{December 24, 2013} {ARC Review} The Token by Marata Eros (The Token #1)

From Goodreads: Twenty-two year old Faren Mitchell hears the two words that change her abbreviated life forever. They’re so final Faren decides she has nothing to lose by seizing every remaining moment of what life has to offer.

Until Faren collides with a motorcycle ridden by billionaire Jared McKenna.

Even the dark secret of her past and catharsis as a physical therapist can’t save Faren from the sexual spiral that waits for her in the arms of a man who commits to no one. When circumstances force her to get a second job as an exotic dancer, Faren never imagines how close that choice will bring her to the brink of a new reality she is unequipped to handle.

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With two small, quick words, Eros immediately hooks her readers at the beginning of this novella, causing a series of successive thoughts to rampage through our heads as the story takes off. It’s impossible not to be intrigued—even though we don’t know Faren Mitchell at all, we understand the words, we understand their all encompassing meaning, and we understand the pain, fear, and heartache that stands behind them. We know, and Faren knows, and so we are quickly united from the very first page. It is a great beginning.

Faren is a strong character. She is a fairly broken person, in more ways than one, but her heart is in the right place, and though I don’t necessarily agree with her final choice for work, I understand how she feels and why she chooses to do what she does. Told from her point of view, we learn her thoughts, regrets, desires, and wishes for the future, especially where her mother is involved, and as this story unfolds, we also learn the harsh reality that engulfs Faren’s past, putting us eye to eye with her on an even deeper level.

As a novella, events within move rapidly, and while chapters do tend to jump from scene to scene, it keeps readers guessing. I actually really enjoyed that Faren would suddenly be somewhere else after a chapter break, with Eros using Faren’s thoughts and actions to explain the time lapse and what happened in between. While initially jarring for me the first time it happened, I realized what Eros was doing failry quickly and it works very well for this type of story, especially as so much happens to Faren throughout.

Now, this novella does deal with strip clubs, but it is relatively clean–at least, not explicitly graphic, for which I am thankful. Eros toes the line very gracefully, and as we learn Faren’s true reasons for taking on this line of work, we begin to understand exactly why she chooses to do what she does. That, and the two little words at the very beginning of the story…

Of course, Eros leaves readers hanging in the worst possible way, which is exactly her style, as it were, and I wouldn’t expect anything less, though I am indeed dying to know what’s going to happen next for Faren as her situation is quite dire, to say the least. Thankfully, The Token is the first of a novella series with monthly release dates—novella number two is already 71% complete with a pending release in mid January, and the third in the series is slated for release on February 1. Good reads are ahead. I can feel it. Four stars.

I received this novella from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

{December 23, 2013} {Review} Doodling by Jonathan Gould

From Goodreads: Neville Lansdowne fell off the world.

Actually he did not so much fall off as let go. The world had been moving so quickly lately and Neville was finding it almost impossible to keep up.

Doodling is an engaging comic fantasy which relates the events that befall Neville after he finds himself abandoned by the world and adrift in the middle of an asteroid field. Douglas Adams meets Lewis Carroll (with just a touch of Gulliver’s Travels) as Neville wanders through his new home, meeting a variety of eccentric characters and experiencing some most unexpected adventures.

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This short novella has many aspects that make it utterly absurd, aspects that I believe middle grade readers, and even the younger end of young adult readers, will really enjoy. I, myself, am not really a lover of the absurd or fantastical, however, I understand its appeal for those who just want to read something interesting and not have to find deep meaning behind every single book they pick up. The English teacher in me, of course, wants to discuss how this novella is actually a clever metaphor for the world in which we live, with our fast-paced lives and ridiculous “first world” problems, but I will refrain because I can just see my students cringing as I launch into it, them telling me to just enjoy the story and stop picking it apart… just know it’s there, and going into the reading knowing that makes it much more fun for readers like me. Overall, this is a very well written novella (with a deep-rooted meaning) and, as I said previously, I believe that younger readers will really enjoy the fantastical aspect of it all. Three stars.

I received this novella from the author in exchange for an honest review.

