Cover Reveal - Caged in Winter by Brighton Walsh

I'm super excited about today's cover reveal. I've been following Brighton Walsh for what seems like ever. Whenever she comes out with a new book or novella, you can bet that I will be there. Today I'm showcasing her newest title, Caged in Winter, a new adult contemporary, being published by Berkley, an imprint of Penguin Group

Caged in Winter by Brighton Walsh

Expected Release Date: Fall 2014

Publisher: Berkley/NAL Publishing

Links: Goodreads

Synopsis:

In this emotional and sexy New Adult debut from Brighton Walsh, the only thing more frightening than commitment is hope...

Aspiring chef Cade Maxwell is immediately, viscerally attracted to Winter Jacobson. But it's not her mouthwatering curves he's drawn to - it's the strange emptiness in her eyes. When Cade saves her from a drunken customer with grabby hands, he's shocked at her response...

Winter doesn't need Cade's help. After a lifetime of getting by on her own, she's happy to rely on herself. She's exactly seventy-six days away from graduating college, and if she can hold it together that long, she'll finally be able to rise above the crappy hand she was dealt.

But now, every time she turn around, Cade is there, ready to push her, smile at her, distract her from her plans. Winter knows she can't afford to open up - especially to a man she's terrified to actually want.

About the author:

Brighton Walsh spent nearly a decade as a professional photographer before deciding to take her storytelling in a different direction and reconnect with her first love: writing. When she's not pounding away at the keyboard, she's probably either reading or shopping - maybe even both at once. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and two children, and, yes, she considers forty degrees to be hoddie weather. Her home is the setting for frequent dance parties, Lego battles, and more laughter than she thought possible. Visit her online at www.brigthtonwalsh.com.

Author Links: Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest / Goodreads

Review: Maybe One Day by Melissa Kantor

Maybe One Day 
Author: Melissa Kantor
Release Date: February 18, 2014
Publisher: Harper Teen
Source: Edelweiss & physical ARC borrowed from Leydy from UOaT
Review by: Jenn
Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads / IndieBound

 My rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars

Zoe and her best friend, Olivia, have always had big plans for the future, none of which included Olivia getting sick. Still, Zoe is determined to put on a brave face and be positive for her friend.
Even when she isn't sure what to say.
Even when Olivia misses months of school.
Even when Zoe starts falling for Calvin, Olivia's crush.
The one thing that keeps Zoe moving forward is knowing Olivia will beat this, and everything will go back to the way it was before. It has to. Because the alternative is too terrifying for her to even imagine.

*I received an eARC of this book from the publisher but it did not influence this review in any way.*

I loved this book. It was sad and funny and lovely and everything I was looking for in a story about friendship. I think the last book that I read that dealt like this kind of friendship was The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. Right from the synopsis we know it going to be a heart fail story. I became so immersed in the story line that I just flew through this book. I love everything about it: the friendships, the characters, and the plot.

Zoe and Olivia's friendship is something that I always enjoy reading about. I feel like so many YA books focus more on the romantic aspects and, while I enjoy that as well, the story about a girl and her best friend is really important as well. Zoe and Olivia share the kind of friendship that I've always been envious of, by how well they know each other and their dreams. How they want the other person there with them whenever something life-altering is happening.

I'm not ashamed to admit that I cried so hard while reading this book, that my eyes were puffy the next day. I had a feeling I knew how it was going to end but I still hoped for a different ending. And while certain things happened at a rapid pace or that just wasn't realistic, I can appreciate it for how well done the book ended up being.

I completely loved this book and I'm so happy that I read it. I wish there were more like it, that would explore the bonds of friendship like Zoe's and Olivia's. Melissa Kantor made me a fan of hers with this title and I can't wait to read more of her books.

Waiting on Wednesday (#47)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Morning swooners!

This week pre-publication "can't wait to read" selection is:

See Me by Wendy Higgins

Expected Release Date: March 17, 2014

Links: Amazon / Website / Goodreads

Synopsis: 

While most seventeen-year-old American girls would refuse to let their parents marry them off to a stranger, Robyn Mason dreams of the mysterious McKale in Ireland, wondering how he’ll look and imagining his cute Irish accent. Prearranged bindings are common for magical families like her own, however when she travels to the whimsical Emerald Isle she discovers there’s more to her betrothal and McKale’s clan than she was led to believe. 

