Stacking the Shelves

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. It is hosted by Tynga's Reviews. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

ARC's

Goodreads Summary:
Kellan Boyd always gets what he wants—except that one infuriating city girl who bumped into his new chick magnet sports car, dared to call him a jerk, and basically threw his pity check in his face.

Fast forward three months later. When Ava Cross suddenly knocks on his door in the middle of a storm, soaking wet and in dire need of help, he’s determined to settle old scores and finally get her between the sheets where she belongs.

Ava knows Kellan is a complex man with a dark past and a wild reputation he can’t deny. Forced to stay, Ava begins a desperate search for the truth about the one man she wants to despise and quickly discovers that the passion she feels for him isn’t just deep…it’s dangerous to her heart.

Kellan is a beautiful distraction. When the traps of her own weakness stand in the way, Ava is faced with one choice only: peel off the layers of a man who is a wild cowboy at heart.


Author’s note – Beautiful Distraction is a full-length standalone novel with no cliffhanger. Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

Purchased

Goodreads Summary:
Lou Clark knows lots of things. She knows how many footsteps there are between the bus stop and home. She knows she likes working in The Buttered Bun tea shop and she knows she might not love her boyfriend Patrick.

What Lou doesn't know is she's about to lose her job or that knowing what's coming is what keeps her sane.

Will Traynor knows his motorcycle accident took away his desire to live. He knows everything feels very small and rather joyless now and he knows exactly how he's going to put a stop to that.


What Will doesn't know is that Lou is about to burst into his world in a riot of colour. And neither of them knows they're going to change the other for all time.

Goodreads Summary:
Adrian sul’Han, known as Ash, is a trained healer with a powerful gift of magic—and a thirst for revenge. Ash is forced into hiding after a series of murders throws the queendom into chaos. Now Ash is closer than he’s ever been to killing the man responsible, the cruel king of Arden. As a healer, can Ash use his powers not to save a life but to take it?

Abandoned at birth, Jenna Bandelow was told that the mysterious magemark on the back of her neck would make her a target. But when the King’s Guard launches a relentless search for a girl with a mark like hers, Jenna assumes that it has more to do with her role as a saboteur than any birth-based curse. Though Jenna doesn’t know why she’s being hunted, she knows that she can’t get caught.

Eventually, Ash’s and Jenna’s paths will collide in Arden. Thrown together by chance and joined by their hatred of the king, they will come to rescue each other in ways they cannot yet imagine.


Set in the world of the acclaimed Seven Realms series a generation later, this is a thrilling story of dark magic, chilling threats, and two unforgettable characters walking a knife-sharp line between life and death.

Goodreads Summary:
Cassie O’Malley has been trying to keep her head above water—literally and metaphorically—since birth. It’s been two and a half years since Cassie’s mother dumped her in a mental institution against her will, and now, at eighteen, Cassie is finally able to reclaim her life and enter the world on her own terms.

But freedom is a poor match against a lifetime of psychological damage. As Cassie plumbs the depths of her new surroundings, the startling truths she uncovers about her own family narrative make it impossible to cut the tethers of a tumultuous past. And when the unhealthy mother-daughter relationship that defined Cassie’s childhood and adolescence threatens to pull her under once again, Cassie must decide: whose version of history is real? And more important, whose life must she save?


A bold, literary story about the fragile complexities of mothers and daughters and learning to love oneself, The First Time She Drowned reminds us that we must dive deep into our pasts if we are ever to move forward.

ARC Review of Beautiful Distraction

Goodreads Summary:
Kellan Boyd always gets what he wants—except that one infuriating city girl who bumped into his new chick magnet sports car, dared to call him a jerk, and basically threw his pity check in his face.

Fast forward three months later. When Ava Cross suddenly knocks on his door in the middle of a storm, soaking wet and in dire need of help, he’s determined to settle old scores and finally get her between the sheets where she belongs.

Ava knows Kellan is a complex man with a dark past and a wild reputation he can’t deny. Forced to stay, Ava begins a desperate search for the truth about the one man she wants to despise and quickly discovers that the passion she feels for him isn’t just deep…it’s dangerous to her heart.

Kellan is a beautiful distraction. When the traps of her own weakness stand in the way, Ava is faced with one choice only: peel off the layers of a man who is a wild cowboy at heart.


Author’s note – Beautiful Distraction is a full-length standalone novel with no cliffhanger. Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18. 

My Review:
I knew from page 1 that I was going to like this book. The tension between Kellan and Ava is evident from their first meeting. You gotta love the intense first encounters. We then fast forward a few months and Ava and her friend are on their way to a concert in Montana. Unfortunatly for them, they get caught in a terrible storm. Ava leaves the car to try to find help and the house she finds is none other then Kellan's. They one man she never wanted to see again. I was torn right away about Kellan. I couldn't tell if he was a nice guy or not. It seems that these two are destined to come together like a severe thunderstorm. There are secrets brewing. Things that could ruin everything. Will they survive this or will the storm destroy them? 