{December 23, 2013} {ARC Review} Trinkets, Treasures, and Other Bloody Magic by Meghan Ciana Doidge (Dowser #2)

From Goodreads: Three months ago, I lost my foster sister, Sienna, to the darkness. As in blood magic and chaos and general mayhem. No one saw it until it was too late, but I should have. Now, I have a wounded heart and soul that I can’t even reveal to anyone around me, because I’m supposed to hate Sienna with the fiery passion of the justified. And I do. I just wish I didn’t feel so lost without her, so unsure of the path I thought I had carved for myself, and so outclassed by the powerful Adepts constantly by my side these days. I’m not even sure if they’re with me for my own protection or because my shiny new powers are rare and valuable. Assuming I ever figure out who or what I am, and how my magic actually works.

Even chocolate can’t save the day every time … just most of the time. At least I’ve got that going for me.
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This second novel in the Dowser series is just as enticing as the first, Cupcakes, Trinkets, and other Deadly Magic. Complete with scrumptious cupcakes, snarky attitude, and a fast-paced setting, this novel will keep you entertained from the very first page. Picking up three months after the conclusion of the first, Jade is still a little green when it comes to her Dowser powers, though her aura is strong and she’s working doubly hard to become that much stronger.

The fun really begins when Jade is invited to see a special collection of artifacts, and together with her were friends, vampire escort, and a stowaway, she embarks on an adventure unlike any other, with spells, curses, and powerful trinkets at the forefront.

Jade is a great character, and I really enjoy that she’s believable. Although the novel is steeped in magic and situations beyond the natural realm, Jade’s actions are very real. She feels emotional pain, yearns to help those around her, is selfless and caring, and yet she doesn’t roll over and allow others to walk all over her. I really liked that about her, especially because I feel like had I been in her shoes, learning everything and being betrayed time and time again, I’d probably have curled up in a corner somewhere. But Jade is strong and works through her issues, and I admire that about her. She’s also obsessed with chocolate, and her cupcakes and bakery tidbits are always fun to read about, especially with all the snark Jade delivers as the story ensues.

With the blindsiding ending that Doidge bestows upon her readers, we learn much about the origins of magic and the truth behind where Jade comes from, and to be honest, I feel like Doidge is going to take us in a completely different, but awesome, direction now, and I can’t wait. Four stars.

I received this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Find it on Amazon.

{December 22, 2013} Merry Bloody Christmas–A Giveaway with Heather Hildenbrand

Dirty Blood is the first title I ever read of Heather Hildenbrand’s, and I LOVED it. She hooked me with this novel, and I’ve been faithfully reading her boks ever since (and I’ve loved every single one of them).

This Christmas season, you can can win a signed paperback of Dirty Blood, as well as some signed swag, and become immersed in the amazing world that Hildebrand has created. You won’t be disappointed! Good luck!

Click the icon above to enter this awesome giveaway!

{December 22, 2013} Announcing the Winner of Sweet Peril by Wendy Higgins

The giveaway for a signed paperback of Sweet Peril by Wendy Higgins has just concluded, and I’m excited to say that the winner has been chosen via Rafflecopter!

And the winner is…

Vivian M

A tweet has already gone out to the winner, and an email will go out later this evening! If I don’t hear from the winner within 48 hours, I will select a new winner using Rafflecopter.

Thanks to everyone who participated, and congratulations to the winner… but don’t despair if you didn’t win this round!

Enter to win my other great giveaways:

Two will Win a Signed Paperback of Stilts by Tim O’Rourke–ENDS Dec. 26

Win an ARC of Avalon by Mindee Arnett–ENDS Dec. 31

Win a Recently Released Book of Your Choice: Ends January 1

Win an ARC of Perfect Lies by Kiersten White–ENDS Jan. 5

{December 22, 2013} {ARC Giveaway} Perfect Lies by Kiersten White (Mind Games #2)

Here’s another ARC Giveaway thanks to Harper Collins Publishers, who gave this to me at NCTE! Perfect Lies by Kiersten White releases January 30, and the winner needs to be someone who promises to review the ARC by release on January 30. If that’s you, then I highly recommend you enter to win! Check out the synopsis below:

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Synopsis:

Annie and Fia are ready to fight back.