What starts as an obligatory pairing between Robyn and McKale morphs over time into something they both need. But one giant obstacle stands the way of their budding romance: a seductive and deadly Fae princess accustomed to getting what she wants—and what she wants is McKale as her plaything. Love, desire, and jealousies collide as Robyn’s family and McKale’s clan must work together to outsmart the powerful Faeries and preserve the only hope left for their people.

I am a big fan of Wendy Higgins Sweet Trilogy, so when I saw she was coming out with something new naturally I was super excited! See Me Sounds really interesting I can't wait to get my hands on it! Swooners what are you waiting on this Wednesday?

Release Day Launch - White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout

White Hot Kiss (The Dark Elements #1)

By: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Release Date: February 25, 2014

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads / iTunes / Kobo

Synopsis: 

One kiss could be the last. 

Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no else possesses.

Raise among the Wardens - a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe - Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredible gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever.

Then she meets Roth - a tattooed, sinfully hot demons who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to - especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul.

But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne...it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.

Excerpt

“I don’t think of Zayne that way!” 

She laughed. “What man-parts-loving female in this world doesn’t think of Zayne that

way? I can barely keep myself breathing when I see him. All the guys in school have squishy

waists. I can tell Zayne doesn’t. He’s the awesome sauce with extra sauce.”

That he was and he so didn’t have a squishy waist, but I tuned Stacey out at that point. I

really did need to cram for this test and I also didn’t want my fantasies involving Zayne to

occupy my mind right now. Especially after I’d woken up this morning, carefully tucked under

the covers. The bed had smelled like him: sandalwood and crisp linen. 

“Oh, sweet baby Jesus in a manger,” Stacey murmured.

I clenched my jaw, cupping my hands over my ears.

She jabbed me in the side with her elbow. At this rate I’d be covered in bruises before

lunchtime. “Our bio class just got a billion times more interesting. And hotter, lots and lots

hotter. Holy mother, I want to have his babies. Not now of course, but definitely later. But I’d

like to start practicing soon.”

The cell wall is a thick and rigid layer covering the plasma something, something plant

cells… 

Stacey stiffened all of a sudden. “Oh my God, he’s coming—”

              Composed of fat and sugar—

Something slender and shiny fell from who knew where, landing in the middle of Sam’s

notes. Blinking tightly, it took me a couple of seconds to recognize the faded and half peeled

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles sticker covering the back of the silver cell phone.

My heart slammed against my ribs. Gripping the edges of the notebook, I slowly lifted

my gaze. Unnaturally beautiful golden eyes met mine.  

“You forgot this last night.”

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author:

#1 NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY Bestselling author Jennifer lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you've heard about her state aren't true. When she's not hard at work, she spends her time reading, working out, watching really bad zombie movies, pretending to write, and hanging out with her husband and her Jack Russell Loki.

Her dream of becoming an author started in algebra class,where she spent most of her time writing short stories...which explains her dismal grades in math.

Jennifer writes young adult paranormal, science fiction, fantasy, and contemporary romance. She is published with Spencer Hill Press, Entangled Teen and Brazen, Disney/Hyperion and Harlequin Teen. Her book Obsidian has been optioned for a major motion picture and her Covenant series has been optioned for TV.

She also writes adult and New Adult romance under the name J. Lynn. She is published by Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

Author Links: 

Website / Twitter / Facebook / Jennifer L. Armentrout's Goodreads

Release Day Launch Organized by: InkSlinger PR

Review: Better off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg

Better off Friends 
Author: Elizabeth Eulberg
Release Date: Feb. 25, 2014
Publisher: Point/Scholastic
Source: NetGalley
Review by: Jenn
Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads / IndieBound 

For Macallan and Levi, it was friends at first sight. Everyone says guys and girls can't be just friends, but these two are. They hang out after school, share tons of inside jokes, their families are super close, and Levi even starts dating one of Macallan's friends. They are platonic and happy that way.
Eventually they realize they're best friends - which wouldn't be so bad if they didn't keep getting in each other's way. Guys won't ask Macallan out because they think she's with Levi, and Levi spends too much time joking around with Macallan, and maybe not enough time with his date. They can't but wonder... are they more than friends or are they better off without making it even more complicated?
From romantic comedy superstar Elizabeth Eulberg comes a fresh, fun examination of a question for the ages: Can guys and girls ever really be just friends? Or are they always one fight away from not speaking again - and one kiss away from true love?

