14 March, 2014

Book Tour Review: The Memory Witch (The Memory Witch #1) by Heather Topham Wood

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GoodReads Descriptions:

BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Ten years ago, Quinn Jacobs’ mother made a bargain with a local witch—steal away Quinn’s memories from the first eight years of her life and in return, Quinn would spend a year in servitude to the witch.

On Quinn’s eighteenth birthday, she’s forced to leave her home and friends behind. For the next year, she’ll live at the Chadwick House, learning everything she needs to know about being a spellcaster. As her powers grow, Quinn begins to unravel the secrets of the past and the reason her mother was so desperate to conceal the horrifying truth.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Heather Topham Wood’s obsession with novels began in childhood while growing up in a shore town in New Jersey. Writing since her teens, she recently returned to penning novels after a successful career as a freelance writer. She’s the author of the paranormal romance Second Sight series and the standalone The Disappearing Girl .

Heather graduated from the College of New Jersey in 2005 and holds a bachelor's degree in English. Her freelance work has appeared in publications such as USA Today, Livestrong.com, Outlook by the Bay and Step in Style magazine. She resides in Trenton, New Jersey with her husband and two sons. Besides writing, Heather is a pop culture fanatic and has an obsession with supernatural novels and TV shows.


Review:

Series: The Memory Witch #1
Release Date: December 15th 2013
Publisher: Crescent Moon Press
Purchase: Amazon
ISBN: 1939173612
Edition: Paperback
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review Written: 4 February, 2014

13 March, 2014

Review: Cinder (The Lunar Chronicles #1) by Marissa Meyer

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Goodreads Summary:

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. 

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.

Review:
Series: The Lunar Chronicles #1
Release Date: 3 January 2012
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Purchase: Amazon
Edition: Kindle
Rating: ★★★★☆
Review Written: 10 March, 2014

03 March, 2014

Book Blast: The Frost of Springtime by Rachel L. Demeter

The recent release of The Frost of Springtime, by debut author Rachel L. Demeter, transports readers to the war torn streets of nineteenth century Paris. Driven by paradoxical characters, steamy encounters, and a compelling storyline, it's a bittersweet tale of revolution, redemption, and the healing power of love. Described as "poignant," emotionally devastating,” and “beautiful," The Frost of Springtime is sure to please historical and romance readers alike. Available now in both eBook and paperback. Currently Amazon Prime members can read the Kindle edition for free!

The Frost of SpringtimePublication Date: February 14, 2014
Black Lyon Publishing
Formats: Paperback, Kindle eBook

Genre: Historical Romance/Historical Fiction

To rescue her was to rescue his own soul.

On a cold Parisian night, Vicomte Aleksender de Lefèvre forges an everlasting bond with a broken girl during her darkest hour, rescuing her from a life of abuse and misery. Tormented by his own demons, he finds his first bit of solace in sheltering little Sofia Rose.

But when Aleksender is drawn away by the Franco-Prussian war, the seasons pass. And in that long year, Sofia matures into a stunning young woman—a dancer with an understanding of devotion and redemption far surpassing her age.

Alongside his closest friend, Aleksender returns home to find that “home” is gone, replaced by revolution, bloodshed, betrayal—and a love always out of reach. Scarred inside and out, he’s thrust into a world of sensuality and violence—a world in which all his hours have now grown dark, and where only Sofia might bring an end to the winter in his heart.

Inspired by the 1871 Paris Commune, The Frost of Springtime is a poignant tale of revolution, redemption, and the healing power of love.

Read an Excerpt

The heat of their bodies mingled as one. With each breath, Aleksender drank in the sweet essence of his beloved ward. His mind swam with unorthodox visions and desires. He inclined his head, lost to the power of her nearness, entranced by everything that was Sofia.

“Alek, my Alek …”

Each word infused Aleksender with a delicious and undeniable warmth. Intoxicated by roses and wintertime, he found it difficult to speak, difficult to think. Breathless, he swallowed and met the haunting depths of her eyes.