The sisters have been manipulated and controlled by the Keane Foundation for years, trapped in a never ending battle for survival. Now they have found allies who can help them truly escape. After faking her own death, Annie has joined a group that is plotting to destroy the Foundation. And Fia is working with James Keane to bring his father down from the inside.

But Annie’s visions of the future can’t show her who to trust in the present. And though James is Fia’s first love, Fia knows he’s hiding something. The sisters can rely only on each other – but that may not be enough to save them.

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To enter this giveaway, you must:

-Be 13 years or older (or have parent/guardian permission)

-Fill in the mandatory question on rafflecopter (extra entries optional)

Click this Rafflecopter Link to Enter!

This giveaway is open to USA and Canadian entrants only and will end at 12:01am EST on January 5st. Please only enter once. The winner will be announced later on January 5, and will receive email notification! Please read my giveaway policy and leave me a comment!

{December 21, 2013} The 99 Cent Club–Feature 76–Ten Books for Ten Bucks

Every Saturday I run a feature for the 99 Cent Club, and below are the eBook picks for this week that caught my eye and are currently ONLY 99 Cents on Amazon, with a few on Barnes and Noble. I don’t know if these are permanent prices, so please don’t shoot the messenger, and double check pricing before pressing the buy button. Enjoy! (If you could help give these authors some love by spreading the word, that would be epic.)

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Toll Gate Christmas by Marsha Boulton

Nobody knows what goes on inside the stout walls of the Toll Gate House in Northcote Village. Old Jim, the cantankerous recluse who has lived there all his life is infamous among the villagers for maintaining his privacy – with a musket and a mean word when called for. So when Jim suddenly begins issuing Christmas dinner invitations to Northcote’s upstanding citizens there is an outbreak of confusion that challenges manners and traditions. In this tale of havoc over a turkey supper, a gingerbread-trimmed community turns itself inside out to avoid unwanted surprises, only to discover that the tithe of attending Christmas at the Toll Gate House is a special kind of self-sustaining joy. Author Marsha Boulton brings characters and community alive in the tradition of Garrison Keillor with a classic O.Henry twist.

Added free bonus story – “Christmas Angels” – An enchanting short memoir that takes the reader into the Peaceable Kingdom of the author’s barn on Christmas eve with the horses, sheep and a goose wearing a red bow. Perfect. Somewhat sentimental. Happy Holidays. You may want to make it and the accompanying image a Christmas card.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Christmas on Main Street by E. Ayers, et. al.

A Smoky Mountain Christmas by Carol DeVaney. Falling in love wasn’t in Tina’s plans. She’d survived the snowstorm, but could she survive the love of recently divorced Hank Gordon who’s sworn off women?

A Baby for Christmas by Susan R. Hughes. When Ryan opens his home to Paige, a beautiful stranger who happens to be pregnant, will it take a Christmas miracle to make them realize where their hearts truly belong?

A Light in the Christmas Cafe by Kristy Tate. A food thief, a haunted house, a matchmaking grandmother and a handsome stranger: Are the apron strings tying Deirdre to her grandmother’s café tangling up her life plans or are they leading her to love?

What if…this Christmas by Kelly Rae. Will a marriage proposal be the end of Katie and Chris’ forever?

The Christmas Wish by Tori Scott. Merry is a long way from home and missing her family as Christmas approaches, until she falls right into Santa’s lap.

A Potters Wood Christmas by Leigh Morgan. A plot to steal an ancient artifact in the Bennett’s possession could be the key to opening an even greater prize. Will Cian find family and the spirit of Christmas again?

Small Town Glamour Girl Christmas by Stephanie Queen. Small town girl Julie hates being an Audrey Hepburn look-alike. When the big city man of her dreams comes to town for Christmas will she sell out to model in the city or settle into small town life on his terms?

Her Christmas Cruise by Mona Risk. The perfect fiancé is a cheater and the fabulous Christmas wedding is off. But the would-be honeymoon cruise may fulfill the dreams of Julia and her unexpected companion.

The Christmas Con by Jill James. Contemporary Romance. Two reformed jewel thieves, Robin and Ian, are on the job to retrieve a priceless necklace, but Santa has special plans for a reunion of the ex-lovers.