5 stars out of 5 stars

*I received an eARC of this book from the publisher but it did not influence this review in any way.*

I loved this book. It was perfect, charming, and realistic. Macallan was such a fierce character, I loved reading her story. I thought she would be a Mary Sue type but she certainly proved me wrong. She stood up for herself and her family and what she believes in. She's loyal and honest and someone I would like to be be friends with. Levi is a regular teenage boy and I love him. His confusion towards understanding girls and wanting to fit in as well as trying to be a good friend is so sweet, funny, and endearing.

Macallan and Levi's friendship is the kind that I love to read about. The history they shared and the bond they forged as friends is the love story that has me sighing and swooning and makes my heart all warm and fuzzy. Since they're teenagers, they experienced a lot of ups and downs and misunderstanding on both their parts. And I did want to slap them both on the back of their head at one point just to get them to talk to each other.

Overall, I absolutely love this story. It a modern day "When Harry Met Sally" story but unique in its own way. I can't wait to go out and buy my own copy so I can add it to my shelf. This book brought out so many happy moments and laughter in me. I'm recommending this book to anyone who's looking for a light hearted romance of when it goes from friends to more. It will for sure bring a smile to your face.

Quotes (#47)

Good Morning Swooners,

Here we are again it's Monday... It felt like a Ryan Gosling type of a week to me. *drools* I couldn't just put one up, so here are two nice gifs that describe my stress level and the other is me telling the week to bring it, because Ima kick its butt. 

“The beauty of poetry is that it can mean different things to different people at different times.” 

~ Wendy Higgins, Sweet Evil

“We have to face difficulties to find out what our true strengths are. How we come back from failure is a very valuable test.” 

~Wendy Higgins, Sweet Evil

“...there is no way of truly knowing one’s heart until one is put to the test.” 

~Wendy Higgins, Sweet Evil

“The purpose of life is to find your way back to a spiritual way of thinking and living—to be able to get past the physical stuff.” 

~Wendy Higgins, Sweet Evil

“We had a secret knowledge that demons couldn't fathom. They saw love as a weakness, but they were wrong. Love would keep us going, love was our strength.” 

~Wendy Higgins, Sweet Peril

“Anna... the night of the summit, when you were saved, it was the only time in my life I've thanked God for anything"

Those words. They would melt me over and over for all time” 

~Wendy Higgins, Sweet Peril

“I love you," I whispered.

"I've loved you longer," he said.” 

~Wendy Higgins, Sweet Peril

Have a great week Swooners!

Review: Anything to Have You by Paige Harbison

Anything to Have You
Author: Paige Harbison
Release Date: January 28, 2014
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Source: NetGalley
Review by: Jenn
Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads / IndieBound

My rating: 2.5 stars out of 5 stars

Nothing should come between best friends, not even boys. ESPECIALLY not boys.
Natalie and Brooke have had each other's back forever. Natalie is the quiet one, college bound and happy to stay home and watch old movies. Brooke is the movie - the life of every party, the girl everyone wants to be.
Then it happens - one crazy night that Natalie can't remember and Brooke's boyfriend, Aiden can't forget. Suddenly there's a question mark in Natalie and Brooke's friendship that tests everything they thought they knew about each other and has both girls discovering what true friendship really means.

*I received an eARC of this book from the publisher but it did not influence this review in any way.*

I'm not quite sure what to say about this book. It took an unexpected turn and I'm so conflicted about it; I liked it but I didn't. It broke some of my big no-nos in books and it ended in a way that feels like the author tried to give everyone their happy endings and it just didn't work.

