Wishlist Wednesday #18

Wishlist Wednesday is a weekly post put on by Dani at the Pen to Paper blog. Where you post a book you really really want to read or one that has been on your wishlist! If you've seen my to-read list on Goodreads then you know there are plenty that I could use. So I decided to use this feature every Wednesday.

Title: Unchained (Nephilium Rising)

Author: J. Lynn

Release Date: Winter/Spring 2013

Series Number: 1

Goodreads Summary:

Between the pissed off creatures that want demon-hunter Lily Marks dead and the fallen angel who just...wants her, Lily is about ready to trade in forever for a comfy job in a cubicle farm.

The fact that she and Julian are civil to one another is enough to have her thrown out of the Sanctuary, but she can't shake her not-so-angelic stalker or how he brings her dangerously close to ecstasy.

Her forbidden relationship with Julian provides the perfect fuel for suspicion when a traitor is discovered to be working within the Sanctuary. Lily quickly finds herself hunted by well, everyone.

Her only hope is to discover the real traitor before she loses everything--and she'll need Julian's help. That is, if Julian is really there to help her...and not destroy her.

Yeah, being a Nephilim isn't everything it's cracked up to be.

My Thoughts:

Unchained is the first book in the Nephilium Rising series by J. Lynn (Jennifer Armentrout's pen name). I have loved all of her books including her adult book Tempting the Best Man. So I can only imagine how awesome she will be able to write a paranormal adult book!!! After reading Tempting the Best Man I can only imagine the greatness!! I can't wait! It did get pushed back a couple months but, I think this one will be worth the wait!

Sweet Venom (Medusa Girls #1) by Tera Lynn Childs

Goodreads Summary:

Grace just moved to San Francisco and is excited to start over at a new school. The change is full of fresh possibilities, but it’s also a tiny bit scary. It gets scarier when a minotaur walks in the door. And even more shocking when a girl who looks just like her shows up to fight the monster.

Gretchen is tired of monsters pulling her out into the wee hours, especially on a school night, but what can she do? Sending the minotaur back to his bleak home is just another notch on her combat belt. She never expected to run into this girl who could be her double, though.

Greer has her life pretty well put together, thank you very much. But that all tilts sideways when two girls who look eerily like her appear on her doorstep and claim they're triplets, supernatural descendants of some hideous creature from Greek myth, destined to spend their lives hunting monsters.

These three teenage descendants of Medusa, the once-beautiful gorgon maligned by myth, must reunite and embrace their fates in this unique paranormal world where monsters lurk in plain sight.

My Review:
I feel like I need to start this review off by saying I LOVE mythology. Ever since my first class in high school that involved mythology I have been enamored by it. I was probably the only one who really liked reading the Iliad for school. I love the books about the Gods. I have read quite a few actually. So when it came to a book about the decedents of Medusa. I was like YES!! I thought the story was very creative. I have never read one about Medusa's decedents.

The book was told from the point of view of each of the girls. I thought this was awesome because I felt like I got to know each of them. I really liked Grace. She seemed down to earth and was very nice. Just a regular girl with a regular family. I felt bad for Gretchen. She was alone and hunting monsters in her spare time. I was happy when these two found each other. Greer on the other hand rubbed me the wrong way. Her attitude needs a serious adjustment and I hope Grace and Gretchen can help with that. The monsters were creative as well. I never really considered all the possibilities! I felt like Sweet Venom was used to set up the next book and introduce us to the characters with just enough action to keep me on edge. Monsters are starting to appear a lot more often. There is a problem with the seal and the girls are right in the middle of it. When Gretchen's mentor goes missing things get dicey  There are a lot of questions to be answered. Why are there more monsters? What kind of abilities do the girls have? Who's trying to kill them?

There are a few young men in Sweet Venom. I kind of feel like there is more then meets the eye when it comes to them. Especially Milo, Thane, and Nick. Ugh! But, I have no idea what it is!! There's something going on with them and I know it!! I hope that in the girls future they will get to have fun with these guys. Should be interesting.

Tera Lyn Childs has built an amazing world for her readers. Full of mythological creatures and action. If you are a fan of mythology this one is a must read. There is myth, action, and a little romance. It was a book designed for me! As soon as I am done with this post I will be buying Sweet Shadows!

Entice (The Violet Eden Chapters #2) by Jessica Shirvington

Goodreads Summary:

Violet Eden is Grigori - part angel, part human. Her destiny is to protect humans from the vengence of exiled angels.
Knowing who to trust is key but, when Grigori reinforcements arrive, it becomes clear everyone is hiding something. Even Lincoln. The only thing Violet does know: Phoenix's hold over her is more dangerous than ever.
The race to find the one thing that could tilt the balance of power brings them all to the sacred mountains of Jordan, where Violet's power will be pushed to the extreme. And the ultimate betrayal exposed.