A Snowy Christmas in Wyoming by E. Ayers. A Native American cowboy with his thirteen-month-old daughter and a national news anchorwoman have nothing in common, except for their pasts, but in this season of giving, will fate reach through time and give the gift of love?

The Christmas Gift by Pepper Phillips. When an opportunity to make money presents itself, eleven-year-old George faces the biggest decision of his life. Will he become a thief like his father or will he discover the fact that giving, rather than receiving, is the best gift of all?

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Dashing Through The Snow by T.M. Souders

Wynn Murphy has been in love with Zane Anders since the day she laid eyes on him. But just when she begins to hope their casual relationship might turn into something more, a misunderstanding pushes her away.

At first sight, charming and handsome, ad executive, Zane Anders has been secretly infatuated with bake shop cutie, Wynn Murphy. This Christmas, he’s determined to tell her.

Join Wynn and Zane in this delightful holiday novelette as Zane goes dashing through the snow in an effort to capture Wynn’s heart.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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The Christmas Grandma Ran Away from the House by Nancy Warren

For every woman who’s ever felt overwhelmed and under-appreciated at Christmas comes the story of a decent woman, a widowed grandmother, respected matriarch of a big, noisy family who snaps one holiday season and decides to run away for the holidays. Little does she realize what adventures are in store.

Long time widow Sandy Forbes is breaking out this Christmas. In her 71 years on earth she has stuffed and cooked 55 Christmas turkeys, baked hundreds of pies, turned out thousands of shortbread cookies and hoisted enough pine trees in her living room to reforest the Amazon.

Her family love her. They come to her for every occasion, eating, drinking, squabbling and then leaving her with a mass of dishes andcrumpled holiday wrap. But this is the year everything changes. When she wants someone else to take over for one year, the family lays a big guilt trip on her and Grandma rebels. Sandy’s giving herself a gift this Christmas. She’s running away from home for the holidays.

Find it on Amazon.

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The Snowflake Inn by Samantha Chase

A home for the holidays…

Grace thought she had finally found a place to belong. Coming off of ten years of tragedy and disappointments, her arrival at The Snowflake Inn finally gives her a reason to have hope for her future and the possibility of her forever-home. Until one man arrives with the power to take it all away.

Versus NOT wanting to be home for the holidays…

Riley’s world has been turned upside down. He’s back at the one place that he never wanted to return to and it looks like he may be staying longer than he had planned. Taking over The Snowflake Inn was never his dream, it was his family’s dream for him, and all Riley wants to do is cut his losses and leave. But one fiery red-head has him rethinking everything he had planned.

Both Grace and Riley had very different plans for their time at The Snowflake Inn but with the magic of Christmas all around them, and an attraction that they can’t seem to ignore, this could be the perfect time and place for everyone’s dream to come true.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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The Cat Before Christmas by Lynn Michaels

Wiki the cat loves Christmas. Batting the ornaments, basking in the blinking lights — he even helps choose the tree each year!

But this year there’s trouble in Wiki’s yuletide paradise when his mistress Cary decides to go skiing in Colorado instead of staying snug at home with him in Kansas City, Missouri. To derail her plans, Wiki escapes to the Christmas tree lot where he’s sure Cary will find him.

He doesn’t count on a blizzard or a huge German shepherd with a handsome and stubborn master named Ben. All three conspire to trap Wiki on the lot. For his own good, of course.

Cary is frantic, searching everywhere for Wiki — everywhere except the Christmas tree lot where Wiki waits to be saved, and Zeus’ master waits to sweep Cary off her feet.

Can Wiki escape and get home to Cary in time to save Christmas?

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Amish Christmas on Goose Pond by Samantha Jillian Bayarr

ALL 4 VOLUMES NOW AVAILABLE
Molly Hannigan is a young widow who gets a vacation retreat from her “Secret Santa” at the office party, Although she knows the gift is from her boss and friend, she agrees to take the vacation to the Amish-run B&B despite her aversion to the Amish. After all, if it hadn’t been for the woman driving the buggy who caused her husband’s car accident, her Jesse would still be with her.