From what the synopsis tells us, a boy gets in between best friends, Natalie and Brooke. Right from the beginning, I picked up on the little hints of the girls history in regards to Brooke's boyfriend, Aiden. Brooke is the typical party girl and is used to being in the center of attention and Natalie is the shy, quiet girl who prefers to stay at home.

But Natalie is hiding a secret. She likes Brooke's boyfriend and it seems like Aiden likes her too. When all three of them head off to a party, things gets a little out of control. And I have to say I was a little surprised by Natalie. She kept insisting that she would rather stay home and watch movies but at the party I saw a girl that I didn't recognized. She knew that she couldn't hold her liquor but she still drank shots and anything that passed her way. On top of that, she also said that on her last party, she blacked out and didn't remember anything but did remembered having sex with someone. So I find it hard to believe that she would just go ahead and drink to the point of blacking out, all while still proclaiming that she doesn't like the party scene.

I also didn't like how Brooke was portrayed as the bad friend/person just because she wanted to have fun and drink. It feels like the author, Paige, was trying to show two completely different personality types and make them very stereotypical as well. Natalie did bad things too and to her "best friend" Brooke especially. But Natalie and Aiden tried to justify it to themselves because of how Brooke would act. I just found Natalie to have this holier than thou attitude and I didn't like it.

There was also an interesting twist to the plot just that made it too overwhelming. By the time I reached that point of the story, I just wanted to get to the end and be done with it. How it ended was also a little too far-fetched and a little too much. If it was me, I would have left town and not looked back. Unfortunately, this was not the book for me. The friendship of Natalie and Brooke got too screwed up and I don't think in the real world they would have been able to repair their friendship.

Waiting on Wednesday (#46)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Morning swooners!

This week pre-publication "can't wait to read" selection is:

The Assassin's Blade (# 0.1 -0.5) by Sarah J. Maas

Expected Release Date: March 4, 2014

Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads

Synopsis:

Celaena Sardothien is Adarlan's mos feared assassin. As part of the Assassin's Guild, her allegiance is to her master, Arobynn Hamel, yet Celaena listens to no one and trust only her fellow killer-for-hire, Sam. In these action-packed novellas - together in one edition for the first time - Celaena embarks on five daring missions. They take her from remote islands to hostile deserts, where she fights to liberate slaves and seeks to avenge the tyrannous. But she is acting against Arobynn's orders and could suffer an unimaginable punishment for such treachery. Will Celaena ever be truly free? Explore the dark underworld of this kick-ass heroine to find out.

I LOVE Throne of Glass and Crown of Midnight. So much that it became one of my favorite books and the third book of the series, Heir of Fire, is one my most anticipated books to be release in 2014. I already read the novellas 0.1 -0.4 but I'm so happy that it coming out in a bound copy just so I can add it to my physical shelves. I'm hoping that with this new book in my hands, it will make the waiting for September for Heir of Fire a little more bearable.

What are you "Waiting on?"

What's happening here? Oh yea, LIFE that's what it is.

Have any of you ever felt like "I have a ton of work to do and I'm going to do it" and when you sit down to do it, you just blank out? Or end up doing something else that you had already procrastinated on doing? That's me at the moment. And it would be fine but then things got worse. When I finally buckled down to work, my laptop decides to crap out on me after almost six years together. And on top of non working computer, I have a car that's not working. And who can guess what is the bigger priority here? Buying a new car, yes! So while I'm here without a personal computer, I need to go out and buy a car as well as save up to buy a new laptop. And during that time, trying to also buy plane tickets to see my boyfriend who lives six hours away. Oh! And buy my BEA plane ticket to NYC. Anybody know where I can find that money tree? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller? 

Sigh. I guess what I'm saying is that the reason why you may not be seeing a lot of new posts around here is because procrastination got to me and then life happened. And while I have my lovely co-blogger, Nahomi, to help me, I can't ask too much from her. The poor girl is in school and already working on enough papers and exams to worry about writing me a review as well being busy being a mom to a little girl whom I love even though she sometimes hurts my feelings sometimes, hehe. So maybe if you could spare some good juju on us and hope that nothing else crashes on us. Because boy would that blows. 