I went back and forth with Kellan. Sometimes I loved him. Like he melted me. Other times I wanted to smack him. I guess that is the making of a great character. I feel like I got emotional whiplash from these characters! Kellan is convinced he will get Ava to sleep with him. I think he was a little unprepared to get such a fight from her. She obviously finds the guy attractive and wants him. I am glad she didn't just give in and sleep with him. The chase and tension was what made the story so enjoyable. I was excited for when it actually happened though. It was bound to be an intense crazy experience!

J.C. Reed has managed to blow my mind yet again with her awesome writing. This quickly became one of my favorite books from her. Be sure to go get your own copy!

iBooks | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Amazon

ARC Review of Brave Enough by M. Leighton

Goodreads Summary:
Is she brave enough to give her heart to a man she only thought she knew? 

He was the most charismatic man I’d ever met. Strong, tough, brave. Bold as hell. Something told me Tag Barton could have anything—anyone—he wanted...and he wanted me. It didn’t matter that he was wrong for me in practically every way possible. It didn’t matter that my father would hate it. 

I couldn’t resist him. Even if I’d known who he really was and what he was really capable of.

When he suggested we pretend to be engaged, I thought he was the answer to all my problems. He wasn’t. And, in his wake, he left nothing but scorched earth and me, just another casualty of my father’s war.


Can I believe him now when he tells me he loves me?  Or is he nothing more than a beautiful, breathtaking lie?

My Review:
Can I just say, who doesn't want to fall in love in a Vineyard?! Weatherly needs an escape from her life. She fees like she has little control over it. So she goes to her families vineyard to get away. What she doesn't expect to find is a distraction. A very hot and willing distraction. Tag has been working on the Vineyard forever with his mom. His mom isn't doing very well so he has taken on more. They both kind of fall into each other hard and fast. They both need an escape and they find that in one another. Will these two survive as feelings start to spark and secrets begin to unravel?

These two have some pretty hot moments. Right away, from the first time Tag laid his eyes on Weatherly in the bath tub he was forever changed. I mean how romantic does could it get?! I now have a fantasy that involves a vineyard around dusk. Seriously, what a romantic place. These two do a pretty dang good job of distracting each other. Unfortunately life always catches up with you. Which is also usually a bad thing.  I so desperately wanted Weatherly to take control of her situation. To tell her Dad what she wanted and that she was going to do it with or without him. 

This is a fun quick read. You will be sucked in immediately with the love between Tag and Weatherly. It is also swoon worthy so you better hold on to your undies or you may lose them!

ARC Review of Flamecaster by Cinda Williams Chima

Goodreads Summary:
Adrian sul’Han, known as Ash, is a trained healer with a powerful gift of magic—and a thirst for revenge. Ash is forced into hiding after a series of murders throws the queendom into chaos. Now Ash is closer than he’s ever been to killing the man responsible, the cruel king of Arden. As a healer, can Ash use his powers not to save a life but to take it? 

Abandoned at birth, Jenna Bandelow was told that the mysterious magemark on the back of her neck would make her a target. But when the King’s Guard launches a relentless search for a girl with a mark like hers, Jenna assumes that it has more to do with her role as a saboteur than any birth-based curse. Though Jenna doesn’t know why she’s being hunted, she knows that she can’t get caught.

Eventually, Ash’s and Jenna’s paths will collide in Arden. Thrown together by chance and joined by their hatred of the king, they will come to rescue each other in ways they cannot yet imagine.


Set in the world of the acclaimed Seven Realms series a generation later, this is a thrilling story of dark magic, chilling threats, and two unforgettable characters walking a knife-sharp line between life and death. 

My Review:
I have never read anything from this author before. I am probably going to read the previous books now after finishing this one. I really fell into this world. After the first few chapters I was so into it I didn't want to put it down. I do feel like I missed out a little bit having not read the previous series but, I loved Ash and Jenna. They were great characters and written very well. This world has woven in magic, relationships and fantasy all in one. It was a wild ride. Will they survive their journey?

I really enjoyed Ash and Jenna. Their moments together were very interesting. There was a little big of romance in this book but, not a lot. I found myself distracted by the world and everything going on around them. Still they were very interesting characters. There were lots of other characters too that I enjoyed. Like I said I hadn't read the previous series so I am not sure if some from the other books made appearances.

This book was such a roller-coaster ride. So much going on all the time. So many different aspects of fantasy that I was simply soaking up every page. I could truly envision the world as I was reading. The last few chapters were intense. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I obviously have some reading to do before then with the previous series! 