Molly is the first guest of the B&B for the Christmas season, and ends up with more than she bargained for in this forced vacation–including the curator’s son, Ian, with whom she has more in common with than she feels comfortable with.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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The Heart of Christmas by Patricia McLinn

Start your holidays off right with three new novellas by USA Today Bestsellers Patricia McLinn, Judith Arnold and Kathryn Shay.

In Wyoming Wildflowers: The Beginning, discover how it all started in this much-anticipated prequel novella to the bestselling and award-winning Wyoming Wildflowers series by USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn. Ed’s and Donna’s worlds couldn’t have been any more different – a rancher from Wyoming and an up-and-coming Broadway musical actress on a national tour. What could have been a momentary encounter sparks desire . . . and more. But can there be anything but heartbreak ahead when they have only days before their dreams pull them apart?

In Almost An Angel, Conor Malone manages to hold things together for his daughter Amy after his wife’s death, until someone tells her Santa will bring her mother back for Christmas. How can Conor force Amy to accept reality without ruining her holiday? With help from Eliza Powell, the alluring new school psychologist—and the Daddy School.

In Flashover, Nick Evans, a captain in the Hidden Cove fire department, believes he committed the worst of crimes, even if it was to protect his little sister. He’s not ready for a relationship with Stacey Sterling, a firefighter’s widow who’s determined to help him heal. But on Christmas, Nick learns the meaning of redemption and love.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Home for Christmas by Kristin Holt

Miranda sneaks home after a long absence, determined to avoid her former fiance. But Hunter wants far more than his old role as brother-in-law-to-be. Abundant Christmas spirit, matchmaking mothers, and hometown holiday celebrations conspire against Miranda’s plans for a quiet, at-home Christmas. Her heart doesn’t stand a chance.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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A Cinderella Christmas by Cara Marsi

Jessica Gallo no longer believed in fairy tales or happy endings. And she certainly didn’t believe she’d find her Prince Charming at Saks Fifth Avenue. Her Fairy Godmother thought differently.

This 6530 word short story is also available in the Wedding Dreams Boxed Set.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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If you could help give these authors some love by spreading the word, that would be epic.

For more information about books on sale throughout the week, as well as giveaway updates, be sure to like A Book Vacation’s Facebook Page.

{December 21, 2013} {ARC Review} Witch Finder by Ruth Warburton (Witch Finder #1)

From Goodreads: London. 1880. In the slums of Spitalfields apprentice blacksmith Luke is facing initiation into the Malleus Maleficorum, the fearsome brotherhood dedicated to hunting and killing witches.

Luke’s final test is to pick a name at random from the Book of Witches, a name he must track down and kill within a month, or face death himself. Luke knows that tonight will change his life forever. But when he picks out sixteen-year-old Rosa Greenwood, Luke has no idea that his task will be harder than he could ever imagine.

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This novel actually started off slowly for me. At 30% in, I was thinking that I really didn’t want to finish it–I just wasn’t hooked, but I always give books the benefit of the doubt, as I did with this one, and as I went on, it got much better, and by the end I was turning the pages so quickly I would have had whiplash had I not been reading on a stationary Kindle.

The way Rosa’s family treats her and those around them is disgusting and very hard to stomach. There is a scene with a puppy that horrified me, and I nearly put the book down right then because I hated the heir so very much, but I kept going, because by that point, I was very interested in the plot. And, this novel tackles some great topics for younger readers, such as racism and abuse, two aspects that are rampant within the text, stemming from the Brotherhoods hatred of all “witches” and the abusive relationship between Rosa, her brother, and her “fiancé.” Through it all, the novel shows how clouded one’s judgment can be based on hatred, and how entitlement and greed can ruin families. They were great lessons for readers about refusing to take abuse, though for a while there I was afraid Rosa was just going to roll over and take it.

While it may sound like Rosa is a week character that needs saving, in truth she is not. She is the subject of abuse on many levels, from physical to mental, and as a 16 year old without a friend in the world, she struggles on a very real level with her own wants and needs versus pleasing her family. At times I did want to reach through the pages and shake her, but then again, she must contend with the lesser of two evils–abuse from her family, or the death and destruction of others. Her selflessness is very real, but when it comes down to it, she refuses to stand on the sidelines and allow others to be terrorized. I really did like her and Luke (and they’re the only characters I really did like, save Cassie, the fiancé’s sister, but she was extremely miniscule).