At least I'm getting reading done so there's that at least. Once I get time and a borrowed laptop I should be able to share some of my favorite reads so far. Like Better Off Friends by Elizabeth Eulberg, which I LOVED. And Maybe One Day by Melissa Kantor which is release today and I cried like a baby. As well as Ignite Me by Tahereh Mafi and how I feel about one of my favorite series ending. I have my reviews for these books just waiting to posted as well as many more. 

Release Day Launch - Party Girl by Rachel Hollis

Party Girl by Rachel Hollis

Release Date: February 14, 2014

Publisher: Chic Publishing

Links: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Landon Brinkley is making her dreams come true. After years of poring over glossy photos of celebrity parties in People and US Weekly, she's landed her Holy Grail: an internship with the fabulous Selah Smith, event planner to the Hollywood elite. Moving from small town Texas to Los Angeles, Landon finds herself in a world in which spending a million dollars on an event - even for kids' birthdays - is de rigueur. The thrill of working on A-list parties and celeb weddings is enough to get her through the 75-hour workweeks, the nightmare of a multi-day film festival, and abuse at the hands of mercurial boss. But confronted with the steamy realities of the business, she is forced to make a choice: do whatever it takes to get ahead, or stay true to herself.

A roman a clef in the vein of The Devil Wears Prada, PARTY GIRL draws on the author's real life experience for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the celebrity-obsessed world of event planning. From the party habits of America's favorite underage singer to the worst Bridezilla of all (the kind that graces the cover of your favorite magazine), PARTY GIRL reveals the ugly side of Hollywood's prettiest parties.

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About the author:

Rachel Hollis is the founder of the popular lifestyle blog www.thechicsite.com and Los Angeles-based event planning firm, Chic Events. At 27, she was named by Inc. Magazine as one of the "Top 30 Entrepreneurs under 30." She has designed and produced fabulous parties for many of Hollywood's elite, including Bradley Cooper, Rashida Jones, Al Gore, Jennifer Love Hewitt, Ivanka Trump, Jamie King, and Cuba Gooding Jr. (just to name a few). Most recently, she planned the nuptial of actress Sara Rue's wedding, which garnered national coverage in magazines such as People and US Weekly. 

In 2010, Rachel appeared as the wedding planner on the WE Network show "Jilted?" The six-part relationship series followed potentials brides as they gave their suitors ultimatums to see if they would get the wedding of their dreams or get "jilted."

In addition, Rachel is a lifestyle expert for the The Talk, EXTRA, The Nate Berkus Show, The Steve Harvey Show, KTLA Morning News, Fox 5, Better TV and a regular contributor on PopSugar TV and Celebrations. com. She has been featured in People, InStyle, OK! Weekly, Entertainment Weekly, Better Homes and Garden, Traditional Home, Entrepreneur, Grace Ormand and the TV shows "Jilted" and "I Do Over" for the WE Network, "The Traveler's Guide to Life" on the Travel Channel and "Self Made."

You can find Rachel on her blog, Twitter and Facebook.

Release Day Launch Organized by: InkSlinger PR

Cover Reveal - All Lined Up by Cora Carmack

All Lined Up (Rusk University #1)

By: Cora Carmack

Publisher: William Morrow

Expected Release Date: May 13, 2014

Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads / iTunes

Synopsis:

In Texas, two things are cherished above all else - football and gossip. My life has always been ruled by both.

Dallas Cole loathes football. That's what happens when you spend your whole childhood coming in second to a sport. College is her time to step out of the bleachers, put the playing field (and the players) in her past.

But life doesn't always go as planned. As if going to the same college as her football star ext wasn't bad enough, her father, a Texas high school coaching phenom, has decided to make the jump to college ball... as the new head coach at Rusk University. Dallas finds herself in the shadows of her father and football all over again.

Carson McClain is determined to go from second-string quarterback to starting line-up. He needs the scholarship and the future that football provides. But when a beautiful redhead literally falls into his life, his focus is more than tested. It's obliterated.

Dallas doesn't know Carson is on the team. Carson doesn't know that Dallas is his new coach's daughter.