ARC Review of Stripped 2 by H.M. Ward

Goodreads Summary:
There are some relationships that destroy your faith in people. They make you jaded and hard, irrevocably changing you forever. I wish I could say that I hate her, I wish I could walk away and never look back, but I can't... I have to save her. 


The woman who stole my heart and crushed it in her hand disappeared from my life 3 years ago. So when I see her at a bachelor party, half naked, rolling around on the floor with another stripper, I'm shocked. I have to know what cracked Cassie Hale's picture perfect world that landed her in this hellhole, and I hope that I'm not so bitter that I can't help her escape. 






My Review:
YEEEESS!! Jon and Cassie! I love these two. They are one of my favorite Ferro couples. I have missed these two. The little glimpses we get of them in the other Ferro books are such a tease! This is such a great story. Jon and Cassie try so hard to not show their true feelings to each other. I mean it has to be obvious to everyone around them. They both have rocky pasts, including their past together. I honestly wanted to just yell at them to get over it already and love each other!! We finally get more of Cassies story and let me tell you, it is heartbreaking. These two are both the perfect kind of damaged for each other. Will they be able to get over their pasts and let true love win?

I love these two. Seriously. They are so down to earth and dealing with real world issues. They are so obviously perfect for each other. I understand why they are keeping their distance but, they deserve to be happy and I have no idea why they can't see that! So frustrating! These Ferro's will be the death of me, I swear! Jon is not just the playboy everyone thinks. He is actually a pretty decent guy. They also have some pretty sweet moments too. 

I am seriously in love with the Ferro family. Jon is still my favorite one by far. I am so glad we got another book of these two. Honestly I would like another one. I loved seeing them in the other books. We also get to see some of my other favorite characters. This is a must read guys!!

ARC Review of Golden by Melissa de la Cruz and Michael Johnston

Goodreads Summary:
In this epic conclusion to the trilogy, Nat and Wes go on a journey to find the Rift, save the source of magic and defeat the Drau, the pirates, and the RSA—but at a great sacrifice. Wes is dying, and as he's rotting the Drau will let the rot "cleanse" the source of magic, dooming Wes forever. Nat and Wes discover that the source of the magic lies in the Drakon—the key to the Blue, the protector, the soul of the world. But in order to close the Rift, a great sacrifice is needed. Nat must decide to sacrifice her beloved drakon in order to save the world, and to save Wes. In the words of the sylphs, death is life, and now the worlds can be reborn again. 





My Review:
Oh goodness, where to start. This book went in so many directions. I really enjoyed the finale of this series. Nat and Wes have had one heck of a journey so far. It only gets more intense in this book. They have a short amount of time to do it or the world as they know it will end. Wes is not doing well and Nat does not have her Drakon. Between them and their group of allies they must venture into a secret land in hopes to retrieve another drakon. They must rely on each other to make it through this. Sadly not everyone will survive. The war is coming at them head on. Will Nat be able to make the ultimate sacrifice to save her world?

I loved the secondary characters. Wes's group is still together and fighting for them. They are willing to die for each other. They understand the importance of their mission.

Nat and Wes's relationship really takes on a whole new life in this one. They finally realize how much they mean to each other. They truly love each other and rely on each other a lot. They can't make it without each other. They obviously don't have to much time for romance given the fact that a war is waging around them. They do have some sweet moments though. My heart did break for them a couple times given the situation. Nat had to grow a lot to try to accomplish what she needed too. Her willingness to sacrifice was beautiful. 

This book had so many twists and turns. I was on my edge the entire time. Right up until the end. It was a very interesting ending. One that I did not see coming at all. Now is the time to pick this series up if you haven't yet!

ARC Review of Rushing the Goal by Toni Aleo

Goodreads Summary:
Lucy Sinclair was no stranger to pain.

She grew up with three younger brothers, met a bad boy, got pregnant by him, married him, and then suffered through a nasty divorce from him. Pain. That was pain. To top it off, she even had to go through the heartbreaking divorce of her parents. Through it all, she survived. All she cared about was making sure her daughter was happy and taken care of. Despite an ex-husband hell-bent on ruining her life, she fought to overcome. She’s gotten to the point that she’s okay with being just okay. She never cared about herself because she never had the time. It was Angie and only Angie she focused on, but that all changed when Benji Paxton offered to help her daughter on the ice.

Benji knew the moment he saw Lucy, he’d never be the same. Especially when she came with the bundle of crazy that was her daughter. His heart wasn’t ready for them. After years spent sobering up and finding who he was without the alcohol, he never forgot he was being punished for not appreciating the love he had when he was younger. Because of his past, he had gotten used to being alone, a recluse, but even he had to admit it was getting old. He was lonely. Hockey wasn’t enough anymore. He wanted a family; he wanted his true love.