The love relationship in this novel was slow between Luke and Rosa, and I liked that he saw her for what she was, a young girl abused and afraid, versus a witch worth killing. His attempts on her life were extremely interesting to see unfold, especially as his conscious plays a huge part in it all, and his attempts to finally stand up for what is right, along with Rosa’s make them vivid and real.

I can’t wait to see where the sequel of this one takes us because, while not ending on a cliffhanger per se, we are right in the middle of the action and you just know there is so much more to be told. Four stars.

Hodder Children’s Books has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on January 2, 2013.

{December 20, 2013} {Review} Pour by Taylor Napolsky

From Goodreads: When Paul Dodgson finds an unnamed bar filled with blobs of ethereal light, he’s caught off guard, yet intrigued.

The more he hangs out there, the more his life twists around, and he can’t decide if it’s for better or worse…

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This novella is written around a very interesting concept. It’s about a bar (with no name) where patrons pour out their drinks and then good things happen to them. However, if one breaks the rules by talking about the bar, or mentioning the good luck it brings, everything quickly goes south. Patrons can be barred; servers can be safed. Intriguing? It is, and I really enjoyed the idea behind the story, but there are a lot of holes that need filling in. I do enjoy the paranormal and the unexplainable, but on occasion I find that I need a little more detail, and unfortunately I didn’t receive that in this novella. Much is left unsaid: What are the lights? How does the pouring work? What is the safe? While allusions are made, there is no concrete evidence given, and I need something that I can toy with and state, “this is what I think happened.” Instead, I finished this novella with a bit more questions than answers or even ponderable ideas in regards to the meaning or explanation behind these things. While some people really do enjoy not knowing, I feel like a little too much was left unexplained for me to really grasp the novella, but perhaps that’s the point? Three stars.

I received this novella from the author in exchange for an honest review.

{December 19, 2013} Announcing the Winners of Demonica by Will Davis

The giveaway for an ebook of Demonica by Will Davis has just concluded, and I’m excited to say that the winners have been chosen via Rafflecopter!

And the winners are…

Irene Tsiachta

Jessica Lynn Leonard

A tweet has already gone out to the winners, and an email will go out later this evening! If I don’t hear from the winners within 48 hours, I will select a new winner(s) using Rafflecopter.

Thanks to everyone who participated, and congratulations to the winner… but don’t despair if you didn’t win this round!

Enter to win my other great giveaways:

Win a Signed Paperback of Sweet Peril by Wendy Higgins–ENDS Dec. 22

Two will Win a Signed Paperback of Stilts by Tim O’Rourke–ENDS Dec. 26

Win an ARC of Avalon by Mindee Arnett–ENDS Dec. 31

Win a Recently Released Book of Your Choice: Ends January 1

{December 18, 2013} {ARC Review} Ashes to Ashes by Melissa C. Walker

From Goodreads: If I Stay meets the movie Ghost in this first book in a teen duology about a teenage-girl-turned-ghost who must cling to the echoes of her former life to save the people she left behind.

Ashes to Ashes is author Melissa Walker’s sweeping, romantic, and emotionally rich story about the things that torment and tempt us, even from the Great Beyond. This book is perfect for fans of Die for Me and Imaginary Girls, and its breathtaking ending will leave readers anxiously awaiting the series conclusion, Dust to Dust.

When Callie’s life is cut short by a tragic accident, she expects to find nothingness, or maybe some version of heaven.

Instead, her spirit travels to the Prism, an ethereal plane populated by the ghosts she thought were fictional. Here she meets a striking and mysterious ghost named Thatcher, who is meant to guide her as she learns to haunt and bring peace to the loved ones she left behind.

However, Callie uncovers a dark secret about the spirit world: The angry souls who always populate ghost stories are real, dangerous, and willing to do whatever it takes to stay on Earth, threatening the existence of everyone she ever cared about.

As she fights to save them, Callie will learn that while it may no longer beat, her heart can still love-and break.