And neither of them knows how to walk away from the attraction they feel.

About the author:

Cora Carmack is a twenty-something writer who likes to write about twenty-something characters. She's done a multitude of things in her life - boring jobs (like working retail), fun job (like working in a theatre), stressful jobs (like teaching), and dreams jobs (like writing). She enjoys placing her characters in the most awkward situations possible, and then trying to help them get a boyfriend out of. Awkward people need love, too. Her first book, LOSING IT, is a New York Times and USA Today bestseller.

Author Links: Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

Cover Reveal Organized By: InkSlinger PR

Review: In Bloom by Katie Delahanty

In Bloom (Brightside #1)
Author: Katie Delahanty
Release Date: February 10, 2014
Publisher: Entangled Embrace
Source: NetGalley
Review by: Nahomi
Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads / iTunes

My Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 stars

My name is Olivia Bloom and I. Am. Free.
I left for LA with everything I owned piled into my old Volkswagen and dreams of becoming a costume designer. Little did I know I’d wind up designing for a lingerie company—yeah, not sure how I landed this gig—and taken under the wing of two young Hollywood insiders. The fashion shows and parties were great, but life really got exciting when the seriously hottest lead singer of my favorite band started to fall for me.　How does someone like me, an ordinary girl from Pittsburgh, wind up in the arms of the world’s sexiest rock star—surrounded by celebrities, fashion, and music—and not be eaten alive? Berkeley is everything I've ever dreamed of in a boyfriend, but the paparazzi, the tabloids, the rumors, it's all getting a bit too crazy. My life has become every girl’s dream come true, if only I don’t blink and lose it all…

*I received an eARC of this book from the publisher but it did not influence this review in any way*

Lately I've been on what I call a Hollywood binge, being that the last few books I have read have been about actors or singers falling in love with someone who is not in the business or has a behind the scenes role. Most of the stories follow the same pattern and I was starting to feel like I needed a break from this specific type of book. But then I picked up In Bloom and I was hooked. The story had a way of captivating my attention to the point that I couldn't put it down. I was addicted and I needed to know what happened next.

This book was filled with romance and sweet moments. I was swooning, sighing, and wishing that I had a Berkeley Dalton too. Olivia is endearing, and genuine. I love that she's clumsy. I also really like that when she is nervous she says the funniest things. Olivia's and Berkeley's love story is beautiful, and full of raw emotions.

The characters were realistic and relatable. The pacing was perfect, the story had me up until the wee hours of the morning because I simply could not put the book down. Katie Delahanty did a wonderful job creating this wonderful story full of great characters! This is definitely a must read!

Waiting on Wednesday (#45)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Morning swooners!

This week pre-publication "can't wait to read" selection is:

After The End by Amy Plum

Expected Release Date: May 6, 2014

Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads

Synopsis:

She’s searching for answers to her past. They’re hunting her to save their future.

World War III has left the world ravaged by nuclear radiation. A lucky few escaped to the Alaskan wilderness. They've survived for the last thirty years by living off the land, being one with nature, and hiding from whoever else might still be out there.

At least, this is what Juneau has been told her entire life.

When Juneau returns from a hunting trip to discover that everyone in her clan has vanished, she sets off to find them. Leaving the boundaries of their land for the very first time, she learns something horrifying: There never was a war. Cities were never destroyed. The world is intact. Everything was a lie.

Now Juneau is adrift in a modern-day world she never knew existed. But while she's trying to find a way to rescue her friends and family, someone else is looking for her. Someone who knows the extraordinary truth about the secrets of her past.

I am so excited about  After The End! I am a big fan of Amy Plum's Revenants series, and can't wait to see what she's come up with for this series!

Quotes (#46)

Good Morning Swooners, 

This is me today...I have a test later today and well, lets just say that Sheldon's reaction is minor compared to what I'm feeling right now. On a more positive note it's the start of a new week, and I am feeling optimistic!

"Love is a rebellious bird that nobody can tame."

-Veronica Rossi, Through the Ever Night

"Love was like the waves in the sea, gentle and good sometimes, rough and terrible at others, but that is was endless and stronger than the sky and earth and everything in between."