And Lucy and Angie were just that.

They were just two lost souls.

Floating through life with no purpose.

But finding each other gave them direction, a chance at a future.

And had them both Rushing the Goal to be together.

My Review:
I was so excited for Lucy's story. We get to see a glimpse of her life in the Bellevue Bullies Series and I couldn't wait for her story. She has not had it easy. Her life was full of downs. She got pregnant at a young age and married the Father. Who turned out to be a complete ass. This lead to a divorce and a messy parenting plan for her daughter Angie. This whole situation has left Lucy a broken and bitter person. She cares for her family and daughter. She pours everything she has into them. She no longer trusts men and believes she is happy but, everyone can see that she is hurting. Even complete strangers like Benji. Benji has his own issues that have left him broken. He does not think he will ever love again despite trying to find someone. Can these to broken people help each other pick up the pieces of themselves? Will they find love again? 

I very much loved Benji. What a beautiful person. His life has changed him and for the better. It is unfortunate how it happened though. My heart broke for him. I can not imagine the pain he was in for such a long time. To have no one to support you. No wonder he is a bit awkward. Which I loved by the way. The Assassin's are the only family he has and he loves being part of the team. Lucky for him Lucy's brother is also on the team! Woohoo! I was mad at Lucy for being so cold for a while. I do understand it now but, I so desperately wanted her to open up to him. To let him heal her. They had obvious chemistry. I mean it's been a while for both of them, since they you know...did it! So things are hot and fast. These two are on the craziest rollercoaster ever. 

I love the Sinclair family. Seriously, they are awesome. The way the boys bicker back and forth with Lucy. It is simply awesome. They are all so close even though they fight like cats and dogs. They have each others backs, always. Especially when things with Lucy's ex get heated. By heated I mean serious issues. Angie is such a sweet girl. It is easy to see how Benji falls in love with both of them. I can say that Rick is the lowest of scum. The piece of crap man who is a piece of crap! 

I loved this book. The Assassin series just keeps getting better and better. I love that they have strong female characters and battles we all deal with. I can not wait for the next book!

Stacking the Shelves

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. It is hosted by Tynga's Reviews. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

ARC's

Goodreads Summary:
The action-packed finale to the Heart of Dread series


In this epic conclusion to the trilogy, Nat and Wes go on a journey to find the Rift, save the source of magic and defeat the Drau, the pirates, and the RSA—but at a great sacrifice. Wes is dying, and as he's rotting the Drau will let the rot "cleanse" the source of magic, dooming Wes forever. Nat and Wes discover that the source of the magic lies in the Drakon—the key to the Blue, the protector, the soul of the world. But in order to close the Rift, a great sacrifice is needed. Nat must decide to sacrifice her beloved drakon in order to save the world, and to save Wes. In the words of the sylphs, death is life, and now the worlds can be reborn again.

Goodreads Summary:
Wingman rule number one: don’t fall for a client.

After a career-ending accident, former NFL recruit Ian Hunter is back on campus—and he’s ready to get his new game on. As one of the masterminds behind Wingmen, Inc., a successful and secretive word-of-mouth dating service, he’s putting his extensive skills with women to work for the lovelorn. But when Blake Olson requests the services of Wingmen, Inc., Ian may have landed his most hopeless client yet.


From her frumpy athletic gear to her unfortunate choice of footwear, Blake is going to need a miracle if she wants to land her crush. At least with a professional matchmaker by her side she has a fighting chance. Ian knows that his advice and a makeover can turn Blake into another successful match. But as Blake begins the transformation from hot mess to smokin’ hot, Ian realizes he’s in danger of breaking his cardinal rule.…

Goodreads Summary:
There are some relationships that destroy your faith in people. They make you jaded and hard, irrevocably changing you forever. I wish I could say that I hate her, I wish I could walk away and never look back, but I can't... I have to save her.


The woman who stole my heart and crushed it in her hand disappeared from my life 3 years ago. So when I see her at a bachelor party, half naked, rolling around on the floor with another stripper, I'm shocked. I have to know what cracked Cassie Hale's picture perfect world that landed her in this hellhole, and I hope that I'm not so bitter that I can't help her escape.

Purchased

Goodreads Summary:

(Spin-off to Crossroads Saga) - Read Prequel - The Angel Knights - first **Can be read as stand-alone

When teens go missing in Hawaii, a group of demon-hunters—half human and half angel—disguised as high school students, must leave Crossroads, the place where they reside. In a race against time, they uncover the mystery connecting the missing teens, which dates back to the era of the Knights Templar. However, when they discover one of the Templars passed down a book containing all the secrets and codes to finding a particular treasure, they soon realize this forbidden treasure needs to be found before Cyrus, the lord of the possessor demons, acquires it—a treasure which been safeguarded and hidden from him.