“Please,” she dreamily murmured, “I want you to kiss me again…”

READ SAMPLE PROLOGUE & FIRST TWO CHAPTERS ON GOODREADS.

The Frost of Springtime

Watch the Book Trailer



Praise for The Frost of Springtime


“I am astonished at this being Rachel L. Demeter’s debut work, for in form and style, it is very much a tour de force. A riveting story of love and courage in the aftermath of a brutal war, the author brilliantly juxtaposes the hazing splendor of French nobility and the impassioned elegance of two people in love, despite all the world’s oppositions. The title is, in a sense, a representation of change: the beginning of a new spring with La Belle Époque and the transition into a new era, for the world and our protagonists. The wistful loveliness of the setting paints a picture of a crying France, blending in with the dynamic romance perfectly. Or rather, it does not merely blend in the background as much as glitters like the brightest jewel, shining with a vibrancy that makes one want to relieve the halcyon days of grand old Paris. I was captivated by the setting, the lush writing of Rachel L. Demeter, and the subtle expressiveness of the characters, which all compelled me to research more of the historical background, of the 1871 Paris Commune, through which this story is made more infinitely dearer.” – Buried Under Romance

“We are in awe. The Frost of Springtime is a MUST HAVE! Despite that we loved the true facts, we fell instantly in love with the story. It was dark, emotionally devastating, and sensual. The innocence between the two main characters was beautiful and their love grew so strong throughout the story with such grace. One of us even cried while reading The Frost of Springtime. We loved the cover, we loved the writing style, and we adored the characters. We fell in love, really hard." – Divas Book Blog

“This novel is intricately detailed and wonderfully written! Opening with a heartbreaking scene, I was immediately drawn to the story of Aleksender and his Sofia. Of course, as the story moved on, other enchanting characters helped to make this poignant book complete. The author has blended historical facts with fiction skillfully, and presented several narratives flawlessly. It’s beautiful! I loved it!” – Romancebookworm’s Reviews

“I absolutely love this book. The Frost of Springtime shows how love and tragedy go hand in hand and that love can actually be more powerful than anything. I have found that most books do not hit this point right on the nail like this one does. It’s a Historical Romance and let me just tell you this is one book I couldn’t put down.” – Magic Within The Pages

“WOW!! The Frost of Springtime is a powerful, epic love story unlike anything I’ve ever read before. The emotional and visual/sensory depth is astounding. I felt Aleksender and Sofia’s connection from beginning to end. Aleksender’s path to healing was at times breathtaking and heartbreaking. This is a hero who loves his woman with every last breath, every fiber of his being… and there’s nothing he wouldn’t do for her. AMAZING cast of secondary characters as well… a 'villain' who actually leaves you morally torn! Beautifully written (loved the vivid imagery and descriptions!), dark, unusual, rich with history, epic scope, and a soul deep love that only comes once in a lifetime… Brava!!!” – Sivonna, an advanced reader

Buy the Book

Amazon (Kindle eBook) *Amazon Prime members can read the kindle edition for free!
Amazon (Paperback)
Barnes & Noble
Black Lyon Publishing

About the Author


Rachel L. Demeter lives in the beautiful hills of Anaheim, California with Teddy, her goofy lowland sheepdog, and high school sweetheart of ten years. She enjoys writing dark, edgy romances that challenge the reader’s emotions and examine the redeeming power of love. Imagining stories and characters has been Rachel’s passion for longer than she can remember. Before learning how to read or write, she would dictate stories while her mom would jot them down for her. She has a special affinity for the tortured hero and unconventional romances.

Whether sculpting the protagonist or antagonist, she always ensures that every character is given a soul. Rachel strives to intricately blend elements of romance, suspense, and horror. Some common themes her stories never stray too far from: forbidden romance, soul mates, the power of love to redeem, mend all wounds, and triumph over darkness.

Her dream is to move readers and leave an emotional impact through her words.