Enticed is the second compelling book in The Violet Eden Chapters.




My Review:
First of all let me say that I purchased the hardcovers of these books because the covers are so awesome!! Anyway Entice picks up not to long after Embrace left off. Violet is still trying to deal with her new role and her Grigori side. Along with trying to deal with her emotions about Phoenix and Lincoln. Like many young girls her life is tormented by the men in it!!I felt like Violet grew a lot as a person during Entice. She was dealing with school, training, and the Lincoln situation. She never really got any emotional rest or actual rest for that matter. There were a few different plot twists going on. Lots of  things going on in the background and some serious backstabbing! I don't want to go into details because I don't want to give anything away. The group is on the hunt for scriptures. It leads them to a different country. That was a very exciting part! There is way more of everything in this book. More action and romance and new characters.

I still have a puppy love thing for Lincoln. He does pull some crappy stuff in this book that makes me want to smack him in the back of the head to wake him up! I shouldn't be surprised that guys are basically blind! Phoenix isn't around very much in this book. He's there scheming  in the background more so. I am not convinced that he doesn't care about Violet. The new characters are great! I love Zoe and her attitude. Salvatore is super cute. Spence really surprised me. He was awesome! His personality was great and I loved how he enjoyed breaking the rules to help Violet. I was glad to see Steph took a larger part in the Grigori stuff to. I just hope it doesn't get her hurt. Magda...what can I say about her...other then I despise her! I never really liked her. I hate how she tried to make Violet mad by hanging out with Lincoln. She reminded me of the mean girl in high school. Nyla and Rudyard make it very interesting for Violet and Lincoln! But, that's all I'm saying!!

Entice ends on quite the cliffhanger. I'm super excited for Emblaze! It should be very interesting. Especially where Violet and Lincoln are concerned.

Wishlist Wednesday #17

Wishlist Wednesday is a weekly post put on by Dani at the Pen to Paper blog. Where you post a book you really really want to read or one that has been on your wishlist! If you've seen my to-read list on Goodreads then you know there are plenty that I could use. So I decided to use this feature every Wednesday.

Title: Opal
Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout
Release Date: December 11, 2012
Series Number: 3

Goodreads Summary:

No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger... and they know it.

My Thoughts:
Ok, this is a very obvious choice for me. The Lux series is by far one of my favorite series of all time. Jennifer Armentrout's writing is absolutely amazing. Obsidian was one of my favorite books. I read it in 2 days. The series just keeps getting better and better. I can't wait to see what happens with Katy and Daemon! I mean come on Daemon is so yummy!!!! Especially with all the new information about Dawson and Beth. It is getting harder and harder to wait for any of her books. I will read them all!!!!

Backdraft (The Secret Life of Trystan Scott #2) by H.M. Ward

Goodreads Summary:

When Mari realizes that Trystan is the internet megastar, Day Jones, she can’t speak. Every time she listens to his song, it leaves her feeling so much. That song is bewitching. Everyone she knows heard it. As soon as it appeared on YouTube, it went viral, and then the guy who wrote it disappeared. Despite agents and record labels trying to lure Day5705 out, he remains anonymous. No one knows who Day Jones really is—except Mari.

To Trystan’s relief, Mari agrees to keep his secret. Part of him regrets uploading the song, but when he sings to Mari the song that once brought him solace, it fills him joy. In a life like his, joy is fleeting and Trystan plans on grabbing hold whenever a shot at happiness appears. To his surprise, Mari doesn't realize the song is about her. When Trystan tries to push her to see, he jeopardizes losing her entirely.

One misplaced kiss topples the fragile relationship, leaving Trystan reeling, trying to assemble the pieces and convincing Mari that she’s not just another conquest, even though everything he did—everything he said—makes it seem like she is. It isn't until Mari decides that being the good girl isn't working that things steam up. Trystan knows she wants to hook up with someone, and he doesn't know if he should stop her. Every attempt he makes to win her over goes bad and pushes her further away.

As the world gets one day closer to tracking down Day Jones, Trystan is one day closer to graduation and leaving this life forever. If Mari doesn't realize he loves her by then, she never will.

If you haven't read the first book this review may contain spoilers!!!!! FYI!

My Review:
There are books that you read that you really like or love. Then there are books that really touch your heart. I have only read a few that sincerely touch something deep inside. They are the ones that stay with you after reading them. This is one of those books. I relate a lot to Mari. Pressure to be perfect, whether it's in school or something else. I think we have all been there. I was. Mari and Trystan appear to be more alike then they think. Both with trouble at home and both head over heals for each other. Right when they were going to tell one another something would happen and neither of them would. Seriously, I was ready to burst!!! I just wanted them to tell each other already!!! The comment about hooking up with someone was the best catalyst you could ask for. I also loved the Kiss Assassin! Brilliant!