-Veronica Rossi, Through the Ever Night

"We lose and lose, but we're still here. Shaking in place, afraid of doing something. I'm tired of settling for this because I don't know if something better exists. It has to. What point is there otherwise? I can do something about it now. And I will."

-Veronica Rossi, Through the Ever Night

"Can you hear my heart? I want to ask him. I want you to make a list of all your favorite things, and I want to be on it."

-Tahereh Mafi, Ignite Me

"I love you," I whisper. "I love you exactly as you are."

-Tahereh Mafi, Ignite Me

"I feel like I've been split open and stuffed with sunshine."

-Tahereh Mafi, Ignite Me

"...I'm going to be happy. I'm going to be strong. And I don't need anyone to tell me that anymore. I am enough, and I always will be."

-Tahereh Mafi, Ignite Me

These are two of my favorite authors at the moment. I hope everyone has a wonderful week.

Cover Reveal & Giveaway - Get Even by Gretchen McNeil

Get Even (Get Even #1)

By Gretchen McNeil

Publisher: Balzer + Bray

Expected Release Date: September 16, 2014

Link: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Follows the secretive exploits of four high school juniors - Kitty, Olivia, Margot and Bree - at an exclusive Catholic prep school.

To all outward appearances, the girls barely know each other. At best, they don't move in the same social circles; at worst, they're overtly hostile. 

Margot Mejia - academically ranked number two in her class, Margot is a focused overachiever bound for the Ivy League.

Kiitty Li - captain of the California state and national champion varsity girls' volleyball team, she's been recruited by a dozen colleges and has dreams of winning an Olympic gold medal.

Olivia Hayes - a popular star of the drama program, she's been voted "most eligible bachelorette" two years running in the high school yearbook and has an almost lethal combination of beauty and charm.

Bree Deringer - outcast, misfit and the kind of girl you don't want to meet in a dark alley, the stop sign red-haired punk is a constant thorn in the side of teachers and school administrators alike.

Different goal, different friends, different lives, but the girls share a secret no one would ever guess. They are members of Don't Get Mad, a society specializing in seeking revenge for fellow students who have been silently victimized by their peers. Each girl has her own reason for joining the group, her own set of demons to assuage by evening the score for someone else. And though school administration is desperate to find out who is behind the DGM "events", the girls have managed to keep their secret well hidden.

That is until one of their targets - a douchebag senior who took advantage of a drunk underclassman during a house party, videotaped it on his phone, and posted it on YouTube - turns up dead, and DGM is implicated in the murder.

Now the girls don't know who to trust, and as their tenuous alliance begins to crumble, the secrets they've hidden for so long might be their ultimate undoing.

Giveaway!

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About the author:

Gretchen is a former coloratura soprano, the voice of Mary on G4's Code Monkeys and she currently sings with the LA-based circus troupe Cirque Berzerk. She is a founding member of vlog group the YARebels where she can be seen as "Monday," and she is an active member of both The Enchanted Inkpot, a group of YA and middle grade fantasy writers, and The Apocalypsies, a group blog of 2012 children's debut authors.

You can find Gretchen on Twitter, Facebook, and on her blog.

Cover Reveal organized by: Book Nerd Tour

Blog Tour Stop: Review & Giveaway: Take Two by Laurelin Paige

Take Two by Laurelin Paige
Release Date: February 4, 2014
Publisher: Samhain Publishing
Source: Gifted for Blog Tour
Reviewed by: Nahomi
Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads / iTunes

*I received copy of this book for a blog tour but it did not influence this review in any way.*

My Rating: 3 stars out of 5 stars

Synopsis:
He’s ready for his close up, but she’s the one calling the shots. 

On the night of her graduation from film school, straight-laced Maddie Bauers fell completely out of character for an oh-my-god make-out session with a perfect stranger. Complete with the big O.

Seven years later, that romantic interlude is still fresh in her mind. That stranger is now a rich and famous actor. And she’s one very distracted camera assistant working on his latest production. She might consider another tryst…if he even remembers her.