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While I had high hopes for this novel, especially with its claim to be a mix of the novel If I Stay and the movie Ghost, I felt like Ashes to Ashes moved much too slowly for me. Likewise, I didn’t really feel any connections with the characters. Callie dies before we really get to know her, or her friends, for that matter, and once she’s dead, she behaves very much as you would expect a young child to behave when told they can’t have something. She throws some tantrums and goes off and does whatever she wants, pushing caution to the wind, over and over again.

In truth, I spent much of the novel highly annoyed with Callie because she continues to make the same stupid mistake while ignoring not only her inner conscious, but also her guide, Thatcher. The fact that Thatcher continually keeps Callie in the dark, refusing to supply answers or clarification, did little to put him in my good graces, either. Instead, he only frustrated me because there seems to be a disconnect and readers don’t know why. And, instead of answers, the same scene plays out many a time, nearly lulling me to sleep: Callie messes up and is really sorry. Thatcher is angry; he tells her not to do it again without really giving any concrete reasons why. They make up. Then, Callie does it again and is really sorry…. By the third time this sequence occurred, I was ready to put the book aside. I just felt like nothing was truly happening in the novel; I had no connections with anyone, and we rarely saw Callie attempting to comfort anyone still left on earth—the aspect I really wanted to see.

And then? Walker surprised me with her quick and fast ending—one I wasn’t expecting but that, in retrospect, makes sense. I should have seen it coming, but I didn’t, and this surprise actually brought this novel up a notch in my esteem, clarified a lot of my original issues, and interested me to the point that I actually would like to read the sequel when it comes out. So in the end, while I did finds it someone trivial and stagnant, Ashes to Ashes did throw me for a loop, and as it only takes one small event to really change a person’s perspective of a novel, I liked it, overall. Three stars.

HarperCollins Publishers has been extremely gracious in giving me an ARC of this novel, during NCTE, in exchange for an honest review prior to its release on December 23, 2013.

{December 17, 2013} {ARC Giveaway} Avalon by Mindee Arnett (Avalon #1)

Here’s another ARC Giveaway thanks to Harper Collins Publishers, who gave this to me at NCTE! Avalon releases January 21, and the winner needs to be someone who promises to review the ARC by release on January 21. If that’s you, then I highly recommend you enter to win! Check out the synopsis below:

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Synopsis:

For fans of Josh Whedon’s cult classic television show Firefly comes a fascinating and fast-paced sci-fi thriller from author Mindee Arnett, about a group of teenage mercenaries who stumble upon a conspiracy that threatens the entire galaxy.

Jeth Seagrave and his crew have made their name stealing metatech: the devices that allow people to travel great distances faster than the speed of light. In a world where the agencies that patrol the outer edges of space are as corrupt as the crime bosses who control them, it’s as much of a living as anyone can ask for. For years Jeth’s managed to fly under the radar of the government that executed his parents for treason—but when he finds himself in possession of information that both government and the crime bosses are willing to kill for, he’s going to find there’s no escaping his past anymore.

With pulse-pounding action, a captivating mystery, and even a bit of romance, Avalon is the perfect read for hard-core sci-fi fans and non–sci-fi fans alike.

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To enter this giveaway, you must:

-Be 13 years or older (or have parent/guardian permission)

-Fill in the mandatory question on rafflecopter (extra entries optional)

Click this Rafflecopter Link to Enter!

This giveaway is open to USA and Canadian entrants only and will end at 12:01am EST on December 31st. Please only enter once. The winner will be announced later on December 31st, and will receive email notification! Please read my giveaway policy and leave me a comment!

{December 16, 2013} {Review} Semester Aboard by Elizabeth Kirke (More than Magic #1)

From Goodreads: Jen is looking forward to spending an entire summer studying abroad on a cruise ship and she knows the experience will change her life. Then she sees something she wasn’t supposed to see, something she can’t explain. Jen finds herself thrust into a world she never knew existed and her life will change more than she imagined. That is, if she can survive the dangers lurking on the ship.