Get your e-book signed by Rachel L. Demeter

Author Links

Website
Facebook
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Book Blast Schedule

Monday, March 3
HF Book Muse-News
Read More Romance
A Bibliotaph's Reviews
Oh, for the Hook of a Book
Romance Reviews by Alice
Good Books and Good Coffee

Tuesday, March 4

Diva's Book Blog
Room With Books
LovLivLife Reviews
Perusing Princesses
The Maiden's Court
Book Lovers Paradise
Flashlight Commentary

Wednesday, March 5
The True Book Addict
Curling Up By the Fire
Buried Under Romance
A Blog Hop Place for Books
Svetlana's Reads and Views
History From a Woman's Perspective

Thursday, March 6

Bibliophilia, Please
One Book at a Time
Susan Heim on Writing
Just One More Chapter
Romantic Historical Lovers
Blushing Divas Book Reviews
Devilishly Delicious Book Blog

Friday, March 7

I Read Indie
A Bookish Libraria
Historical Tapestry
Literary Chanteuse
CelticLady's Reviews
Magic Within the Pages
Confessions of an Avid Reader

Saturday, March 8
Book Nerd
MIBookshelf
Mina's Bookshelf
Between the Pages
Historical Fiction Obsession
Caffeinated Bookworm Reviews

Sunday, March 9

Rookie Romance 
A Dirty Book Affair
Passages to the Past
Caroline Wilson Writes
Book Obsessed Chicks
Love Romance Passion
Peeking Between the Pages

Giveaways

To enter to win one of the following prizes, please complete the Rafflecopter form below.

2 - Kindle Ebooks of THE FROST OF SPRINGTIME (open internationally)
1 - Signed Paperback of THE FROST OF SPRINGTIME (open to US residents only)
1 - $15 Amazon Gift Card (open to US residents only)

Giveaway will run from March 3-9. You must be 18 or older to enter.
Winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter on March 10 and notifiied via email.
Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

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01 March, 2014

Happy Birthday to me!

Happy March to all of my readers, and a happy birthday to myself. May your March be fantastic!

27 February, 2014

Review: Soulless (Parasol Protectorate #1) by Gail Carriger

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Goodreads Summary:

First, she has no soul. Second, she's a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead. Third, she was rudely attacked by a vampire, breaking all standards of social etiquette.

Where to go from there? From bad to worse apparently, for Alexia accidentally kills the vampire - and then the appalling Lord Maccon (loud, messy, gorgeous, and werewolf) is sent by Queen Victoria to investigate.

With unexpected vampires appearing and expected vampires disappearing, everyone seems to believe Alexia responsible. Can she figure out what is actually happening to London's high society? Will her soulless ability to negate supernatural powers prove useful or just plain embarrassing? Finally, who is the real enemy, and do they have treacle tart?

Review:


Series: Parasol Protectorate #1
Release Date: October 2009
Publisher: Orbit
Purchase: Amazon
Edition: Paperback
Rating: ★★★★★
Review Written: 27 February, 2014


17 February, 2014

Upcoming Changes

I haven't spoken about it much here, but I am in a period of transition at the moment. I recently accepted a new job two states away, and have been working frantically to get everything figured out and settled. As it stands at this moment on February 17th, I will be moving on Saturday, February 22nd, to Montgomery, AL. 

This means, of course, I will be without Internet for a couple of days until I can get Charter out to hook up internet in my apartment. There's also the issue of packing like a mad-woman and a few other necessities to take care of before Saturday will most likely prevent me from updating very much. I have a couple of books that need to be reviewed as well as a movie, and I will do my best to either get the reviews posted or to get them queued up so that they'll publish throughout the week while I work on getting moved.

All the best and happy blogging!

12 February, 2014

Valentine's Mini Challenge - Day 3

Valentine’s Book Blogging Challenge

Day 3 – The CHEESIEST ROMANCE scenes or topics you have read in a book.

I'd have to say, one of the Cheesiest Romance scenes I've ever read was in Her Mad Hatter. While it took over two-thirds of the book for the characters to even make it to having sex, and when they did, it was just poorly written and assumed that both would be experts at the subject. It also assumed that bringing someone back to a fantasy realm would save her of cancer and what not that nearly killed her when she returned to her own realm, but yes. Cheesy sex scenes there was almost too funny to bear.