Trystan is pretty much the ideal guy. Slightly damaged but, I think Mari can rescue him. I felt bad for Trystan in book 1 and that continued through Backdraft. I wanted to wrap him in a warm blanket and give him hot chocolate or something. The poor guy needs a break from real life and go somewhere else. Hopefully with Mari!! Actually, they could both use a break from their lives.

I need book 3....like yesterday. If you haven't read this series yet YOU REALLY SHOULD! It is a  series of novellas that are worth reading! Will true love win? I'm honestly not sure yet. There are so many different ways this story could go. I will be anxiously waiting for the next one!

Uncontrollable (The Nature of Grace #2) by S.R. Johannes

Goodreads Summary:

As Grace recovers from tragedy, her science class is chosen by Agent Sweeney at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to help with research on the new "Red Wolf Reintroduction Program".

While she’s excited about helping with the conservation of the endangered wolves, Grace knows this means being outdoors in the worst winter recorded, in a place she no longer feels comfortable. It also means working closely with Wyn (her ex) and his annoying girlfriend (Skyler), a girl whose idea of getting close to nature is picking silk plants and growing fake plants.

After a couple of wolves show up dead, Grace almost quits. However, when a fellow project team member goes missing, Grace continues the assignment under a renewed suspicion that someone might be sabotaging the conservation program. She quietly begins to hunt for clues.

Little does she know, she is being hunted too.

My Review:
I was lucky enough to receive a review copy of Uncontrollable by the author. After the way Untraceable ended I was excited to get to read Uncontrollable. First lets take a minute and show some cover love! The covers for this series are awesome!! Ok now back to the review. S. R. Johannes has such a great way of writing. She has a way of making you question all the characters. Like anyone of them could be involved in the problem. I must be terrible at predicting who is doing what because I was way off here. This has been happening a lot lately, I must be losing my mojo. The story about the red wolves and why they are dying mysteriously after being released into the wild is just as riveting as the story of the bears. It takes Grace and a group of her friends on a dangerous "field trip", if you will, to try to document the wolves. This happens to take place during a particularly bad winter with dangerous conditions. There are injuries and even deaths. I felt so bad for Grace throughout the story because I feel like she can never catch a break! She is having a string of bad luck and continues to loose people close to her. She felt so alone. There was one aspect of the story that I was right about however it would be a huge spoiler and therefore I will not be telling you. Sorry you will have to read it!

Lets talk about the other characters. Wyn got on my nerves a lot. The way him and Skyla flaunted their relationship in Grace's face. It was just mean how they blamed Grace for their families deaths and such. Never once did they stop and think about how much Grace lost on that day as well. The whole town for that matter blamed Grace for everything and it was just crap! Let's blame the teenager for what the corrupt adults did. I thought the whole Al twist was brilliant! Now that he's back in the picture Grace's life is still on the line which is scary considering what happened to her in Uncontrollable. I would say that there is still a little bright light for her however through all this and that is what will help her get through the obstacles yet to come!

I can't wait to see what happens in book 3. I have a feeling Al will be out for revenge. And the object of that revenge is Grace. Once again in book 3 her life will be on the line. I hope she will make it through!

Down to You by M. Leighton

Goodreads Summary:

Genre: Adult Contemporary Romance- Please be advised that this book is NOT YA friendly, not even in a New Adult category! 

The scorching tale of one girl, two brothers and a love triangle…that’s not.

Olivia Townsend is nothing special. She’s just a girl working her way through college so she can return home to help her father run his business. She’s determined not to be the second woman in his life to abandon him, even if it means putting her own life on hold. To Olivia, it’s clear what she must do. Plain and simple. Black and white.

But clear becomes complicated when she meets Cash and Nash Davenport. They’re brothers. Twins.
Cash is everything she’s always wanted in a guy. He’s a dangerous, sexy bad boy who wants her in his bed at any cost. He turns her insides to mush and, with just one kiss, makes her forget why he’s no good for her.

Nash is everything she’s ever needed in a guy. He’s successful, responsible and intensely passionate. But he’s taken. Very taken, by none other than Marissa, Liv’s rich, beautiful cousin. That doesn’t stop Olivia from melting every time he looks at her, though. With just one touch, he makes her forget why they can never be together.

Black and white turns to shades of gray when Olivia discovers the boys are hiding something, something that should make her run as far and as fast as she can. But it’s too late to run. Olivia’s already involved. And in love. With both of them.