Micah Preston does indeed remember Maddie. Too bad he’s sworn off Hollywood relationships. He allows himself as much sex as he likes—and oh, he does like—but anything more is asking for trouble. For the woman, not for him. Yet knowing Maddie could want more than a movie-set fling doesn’t stop him from pursuing her like a moth drawn to hot stage lights. 

But as the shoot nears its end, it’s decision time. Is it time to call, “Cut!” on their affair, or is there enough material for a sequel?

Warning: Contains a dreamy movie star hero, a focus-pulling heroine, off-the-charts instant chemistry, steamy sex in near-public locations, and a new use for lip gloss.

The premise of this book caught my attention and even though I was on a "no new books" ban I decided to request this because it sounded really interesting. The beginning was really rough for me, I almost gave up more than a couple of time because of certain phrases and dialogue issues I had. But I was determined to stick through it, and though in the end it was kinda cheesy, sometimes a girl just needs a little cheese in her life. (I've been dying to say that jejeje) I ended up really enjoying the characters and the story.

I fell in love with Maddie and Micah and for the first time in a long time I actually remember the main female character's name (that's a big thing for me). But for the first time in quite a few books, I didn't find myself cringing at the main characters internal dialogue. Maddie is strong talented and dedicated to her job. I love that she doesn't just let Micah get away with whatever he wants just because he's good looking and famous. I really liked Maddie's character overall. 

Micah was sweet and hot but cocky but just plain old stupid at times. Although there were definitely swoony moments, and he was thoughtful at times, he could really get on my nerves. I will say this, there were times I just wanted to shake some sense into him. 

The plot was a little predictable but it didn't drag and it wasn't boring. As I mentioned in the beginning some of the phrases and or words used had me thinking who uses these phrases anymore. Some of the words and phrases used to describe the sex scenes tended to throw me out of the scene. What kept me interested and moving forward were the characters, and the story. I was genuinely interested and invested in their lives and wanted to find out how everything would end. Besides some of the issues I mentioned above, I enjoyed reading about Maddie and Micah and I really loved how their story ended. 

Giveaway:

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About the author:

Laurelin Paige is the NY Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of the Fixed Trilogy. She's a sucker for a good romance and gets giddy anytime there's kissing, much to the embarrassment of her three daughters. Her husband doesn't seem to complain, however. When she isn't reading or writing sexy stories, she's probably singing, watching Mad Men and the Walking Dead, or dreaming of Adam Levine.

Author Links: 

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Blog tour hosted by: InkSlinger PR

Blog Tour Stop: Excerpt & Giveaway: The Replacement by Rachael Wade

The Replacement by Rachael Wade

Release Date: January 27, 2014

Genre: Contemporary, New Adult

Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Synopsis:

*Contains sexually explicit content and mature subject matter, including language and elements of abuse*.

A gritty New Adult drama about a young woman's self-destructive quest to find purpose, self-worth, and love in a broken world.

My name is Elise Duchamp. I'm twenty-three years old and I'm known as the town whore.

No, not the kind who exchanges sexual favors for money. The other kind. The kind who gives it all away for free, whenever and however she likes. I am that girl. The one everyone whispers about and the one none of the girls seem to like, because all of their boyfriends either want to sleep with me or already have.

Promiscuity is my thing--the kind that slowly, violently turns my insides black, but gives me something I need.

All things considered, I'm not completely reckless. I'm safe, and contrary to popular opinion, I do have a heart. I live in a world of careless choices, and with those choices come careless people, I cannot judge them, because I am one of them. I too bow down to the altar of the self-serving. I am not a good friend. I am not and never could be anyone's girlfriend. I'm convinced any goodness in me shriveled up and died long ago.

But I am a replacement. That is something I know how to be, and this is a story of the lengths I'd go to in order to keep it that way.

Excerpt

Giveaway

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You can also follow the rest of this blog tour here.

About the author:

Rachael Wade is the Amazon bestselling author of The Preservation Series, The Resistance Trilogy, and the upcoming sci-fi series, The Keepers Trilogy. When she’s not writing, she’s busy learning French, watching too many movies, and learning how to protect animals and the environment.

Author Links: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Blog Tour hosted by: Xpresso Book Tours