There is only one problem: the pages containing the clues leading to the treasure is missing. When the first page is found, Cyrus threatens to kill more descendants of the Knights Templar if it is not given to him by Friday the thirteenth. In the midst of threats and discovery, the demon-hunting angels find they are not alone when supernatural beings begin to reveal themselves. Can they put their differences aside and work together to solve the Knights Templars’ cipher? As they astral travel to the past, they witness a lot more than they have bargained for. And some things are better left unseen. 

Goodreads Summary:

(Spin-Off to Crossroads Saga - Prequel to The Chosen Knights release 3/22/16) Can be read as stand-alone

Michael and Claudia’s decision to move back to Crossroads was to keep their children safe, but they can’t escape who they are. Their children, Zachary and Lucia, were destined to be demon hunters—Venators. From the age they were able to hold a sword, they were trained to become the best and to ensure they would become leaders one day. 

All is peaceful throughout the land until the Fallen and demons’ presences were felt in the between and on Earth. As the Venators investigate these locations, they will quickly learn how dangerous their lives are. Hearts will be broken. Teammates will lose their lives. And they will face obstacles which will test their faith. 

As danger grows, the fear of fallen angels and demons regrouping has the Divine Elders on pins and needles. Now, Zachary and Lucia, along with Uncle Davin, must prepare themselves—mentally and physically—to live on Earth to investigate where the focal point of evil resides before it’s too late.

Waiting on Wednesday

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

Title: Dreamers Often Lie
Author: Jacqueline West
Series Number: 1
Release Date: April 5, 2016

Goodreads Summary:
Jaye wakes up from a skiing accident with a fractured skull, a blinding headache, and her grip on reality sliding into delusion. Determined to get back to her starring role in the school production of A Midsummer Night's Dream, Jaye lies to her sister, her mom, her doctors. She's fine, she says. She's fine. If anyone knew the truth - that hallucinations of Shakespeare and his characters have followed her from her hospital bed to the high school halls - it would all be over. She’s almost managing to pull off the act when Romeo shows up in her anatomy class. And it turns out that he's 100% real. Suddenly Jaye has to choose between lying to everyone else and lying to herself.

Troubled by the magnetic new kid, a long-lost friend turned recent love interest, and the darkest parts of her family's past, Jaye’s life tangles with Shakespeare's most famous plays until she can't tell where truth ends and pretending begins. Soon, secret meetings and dizzying first kisses give way to more dangerous things. How much is real, how much is in Jaye's head, and how much does it matter as she flies toward a fate over which she seems to have no control?

My Thoughts:
OMG look at that cover. Chilling right!? They synopsis is right up my alley and I can't wait to get my hands on this one.

ARC Review of Last Heartbreak by H.M. Ward and Melanie Bussière

Goodreads Summary:
When a hot guy with blazing blue eyes and a sexy smirk saves my ass and covers up my sins, I know I'm screwed. He's poor, and is probably morally deprived like every other ass I've attracted recently. 

I admit it. I'm a moron magnet. If the guy's a dick, then he sweeps me off my feet and promptly stabs me in the back. Billionaires are all the same. I've fallen for loser after loser, which earned me the classy reputation of being easy. I'm easy on the eyes, easy to bed. 

But no one knows the truth, no one knows the events that forced me into the ledge of that elite NYC hotel--no one except that strapped, hot waiter. 

Now I have to figure out if he's an ally or an enemy. I need a friend, a real one, and not some jerk who's after my money or my name. But If I make the wrong choice, it'll destroy me. 


The ledge high above the city was only the beginning. No one can help me now. I'm on my own.

My Review:
This book is not your typical H.M. Ward book. It was different and I loved it! Kienna is not a normal girl. She was born into a life of privilege. Most people would want this, would be lucky to have it. Kienna is not this person. Her parents are awful. I mean the worst. They have used her and abused her for her whole life. She is an object to further their wealth and nothing more. I felt for her so much. To live a life like that...I can't even imagine. What I can imagine is why she was up on that ledge. Lucky for her, her knight is shining armor needed a smoke right at that moment. Graham was orphaned at a young age. He thinks he can help Kienna to see her worth. How can you find love when you don't love yourself? Will Kienna learn that her life matters or will she live in this hell forever?

My favorite secondary character was Lori. She was awesome. Her nickname for Graham is the cutest thing ever. She is a great comic relief in a book with a lot of serious topics. She brings a light into Kienna's life that has been missing forever. 