Both brothers make her heart tremble. Both brothers set her body on fire. 

She wants them both.

And they want her.

How will she ever choose between them?

My Review:

Alright readers you are going to have to hunker down when you are going to read this book. Because once you start, stopping is going to be an issue. You can add Cash and Nash to your list of book boyfriends! If you are worried about the love triangle you can just stop right now! It’s not your typical love triangle, you will love it! I’m not the biggest fan of them either but, it worked here….very well! I was quickly drawn into Olivia’s life. Especially after the crazy way she meets Cash! Mistaking people for strippers and taking their clothes off is always a great first impression! I didn’t feel like she was rushed into a relationship with either of them at all. Oh, and there is some suuuuper steamy romance scenes!! Can’t forget that! They were tastefully written to. In a way that was still hot but, not vulgar.  I also liked how she was just a normal girl who was working a regular job while going to college. I also liked her father and how she was do so much to help him and the family business. You don’t see as much of that anymore. Her relationship with the guys leads to some dark crazy secrets! This book took numerous turns that I NEVER saw coming. I will admit I was blinded by “the twins” as I like to call them. But, none the less I was ensnared by this story and not able to stop reading it!

Now down to the man candy of this book. I call them “the twins” because I imagine it as that old football commercial with the twin girls but, with Cash and Nash!! You may not remember this reference but, it works here. Technically Nash has a girlfriend who happens to be Olivia's awful cousin Marissa. UGH! She is awful. Nash could do much better. Anyway, Cash and Nash are two hotty twins with different personality characteristics but, some things are similar. I liked them both for  different reasons. I kind of liked Cash better because, like Olivia, I’m a sucker for bad boys who ride motorcycles! By the end there was no doubt I was all CASH!!! You will have to make that decision for yourself ;) Two hot guys with different careers. Does Olivia want the safe guy with a great job (Nash) or the bad boy who runs a night club (Cash)??? Oh, Decisions decisions. 

Like I said before there are some super crazy turns during this book that left me like this: O_O Seriously. You will understand my obsession with Cash by the end of the book. Sorry no spoilers here!! I immediately tweeted the author to verify that there will be a book 2 and there will!! Woohoo! All readers will love this book (who are old enough)! M. Leighton fans will love it too! READ IT!!!

Uncontrollable by S.R. Johannes Launch!!

Yay! Uncontrollable is out today!

Uncontrollable is the second book in "The Nature of Grace" series by S.R. Johannes. Untraceable, the first book in the series, has won and been nominated for several awards including Winner of the 2012 IndieReader Discovery Award (YA), 2012 Georgia Author of the Year (YA Nominee), and a finalist in The Kindle Book Review's "Best Indie Book of 2012 (YA)".

Kirkus reviewed Untraceable as "A thrilling story is a dramatic entanglement of mystery, deception and teen romance.  The action flows like a brisk mountain stream interspersed with rapids, holding suspense to last page."

If you like a page turner, you will love this series!

Head over to Mundie Moms for a Big Uncontrollable Launch Party with tons of prizes and then over to SR Johannes blog for even more.

To continue on with the blog tour, check out the line up! Where SR talks about anything from marketing to writing to her books to personal interviews and giveaways.

Book Summary

As 16-year-old Grace recovers from tragedy, her science class is chosen by Agent Sweeney at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to help with research on the new "Red Wolf Reintroduction Program". 

While she’s excited about helping with the conservation of the endangered wolves, Grace knows this means being outdoors in the worst winter recorded, in a place she no longer feels comfortable. It also means working closely with Wyn (her ex) and his annoying girlfriend (Skyler), a girl whose idea of getting close to nature is picking silk plants and growing fake plants. 

After a couple of wolves show up dead, Grace almost quits. However, when a fellow project team member goes missing, Grace continues the assignment under a renewed suspicion that someone might be sabotaging the conservation program. She quietly begins to hunt for clues. 

Little does she know, she is being hunted too. 

On Sale Now! 

Uncontrollable is on sale in paperback and ebook at all major booksellers including Amazon, iBooks/Apple (coming soon),  Smashwords, and B&N. If you haven't read Untraceable, you can get it in paperback and ebook at all major booksellers including Amazon, Apple, Smashwords, and B&N.

Author Bio

S.R. Johannes is the author of award-winning and Amazon bestselling Untraceable (a teen wilderness thriller) and new tween paranormal, On The Bright Side. She has also published short novelettes as well as a teen romance anthology with 16 other authors titled, In His Eyes.  Uncontrollable, the sequel to Untraceable, is scheduled for September 2012.

