few sites where you can purchase your copy!



Here is Ashley Stoyanoff's Goodreads Page...Give her a like and see what else she is up to:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5890982.Ashley_Stoyanoff

Links to Purchase Waking Dreams:

Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Waking-Dreams-Souls-Ashley-Stoyanoff/dp/0988077590/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1375979927&sr=1-4

Barnes & Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/waking-dreams-ashley-stoyanoff/1115182156?ean=2940044477261

Links to Purchase the first book in the series, The Soul's Mark: FOUND:

Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Souls-Mark-FOUND-1/dp/0988077531/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1375980141&sr=1-1

Barnes & Noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-souls-mark-ashley-stoyanoff/1111176513?ean=9780988077515

The Life of Book Nerd & stay at home mom.

I have a life outside of books...really I do! I have 2 kids and a husband who need my undivided attention almost 24/7. I try to give that to them, my undivided attention...but alas a book is always calling to me. They stare at me from their large bookshelf and taunt me with promises of being swept away into an alternative world. It's so hard to resist. I stay at home to take care of my kids and my husband works. I love being able to stay home and enjoy them at these ages....I love it even more when they used to NAP! I could get so much done! Reading, cleaning, cooking, etc...but now that one is 7 and the other almost 3, there is no napping...so therefore very little reading during the day. My days consist of mind-numbing cartoons, reff-ing fights amoung siblings, searching for the lost toy in the more than full playroom, laundry and cooking. Don't get me wrong...I love being a mom, but is it so much to ask to have 5 minutes of peace and quiet? I try to sneak into the bathroom under the pretense of a potty emergency to read a chapter or two...but find that even there I am not immune to the wrath of a 2 year old on the verge of a hysterical episode. It's really hard to read when there is a constant pounding on the door and shrill screaming asking what is taking so long. I try to bribe them with candy or ice cream..."Here eat this...I don't care if it's 8 am in the morning...if you promise to stop trying to murder each other you can have ice cream for breakfast." I find myself saying this or something very close to it on a regular basis. Once school starts again, our house falls into the school year routine...and some normalcy will be present. It will be my son and I at home during the days, while my daughter is in school. I will not have to hear the bickering, screaming etc that comes along with 2 kids being off for 3 months. Maybe, just maybe, I will get to read before it's midnight. Oh, How I long for the days of 8pm bedtimes! They are almost here! Yay for school!

Book Review: WallBanger by Alice Clayton

I love a good book that has a main character that is loveable! Alice Clayton has done just that with her main character, Caroline Reynolds. This woman is not unlike many "typical" woman. She has a career, great friends, her own awesome apartment and an awesome campanion in her cat, Clive. I love how relatable Caroline is in this book. She's quirky, funny, strong-minded, opinionated and she's also been through one to many disatrous encounters with men ( we've all been there now and then..right?) and now has lost the power of the "O" (as she refers to it). In her desperate search to regain her "O" she meets a guy she dubs "Wallbanger."

This book came to me as a recommendation from a friend. I laughed so many times while reading it. Caroline and Simon's banter throughout the book is really great. I also enjoyed how Clive, the cat, was a major player in the story...the author wove him into the story flawlessly...at times you kind of feel like he's a real person. Raunchy humor, mixed in with a love story....how can you go wrong?  I don't really have anything I didn't like in the book....the only thing that was torture was the sexual tension between Simon and Caroline. Would they? Wouldn't they? I couldn't put this book down and would rate it as 5 out of 5 stars.  I would recommend this to anyone looking for a fast, fun, quirky read!

Book Review: A Case of Poisons (An Anothony Maxwell Mystery #1) By Hazel B. West

I finally finished this read and review book. It took me longer than normal for such a short book and I can only say that it just wasn't my "cup of tea." People who like detective novels will probably enjoy it, but sadly I am not one of those people. Here is the review I posted on Goodreads, Amazon and Smashwords:





Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author for free in exchange for an honest review.