I loved the relationship between Kienna and Graham. It is not the typical I want to hump your face lust that we usually get. I mean it's pretty obvious that these two are attracted to each other. It is more like a slow boil. Built on the most beautiful of friendships. Kienna needs a friend. A good friend. One that isn't going to use her or go after her money. Unfortunately for Kienna, Graham has secrets. Secrets that will mortify Kienna. It is so refreshing to read a book where people start as friends and build to more. 

This book involves a lot of series topics. Both physical and verbal abuse are in the forefront. It takes a very strong person to give up everything for the life they deserve. This is a must read people.  

Stacking the Shelves

Stacking The Shelves is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. It is hosted by Tynga's Reviews. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks!

ARC

Goodreads Summary:
Eden was always good at being good. Starting high school didn’t change who she was. But the night her brother’s best friend rapes her, Eden’s world capsizes.

What was once simple, is now complex. What Eden once loved—who she once loved—she now hates. What she thought she knew to be true, is now lies. Nothing makes sense anymore, and she knows she’s supposed to tell someone what happened but she can’t. So she buries it instead. And she buries the way she used to be.


Told in four parts—freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior year.

e-ARC's

Goodreads Summary:
Lucy Sinclair was no stranger to pain.

She grew up with three younger brothers, met a bad boy, got pregnant by him, married him, and then suffered through a nasty divorce from him. Pain. That was pain. To top it off, she even had to go through the heartbreaking divorce of her parents. Through it all, she survived. All she cared about was making sure her daughter was happy and taken care of. Despite an ex-husband hell-bent on ruining her life, she fought to overcome. She’s gotten to the point that she’s okay with being just okay. She never cared about herself because she never had the time. It was Angie and only Angie she focused on, but that all changed when Benji Paxton offered to help her daughter on the ice.

Benji knew the moment he saw Lucy, he’d never be the same. Especially when she came with the bundle of crazy that was her daughter. His heart wasn’t ready for them. After years spent sobering up and finding who he was without the alcohol, he never forgot he was being punished for not appreciating the love he had when he was younger. Because of his past, he had gotten used to being alone, a recluse, but even he had to admit it was getting old. He was lonely. Hockey wasn’t enough anymore. He wanted a family; he wanted his true love.

And Lucy and Angie were just that.

They were just two lost souls.

Floating through life with no purpose.

But finding each other gave them direction, a chance at a future.


And had them both Rushing the Goal to be together.

Goodreads Summary:
Is she brave enough to give her heart to a man she only thought she knew? 

He was the most charismatic man I’d ever met. Strong, tough, brave. Bold as hell. Something told me Tag Barton could have anything—anyone—he wanted...and he wanted me. It didn’t matter that he was wrong for me in practically every way possible. It didn’t matter that my father would hate it. 

I couldn’t resist him. Even if I’d known who he really was and what he was really capable of.

When he suggested we pretend to be engaged, I thought he was the answer to all my problems. He wasn’t. And, in his wake, he left nothing but scorched earth and me, just another casualty of my father’s war.


Can I believe him now when he tells me he loves me?  Or is he nothing more than a beautiful, breathtaking lie?

Purchased

Goodreads Summary:
The Shadowhunters of Los Angeles star in the first novel in Cassandra Clare’s newest series, The Dark Artifices, a sequel to the internationally bestselling Mortal Instruments series. Lady Midnight is a Shadowhunters novel.

It’s been five years since the events of City of Heavenly Fire that brought the Shadowhunters to the brink of oblivion. Emma Carstairs is no longer a child in mourning, but a young woman bent on discovering what killed her parents and avenging her losses.

Together with her parabatai Julian Blackthorn, Emma must learn to trust her head and her heart as she investigates a demonic plot that stretches across Los Angeles, from the Sunset Strip to the enchanted sea that pounds the beaches of Santa Monica. If only her heart didn’t lead her in treacherous directions…

Making things even more complicated, Julian’s brother Mark—who was captured by the faeries five years ago—has been returned as a bargaining chip. The faeries are desperate to find out who is murdering their kind—and they need the Shadowhunters’ help to do it. But time works differently in faerie, so Mark has barely aged and doesn’t recognize his family. Can he ever truly return to them? Will the faeries really allow it?


Glitz, glamours, and Shadowhunters abound in this heartrending opening to Cassandra Clare’s Dark Artifices series.

COVER REVEAL!!! The Angel Knights and The Chosen Knights by Mary Ting!!

Michael and Claudia’s decision to move back to Crossroads was to keep their children safe, but they can’t escape who they are. Their children, Zachary and Lucia, were destined to be demon hunters—Venators. From the age they were able to hold a sword, they were trained to become the best and to ensure they would become leaders one day.

All is peaceful throughout the land until the Fallen and demons’ presences were felt in the between and on Earth. As the Venators investigate these locations, they will quickly learn how dangerous their lives are. Hearts will be broken. Teammates will lose their lives. And they will face obstacles which will test their faith.