S.R. Johannes is a winner of the 2012 IndieReader Discovery Awards (Young Adult) and was also recently nominated for 2012 Georgia Author of the Year (Young Adult). Untraceable was also recently named a Finalist in The Kindle Book Review's Indie Book of the Year (YA)

After earning an MBA and working in corporate America, S.R. Johannes traded in her expensive suits, high heels, and corporate lingo for a family, flip-flops, and her love of writing.  She lives in Atlanta, Georgia with her dog, British-accented husband, and the huge imaginations of their little prince and princess, which she hopes- someday- will change the world. 

Connect!

Follow S.R. online on her website, Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest

You can also sign up for her newsletter to keep up on author or book news.

My Review:

Coming soon!!!!!

Crossroads E-BOOKGiveaway!!

So, in honor of Mary Ting's Beyond release I am doing an e-book giveaway!! I will be doing a winners choice giveaway. The winner will get to choose one E-BOOK copy of any of the Crossroads series books. Choices are Crossroads (book 1), Between (book 2), or Beyond (book 3)!! Beyond is the third book in the Crossroad's series. I have been a big fan of it since the first book came out. Mary Ting also does some awesome giveaways on her Facebook page and over at her blog! If you like books about angels this is one of the best ones out there. An amazingly sweet love story. I will post links to my reviews of all the books in the series including my ARC review of Beyond. I am able to Gift you the e-book if you have a Kindle or a Nook. I have never used Smashwords for other kinds of downloads but, if you are willing to work with me I can give that a try if you have something other then a Kindle or a Nook. When I email the winner you will have to let me know what you prefer as far as your e-book copy! Good luck everyone!

~Crossroads (book 1) Review
~Between (book 2) Review
~Beyond (book 3) Review

Giveaway Rules:

1. U.S./Canada Only
2. Must be 13 or older to enter.
3. The winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to reply before a new winner is picked!
4. Giveaway ends 10-12-12

Author Bio!

Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry.  Writing Crossroads was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother.  It was inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl.

Author's Blog: www.marytingbooks.blogspot.com

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Beyond ARC review by Mary Ting

Goodreads Summary:
Torn between the past she can't remember and a future she isn’t ready for, Claudia feels at a loss. With unanswered questions, she is certain there is more to her past than just being a venator. Finding the missing pieces in her life won’t be easy because duty calls. When mysterious dark shadows get released, an apocalypse sets in motion. The venators and the alkins must work together once again. Knowing Claudia would be the key to destroying the demons that were released, a familiar stranger appears to protect her. Drawn to the beautiful angel, Claudia finds she must unravel the mysteries of her past in order to help save the world. Who is the angel assisting her and why does she feel a strong connection to him? Time is running out. Will she discover all the secrets before it’s too late?

My Review:

I have been a huge fan of Mary Ting’s Crossroads series since I read the first one! They are great books and are written so well. I was so lucky to get an ARC to review. Literally I Eeeeeped out loud like a little kid. Beyond did not disappoint. The story was full of action and romance! Beyond picked up where Between left off. Claudia is to start her training with Austin. With no memory of her past or who Michael is. She feels like something is missing from her life. It’s as if she knows part of her is missing. You may want to have some Kleenex ready for this one. It will take you on am emotional whirlwind. I found myself getting pretty emotional during this read. It is hard to read the Crossroads series and not love the characters. Oh yea, and there are vampires in this one! Not very much, it’s not turning into a brooding vampire book, just enough to help the storyline. During her training Claudia has become a pretty good fighter. Michael doesn’t really like this because it puts her in danger….frequently. I loved how Michael shows up at random. He is basically begging Claudia to remember him. The love story is so sweet and beautiful.

For the other characters! Michael is obviously amazing. He cares so much for Claudia that he risks his life and her remember just because he needs to be around her and know she is ok. The perfect gentleman! I wouldn’t mind if he wrapped me in his wings! I always was on team Michael. Austin kind of broke my heart. I never thought I would say this because I didn’t like how he tried to get with Claudia even with Michael around. His story is actually sad. Unrequited love is probably one of the hardest emotions to face. To see the one you love, loving someone else. So he grew on me throughout this book. Davin is still awesome! I love how he tries to talk all cool. It’s super funny! All the angel gang is back and great. I like how they had a plan to get Claudia’s memory back. Amazing characters!

I finished this book with this look on my face O_O Mostly because of the ending. I will not tell you what happens but, it makes Davin faint. I immediately messaged Mary Ting in hopes that there will be a book 4 because I don’t want to give these characters up. Soooo YES there is going to be a book 4!!! It’ won’t be out for a while but, I am satisfied that there will be more! I love this series and Mary Ting is awesome and so involved with her fans on facebook and twitter. It’s nice to see. I can’t wait for the fourth book! If you haven’t read this series yet you have to!!!! Now!