Let me say first off that I do NOT typically read detective novels, but thought I would go out of my comfort zone and try something new. That being said....I really forced myself to read this book, there were quite a few times I wanted to put it down but I owed it to the author to see it through to the end. It was NOT because the book was horribly written, the writing flowed nicely, it just seemed a little slow for my tastes. I didn't feel it really picked up until about the last 70 pages or so. I enjoyed the banter between Inspector Garrett & Anthony Maxwell, it elicited a few grins at times. I also liked Archie and his relationship with the other orphans & Maxwell, himself. I also didn't guess who the bad guy was at all...which was surprising, because usually I can. A few things I DIDN'T like: I felt there was an overuse of the word "contraption," maybe it's just me, but I felt the author could have thrown in a few different words besides that one. I've read a few other "steampunk" novels and can usually picture the devices used within those books but had a hard time picturing the ones on this novel. I'm not sure that I would read the next book in the series but if someone were to ask for recommendations for this type of novel, I would probably suggest this to them.

Again, I didn't feel the author did a bad job on the novel and wish I could give it more stars but I'm basing my review on how I felt reading the book. (I wanted to rate 2 1/2 stars but felt that a bit cruel being it's just not my cup of tea).

My obsession with reading and books.

I've always been an avid reader. I can remember asking for books for any holiday where presents are involved. My friends would ask for toys, clothes, jewelry, etc and my list would contain mostly books. I would devour any book I could get my hands on and when I was old enough to drive, I would often drive myself right to the library while other kids my age were going to the best "hangouts." I wasn't an introvert, I had a grip on reality, perfectly acceptable social skills, I had plenty of friends and liked stuff other teenage girls liked...I just preferred to be at home reading or at the library and not chasing boys at the mall ( which I'm pretty sure my parents were overly thrilled about and that's probably why they indulged me in my book obsession). I'm not really sure what started my love of books, my mom read to us every night as kids, so I'm sure that is a part of it. I think its because I'm able to picture everything so clearly in my head...but its more than that...when I'm reading a book, I get so emotionally invested in it, if its a great book, and actually feel like I know the characters or I am right there watching what's happening. As a mother of 2 kids, it's important to me that my kids read...even if its just signs (my daughter is currently going into 2nd grade and enjoys reading, my son who is still a toddler loves to "read" me stories before bed). I make sure they always have books available and they both have quite the library, if I do say so myself. I think in this day and age a lot of parents don't read to their kids enough! 20 minutes everyday.... Its such a short amount of time but can have such a profound effect on a child. So, what started your love of reading? Leave a comment and let me know!

Book Review: Vampire Origins by Riley Banks (Strigoi #1)

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Let me start out by saying I loved this book for so many reasons. I won't go into the whole list but here are the main reasons. The author seamlessly weaves historical facts and legend into a great storyline. She keeps vampires true to form, killers, pure and simple. There were plenty of plot twists and surprises to keep me turning pages well into the night. There are quite a few characters in the book and I must admit in the beginning it's a little hard to keep track of them and where in time/place you are, but that wasn't a big deal, definitely not enough to deter me from reading. Speaking of characters I quickly adored Caleb, he's kind of the underdog/outcast of the family. I also liked Anna, Alex, Rose, Scarlett, Nataschia and Angeline (even though I hated her through at least half the book). The characters I loved to hate were Lachlan, Renee, Veronika and of course Vlad. They are all just so mean, devious and ruthless. One of my favorite scenes actually has Veronika in it....I don't want to give away too much but she turns someone into a rat. Her whole thought process for the action actually made me grin (she's just so mean). The ending of the book is definitely a cliff hanger which made me immediately check to see if book #2 was out (not yet by the way). I've read many vampire books lately and this is by far my favorite of those. I can't wait to read book #2 to find out what happens next and to learn more about the other vampire tribes. So, would I recommend this book? YES! Who would I recommend it to? Vampire lovers, YA lovers, or just anyone who is looking for a fresh take on an over written topic. Go get yourself a copy of Vampire Origins: Project Ichorus.... you won't be disappointed!

here are the links to buy your copy!

amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Vampire-Origins-Ichorous-Riley-Banks/dp/1466428775/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375448445&sr=8-1&keywords=vampire+origins

barnes & noble:
http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/vampire-origins-riley-banks/1115214359?ean=2940011138850

smashwords
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/31426

If you're interested in more about the author and what she is writing next, check out her blog:

http://www.rileybanks.net/