As danger grows, the fear of fallen angels and demons regrouping has the Divine Elders on pins and needles. Now, Zachary and Lucia, along with Uncle Davin, must prepare themselves—mentally and physically—to live on Earth to investigate where the focal point of evil resides before it’s too late.

When teens go missing in Hawaii, a group of demon-hunters—half human and half angel—disguised as high school students, must leave Crossroads, the place where they reside. In a race against time, they uncover the mystery connecting the missing teens, which dates back to the era of the Knights Templar.

However, when they discover one of the Templars passed down a book containing all the secrets and codes to finding a particular treasure, they soon realize this forbidden treasure needs to be found before Cyrus, the lord of the possessor demons, acquires it—a treasure which been safeguarded and hidden from him.

There is only one problem: the pages containing the clues leading to the treasure is missing. When the first page is found, Cyrus threatens to kill more descendants of the Knights Templar if it is not given to him by Friday the thirteenth. In the midst of threats and discovery, the demon-hunting angels find they are not alone when supernatural beings begin to reveal themselves. Can they put their differences aside and work together to solve the Knights Templars’ cipher? As they astral travel to the past, they witness a lot more than they have bargained for. And some things are better left unseen.

International Bestselling Author Mary Ting/M. Clarke resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children's chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.

Q&A and Giveaway for Pearl by Deirdre Riordan Hall!!

Happy Release Day to Pearl by Deirdre Riordan Hall!! I was lucky enough to get to do a Q&A with the author and a giveaway at the end of the post!!! So make sure to check out the post! 

PEARL

by Deirdre Riordan Hall

Deirdre Riordan Hall’s young adult fiction gets to the heart of universal issues that many readers can relate to, such as self-worth, body image, substance abuse, addiction and the need for acceptance from others. Her debut novel Sugar, about an obese girl who breaks free from her family’s emotional and physical cycle of abuse, Hypable called “one of those books that sneaks up and hits you in the gut with its powerful truth.”  

Now, Hall introduces a new compelling young heroine in PEARL (Skyscape: publication date: March 1, 2016: hardcover: $16.99 / paperback: $9.99), a novel that tackles thorny questions of identity, friendship, love, and the ties that bind — both the good and bad — one to family.  

Pearl Jaeger is caught in a trap of codependency with her mother JJ, a washed-up rock star who is hopelessly addicted to drugs and desperate to hold onto her last scraps of fame. Getting her latest fix is more important than providing a stable, healthy home for her smart and artistic teenage daughter, who has aspirations of a better life for herself — and for her mother. But when an abusive boyfriend sends JJ to a women’s shelter with Pearl in tow, it’s only a matter of time before she lands back in rehab or worse—and Pearl ends up alone on the streets. 

A way out for Pearl presents itself when her rich uncle offers to pay her tuition and expenses at an exclusive boarding school. But she soon discovers that her privileged classmates, who have no idea of her background, care more about breaking the rules than making the most of their opportunities, and she’s pulled into their maelstrom of underage drinking and drug use. Soon, she finds herself on the same tempting and dangerous path towards addiction that destroyed her mother’s life. Pearl looks to a budding romance with shy and sweet fellow student, Grant, for salvation, but even he can’t protect Pearl from her inner demons and a future she fears is inevitable. 

Pearl realizes that to avoid her mother’s fate, she has to end the cycle of recklessness and broken promises on her own terms—and find the strength to make peace with her troubled past and her mother’s legacy. Readers will discover that PEARL works as a modern-day fairy tale, in that it features a young woman who rescues herself not with the help of a prince, but with her own determination and strength of character. 