Opal by Jennifer Armentrout COVER REVEAL!!!

No one is like Daemon Black.

When he set out to prove his feelings for me, he wasn’t fooling around. Doubting him isn’t something I’ll do again, and now that we’ve made it through the rough patches, well... There’s a lot of spontaneous combustion going on.

But even he can’t protect his family from the danger of trying to free those they love.

After everything, I’m no longer the same Katy. I’m different... And I’m not sure what that will mean in the end. When each step we take in discovering the truth puts us in the path of the secret organization responsible for torturing and testing hybrids, the more I realize there is no end to what I’m capable of. The death of someone close still lingers, help comes from the most unlikely source, and friends will become the deadliest of enemies, but we won’t turn back. Even if the outcome will shatter our worlds forever.

Together we’re stronger... and they know it.

Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Follow this link to an ~~~ EPIC CONTEST ~~~ Announcement. You will want to bookmark this page!

http://jenniferarmentrout.blogspot.com/p/october-1-2012.html

USA TODAY Bestselling author, Jennifer L. Armentrout, lives in Martinsburg, West Virginia. All the rumors you’ve heard about her state aren’t true. When she’s not hard at work writing, 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 dreams 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 also writes adult romance under the name J. Lynn.

Find Jennifer on: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website | Blog

Wishlist Wednesday #16

Wishlist Wednesday is a weekly post put on by Dani at the Pen to Paper blog. Where you post a book you really really want to read or one that has been on your wishlist! If you've seen my to-read list on Goodreads then you know there are plenty that I could use. So I decided to use this feature every Wednesday.

Title: Crash (Visions #1)
Author: Lisa McMann
Release Date: January 8, 2013
Series Number: 1

Goodreads Summary:

If what you see is what you get, Jules is in serious trouble. The suspenseful first of four books from the New York Times bestselling author of the Wake trilogy.

Jules lives with her family above their restaurant, which means she smells like pizza most of the time and drives their double-meatball-shaped food truck to school. It’s not a recipe for popularity, but she can handle that.

What she can’t handle is the vision. Over and over, Jules sees a careening truck hit a building and explode... and nine body bags in the snow.

She has no idea why this is happening to her or if she’s going crazy. It hardly matters, because the visions are everywhere--on billboards, television screens, windows--and she’s the only one who can see them.

But it’s not until the vision starts coming more frequently, and revealing more clues, that Jules knows what she has to do. Because now she can see the face in one of the body bags, and it's someone she knows. Someone she’s been in love with for as long as she can remember.

In this riveting start to a gripping series from New York Times bestselling author Lisa McMann, Jules has to act—and act fast—to keep her vision from becoming reality

My Thoughts:
I have been a fan of Lisa McMann since I read the Wake series. She has a unique way of making stories enjoyable and a little scary at the same time. I have read a majority of her books and have liked them all. They all have a way of ending in a way I NEVER see coming! That's why I love her books. They are unique, don't always have happy endings, and keep you on the edge of your seat through them. If you haven't read any of them I would recommend the Wake series, Dead to You, and Cryers Cross. They were all good!

Cursed Release Day Blitz!!

Today we celebrate the official release day of Cursed by Jennifer Armentrout!! Woohoo! This book was written in 2008/2009 so that is about 4 years in the making! I had been waiting for this one for a while. The story line was so unique and Jennifer's writing is so good that I knew this book would be amazing. I was right!! It was sooo good! Spencer Hill Press decided to do a little thing called Cursed Release Day Blitz to celebrate Cursed.

So you can just about imagine how excited I was to see my book from Amazon in the mail weeks before it was actually released!! No idea how stuff like that happens. Anyway my reaction was about like this:

Yup, I know. I'm sure many of you other readers have had situations like this! After I recovered and began reading Cursed I couldn't put it down. Spencer Hill gave us a few ideas for what to do as a post and I decided to talk a little bit about which character I related to the most while reading. So which character was it you may ask?? 

EMBER!!

(I know terrible joke!)

Ember has lived a hard life. Not only is she left with scars on her body from the accident but, she has to live with the touch of death...literally. With a mother who's present but, not really there and a sister with a special gift. She was tormented at school. People made fun of her all the time and she really only had one friend. I guess this is where I related to her the most. High school for me was not fun. I got made fun of by complete strangers. People I had never even talked to. Even my best friends "turned on me" if you will. This eventually happens to Ember. Although not quite like it  did with me. I always felt like I didn't really have anyone I could trust and that sucks. Ember goes through these same situations and I actually cried a few times while reading because it opened up old wounds. Grant it I don't have the touch of death but, she suffered in silence just as I did. She put on a brave face even when she was hurting inside. I think everyone has been through something like this and  therefore most people will be able to relate well to Ember. The character is so well written that you feel connected to her. I think a lot of people who read or have read Cursed will relate to Ember.

Ok, ok enough with my sad story. The story isn't all sad! But, parts of it may leave you a tad emotional. As any great book will. If you want to leave a comment feel free! If you have read Cursed already which character did you relate to the most? If you haven't read it yet what are you looking forward to the most?

Goodreads Summary:

Dying sucks-- and high school senior Ember McWilliams knows firsthand. After a fatal car accident, her gifted little sister brought her back. Now anything Ember touches dies. And that, well, really blows.

Ember operates on a no-touch policy with all living things--including boys. When Hayden Cromwell shows up, quoting Oscar Wilde and claiming her curse is a gift, she thinks he's a crazed cutie. But when he tells her he can help control it, she's more than interested. There's just one catch: Ember has to trust Hayden's adopted father, a man she's sure has sinister reasons for collecting children whose abilities even weird her out. 

However, she's willing to do anything to hold her sister's hand again. And hell, she'd also like to be able to kiss Hayden. Who wouldn't? But when Ember learns the accident that turned her into a freak may not have been an accident at all, she's not sure who to trust. Someone wanted her dead, and the closer she gets to the truth, the closer she is to losing not only her heart, but her life. For real this time.

My Review:
Cursed was yet another amazing book by Jennifer Armentrout. It was such a unique story. Ember's life changes from the moment she died. After the accident she is never the same. Her father died and she blames herself. Her mother is pretty much useless and her sister is to young to help. She struggles to be the sister, mom, and friend to Olivia. Olivia is super cute by the way. I thought it was cute that she brought her hamster back to life! Ember however, can't touch anyone. She can'g hug, kiss, hold hands, or be comforted when she is sad. High school sucks for her. The only good thing is her friend Adam. He is kind of her rock. Little does she know her life is about to change when she meets Hayden!

Hayden is a pretty awesome guy. Other then the fact that him and his father kind of kidnap Ember and her family and take them to a house for people with "special" abilities. It reminded me a lot of the X-Men and the Xavier school for gifted youngsters just smaller. I didn't really like the other kids there except for Gabe and Hayden. The rest were pretty much plain mean and didn't try to understand Ember. Hayden is the only one willing to work with Ember to try to control her ability. Everyone else is more concerned with Olivia and her gift. It's not an easy go for her. She has to work really hard and try not to kill Hayden in the process and Hayden has to try not to kill Ember. There gifts is are kind of compliments but, in a weird way. You will understand when you read it. Eventually they get to kiss WOOHOO!! I had high hopes! With all this going on someone is tormenting her at school putting nasty stuff in her locker! There are quite a few twists in the book. I had theories about who was trying tormenting Ember but, I was wrong on all of them haha. Jennifer is good at that, always keeps you wondering.

This isn't the typical book by Jennifer Armentrout. It isn't the insta love or love triangle and it takes a while for Hayden to break. I still loved it! I wish it wasn't a stand a lone because I think it would make a good series! 

Cover Reveal of Down to You by M. Leghton

Down to You

The scorching tale of one girl, two brothers and a love triangle…that’s not.

Olivia Townsend is nothing special.  She’s just a girl working her way through college so she can return home to help her father run his business.  She’s determined not to be the second woman in his life to abandon him, even if it means putting her own life on hold. To Olivia, it’s clear what she must do. Plain and simple.  Black and white.

But clear becomes complicated when she meets Cash and Nash Davenport.  They’re brothers.  Twins.

Cash is everything she’s always wanted in a guy.  He’s a dangerous, sexy bad boy who wants her in his bed at any cost.  He turns her insides to mush and, with just one kiss, makes her forget why he’s no good for her.

Nash is everything she’s ever needed in a guy.  He’s successful, responsible and intensely passionate.  But he’s taken.  Very taken, by none other than Marissa, Liv’s rich, beautiful cousin.  That doesn’t stop Olivia from melting every time he looks at her, though.  With just one touch, he makes her forget why they can never be together. 

Black and white turns to shades of gray when Olivia discovers the boys are hiding something, something that should make her run as far and as fast as she can.  But it’s too late to run.  Olivia’s already involved.  And in love.  With both of them. 

Both brothers make her heart tremble.  Both brothers set her body on fire.  

She wants them both.

And they want her.

How will she ever choose between them?

To see Olivia's POV which takes place right before Cash's into this excerpt click HERE!

Excerpt from Cash's POV: Meeting Olivia 

Damn, she’s beautiful!