Deirdre Riordan Hall explains, “Through story-telling, my intention is to convey to girls and women, readers everywhere, that despite our experiences—however painful they may be—what we look like, and where we come from, we still have the choice to accept and celebrate ourselves. Even if we don’t directly relate to a character’s narrative, we, as people, share this crazy and joyous human experience, and can empathize by recognizing the threads that join us together.” 

~~~

__________________________________________________________________________

“This is an accurate depiction of addiction, peer pressure, and temptation from a teen’s perspective. VERDICT: A read for mature teens looking for realistic fiction dealing with the struggles of addiction, love, and identity.” —School Library Journal

“Hall writes with confidence as she delves ever deeper into her character's portrayal, just as Pearl tries to paint her own portrait… A character-driven book for readers who like their fare on the intense side.” —Kirkus Reviews

__________________________________________________________________________

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Deirdre Riordan Hall grew up in New England. During her teens, she traveled throughout the United States and Europe, developing a love for stories and a desire to connect with worlds—imagined or real—on the page. She has written Sugar and the Follow Your Bliss series. She now lives in Southern California. When not spending time with her family, writing, or traveling, Hall is at the beach, pretending to be a mermaid.

Q&A with Deirdre Riordan Hall!

1. You write about some pretty serious topics in your books. Do you do research prior to writing? Is it difficult to write about these topics sometimes?

The source of the content of my books comes from three places: it's part personal experience, part observation or things borrowed from the lives of others and reimagined through a fictional lens, and it's part research and my imagination.

It can be incredibly difficult to write about some of the topics, but what's worse, is people living alone and isolated in their truths. It's my hope to push through the darkness and bring some light into all our lives.

2. What is your writing process? Do you outline or jump right in?

Each book is different (and I have twenty complete manuscripts under my belt now). Usually I outline. For fantasy, it's often a sizable document. The longest outline to date was 30,000 words (and the books average around 95,000). But I recently (for fun mostly) "pantsed" it. When I go to revise, I'll let you know if it was successful.

3. What do you do to get past writers block? 

I'm always hesitant to answer this question because I'm afraid I'll jinx myself, but maybe the better way for me to look at it is sometimes I get "stuck" and have a tough time getting around a situation or scene. For the most part I'm very, very lucky in that my ideas for books, characters, and themes are plentiful (whether they're any good is another question entirely). If I am stuck though, I often shift gears and work on something else for a while, procrastinate on social media, or just get my butt out of the chair and do something completely different. Often movement (like a walk or dance break!) helps.

4. How do you choose your characters names? Some have been unique thus far. 

In all honesty, the main characters names are often born pretty quickly, when the idea for the novel is taking form. But secondary or ancillary characters? Forget it! I'll be so hung up on a name or change a name five times. Then I'll forget what their new name is. It's the worst. The other tricky thing about naming is being careful not to use the names of people I know or reuse names. If your name is in one of my books, it's not personal! Unless it's an awesome character ;-)

5. Are there any authors that have or do inspire you to write? If so who and why? 

There are so many. All the authors! Anyone dedicated to seeing a story, character, or theme through until the end. But among my absolute favorites are: J.K Rowling because she creates worlds like nobody's business, but also Maggie Stiefvater, Jandy Nelson, Rainbow Rowell, Heather Demetrios, Leah Bardugo…I could go on and on!

6. Do you read much if you have spare time? If so, what genres and authors do you enjoy? What are you reading now?

I read every chance I get. In fact, I'm very guilty of losing sleep (and a lot of it!) over books. I mostly read YA contemporary and fantasy, but I'll also jump into new adult from time to time. Right now, I'm reading THIS RAGING LIGHT by Estelle Laure. It's beautiful!

7. Do you have any hobbies that you enjoy when you're not writing?

I have tons of hobbies and not enough time. I surf, practice yoga, have a salsa garden…and recently tried to pick up crocheting, but that was a big failure involving lots of knots.

8. Did you have any other jobs before you were an author?

I ran the gamut: waitress, barista, long time student if that counts, lactation counselor, yoga teacher…

9. I love the cover for Pearl. How did you go about choosing it? Were you part of the process?

Thank you! My amazing publishing team at Skyscape get full credit along with the designer, Shasti O'Leary Soudant. I got to chime in the early stages, but they were the genius behind it.

10. What inspired you to write Pearl?

I recently answered this in long form elsewhere, but the shortest answer I can give is I wrote PEARL for girls like me who grew  up in families with alcoholism and drug addiction, for people who feel alone and isolated, and for all of us to remember that our lives are ultimately our own stories to write.

Speed Round!

Favorite food? Chips and salsa!

Favorite candy? I'm allergic to sugar! (I know, sad.)

Favorite book? Ahhh!!! Today my favorite book is Six of Crows, by Leigh Bardugo, but it changes weekly.

Favorite season? Summer when I don't have to wear a wet suit to surf.

Coffee or no coffee? No coffee…I'm such a weirdo!

Favorite restaurant? Ooh… tough. I'll say family-style Mexican with homemade salsa and guacamole.

Manicure or pedicure? Pedicure for mermaid toes. I know, that doesn't really make sense, but they're the closest to scales that I can get ;-)

Visit deirdrehallriordan.com and follow her on Twitter: @DeirdreSpark.

PEARL: A Novel by Deirdre Riordan Hall

Skyscape | March 1, 2016 | Ages 14 and up

Price: $16.99 hardcover, $9.99 paperback, $5.99 eBook  

www.apub.com

GIVEAWAY TIME!!

Paperback copy of Pearl:

1. This giveaway is US only. You may choose either paperback or ebook. Whichever you desire.

2. Must be 13 or older to enter. Please have parents permission otherwise.

3. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.

4. I am not responsible for items lost or damaged in the mail.

a Rafflecopter giveaway