Between this girl’s black hair, her bright probably-green eyes, her banging little body and the way she seems a tiny bit shy, I’m wishing we were alone in this room together.

Her smile doesn’t leave her lips as she runs her hands around my waist, untucking my shirt.  When it’s free, she starts to pull it up.

But then she pauses.  For a split second, I see her hesitate.  She’s trying not to show that she’s unsure of herself, of what she’s doing.

I stare down into those liquid eyes.  I don’t want her to stop.  I want to feel her hands on my skin.  So I taunt her, hoping to feed the feline that I’d be willing to bet is buried somewhere down deep.  

“Oh, come on.  Is that all you got?” I whisper.

Her eyes bore into mine and I hold my breath, waiting to see which side will win.  In fascination, I watch as the balance of power shifts and the change is reflected in her eyes.  They get a little brighter, a little feistier.  I’ve never actually seen someone muster courage.  Determination.  Something in this girl refuses to give in, to back down.  She’s rising to the challenge.  And it’s hot as hell.  

She keeps her eyes on mine as she starts to pull up my shirt.  She leans in closer and I get a whiff of her perfume.  It’s sweet and a little musky.  Sexy.  Just like her.

She has to plaster her body to mine and stretch up on her tiptoes to get my shirt over my head.  I can feel her breasts pushing against my chest.  I could make the task easier for her.  But I don’t.  I like the feel of her rubbing against me.  There’s no way I’m ruining that.

Once she has my shirt off, she backs up and looks me over. She’s shy about it.  That much is obvious.  It’s like she wants to look, but she’s a little embarrassed to, which actually makes it more of a turn on for some reason.  I’m sure every other eye in the room is watching me, watching us, but hers are the only ones I can feel.  They’re like tongues of fire, licking my skin.  They’re searing and tangible.  Or at least they feel that way to me.

I take a deep breath and her eyes drop to my stomach.  Then they flicker down a little further.  She stares longer than she should, but not nearly as long as I want her to.  I start to get hard.  

Her eyes widen and her lips fall open just enough for her tongue to sneak out and wet them.  I have to grit my teeth to keep from pulling her to me and kissing that lush little mouth of hers.

Light pours into the room. It’s just enough to break the spell.  

M. Leighton is a native of Ohio, but she relocated to the warmer climates of the South, where she can be near the water all summer and miss the snow all winter. Possessed of an overactive imagination from early in her childhood, Michelle finally found an acceptable outlet for her fantastical visions: writing fiction. Twelve of Michelle's novels can now be found on Amazon, as well as several other sites. She's currently working on sequels, though her mind continues to churn out new ideas, exciting plots and quirky characters. Pick one up and enjoy a wild ride through the twists and turns of her vivid imagination. 

Blog Link | Twitter Link | Facebook Page Link | Amazon Link

Wishlist Wednesday #15

Wishlist Wednesday is a weekly post put on by Dani at the Pen to Paper blog. Where you post a book you really really want to read or one that has been on your wishlist! If you've seen my to-read list on Goodreads then you know there are plenty that I could use. So I decided to use this feature every Wednesday.

Title: Catalyst (Vampire Apocalypse)
Author: H.M. Ward
Release Date: September 2012
Series Number: 2

Goodreads Summary:
There isn't one yet! So I will put up my review of book 1 Bane. 

Bane Review:

Bane kind of took me by surprise. It was completely different from any kind of vampire story I have ever read. The whole concept of the apocalypse is awesome then you throw in vampires and it makes it an even more amazing story. Kahli is probably one of my favorite female characters. She's strong and independent and can definitely survive on her own. She has a will to survive like no one I have ever read about. The concept of the Bane was really unique too. I would love to learn more about them!


Will is a very interesting character. He has a lot of secrets that young man. I am really curious to see what is going to happen with him. I have a few theories but, this book was unpredictable so I could be completely wrong! I also really enjoyed Cassie. She was a high spirited person and it was nice in such a dark place for humans.


This was probably one of my favorite books of this year so far. It was unique and I really liked that. It kept me on the edge of my seat and also left enough secrets to make the next book a MUST READ! So many questions left unanswered. Waiting to see what will happen next will be hard for me! So pick this one up people it looks like a very promising start to a new series!

My Thoughts:
Well if you haven't seen my blog lately. I am a huge fan of H.M. Ward/Ella Steele's writing. I will read any of it at this point! The woman has talent! Writing from YA to Erotic Romance. They are all good. The Vampire Apocalypse series is amazing! If you couldn't tell from my review I loved it! If you like vampire books you should pick up this series. It is a unique take on the vampires and involves the apocalypse so how could it be bad!?!