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I have always wanted to experience a semester of schooling aboard a ship. But, because I have a fear of the ship sinking, I’ve never followed through—I’ve never even been on a cruise, to be honest. Instead, I opted for educational semesters in Europe, Asia, and South America, so I can’t complain in the least, but… the semester aboard a ship—that’s the one that got away.

Kirke presents a magical world aboard this ship, one of vampires, merfolk, water and fire elementals, witches, and werewolves… and I can only imagine how much fun it would be to be on a ship with all these colorful characters. However, Jen herself put a damper on my mood when it came to all the festivities and issues: Jen always seemed to need saving. She didn’t listen to others and, on many an occasion, got others hurt because she wouldn’t listen and then wouldn’t be able to take care of herself. I’m more of a strong female lead enthusiast than a damsel in distress one, and so I held some animosity towards Jen and her inability to do anything throughout much of the text. The other characters were great, and I enjoyed them very much, but Jen just wasn’t my favorite, which is a shame as she was the main character. However, by the end she does learn to take care of herself a little bit—she’s growing, as it were—and I think she’ll be a much stronger character in the next installment. Three stars.

I purchased this novel from Amazon.

{December 15, 2013} {ARC Review} Angelbound by Christina Bauer (Angelbound #1)

From Goodreads: Eighteen year old Myla Lewis is a girl who loves two things: kicking ass and kicking ass. She’s not your every day quasi-demon, half-demon and half-human, girl. For the past five years, Myla has lived for the days she gets to fight in Purgatory’s arena. When souls want a trial by combat for their right to enter heaven or hell, they go up against her, and she hasn’t lost a battle yet.

But as she starts her senior year at Purgatory High, the arena fights aren’t enough to keep her spirits up anymore. When the demons start to act weird, even for demons, and the King of the Demons, Armageddon, shows up at Myla’s school, she knows that things are changing and it’s not looking good for the quasi-demons. Myla starts to question everything, and doesn’t like the answers she finds. What happened seventeen years ago that turned the quasi-demons into slave labor? Why was her mom always so sad? And why won’t anyone tell her who her father is? Things heat up when Myla meets Lincoln, the High Prince of the Thrax, a super sexy half-human and half-angel demon hunter. But what’s a quasi-demon girl to do when she falls for a demon hunter? It’s a good thing that Myla’s not afraid of breaking a few rules. With a love worth fighting for, Myla’s going to shake up Purgatory.

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I am so sorry to say that, while this novel started off interesting enough, it soon lost its luster, and at 535 pages, my lack of interest made this difficult to finish. In my opinion, it was just too long, and not enough happened to hold my attention. Instead, much of the text was repetitive, with Myla either fighting, lamenting about her life, or trying to find the truth. Due to the repetitive nature of the text, in my opinion it could actually be paired down quite a bit, making the novel a much more manageable size at about 250-300 pages, and including only the most important, fast paced action. I lost count the number of times Myla’s sickness during warp or the way the sand fell away to actual images during dreamscapes was referenced in the text, but I do know it was a lot, and this repetition of play-by-play, along with repetition of certain scenarios, took its toll after a while. As the novel stands now, there is just too much down time, in my opinion, and its choppy nature left me with many more questions than answers. And at 535 page, I feel like I should have all the answers.

Myla is a great fighter with a huge chip on her shoulder, and to be honest, she didn’t impress me. I got the feeling that the author really wanted to create a kick butt heroine who didn’t need anyone, someone who could take care of herself, but in truth, Myla just rubbed me the wrong way. She’s rude to those around her, is obsessed with fighting, doesn’t listen to anyone, and was a bit comical in her relations to those around her, especially with her incessant fist pumps every time something made her happy. Her best friend, one full of envy thanks to her demon half, was a complete jerk, and yet Myla repeatedly took the blame for their fights, which in my opinion, undermines her kick butt status because it’s plain to see her BFF is rude and using her, and I didn’t like either of the characters by the end.

Likewise, the insta-love relationship between Myla and Lincoln didn’t pan out in my mind. To go from hating each other so passionately to being undoubtedly in love, well… that just didn’t work for me. I think it had potential, but the execution of it all didn’t fit, which is unfortunate.

Myla’s mother’s story also had the potential to be enthralling, but it took so long to come out, chopped up in bits and pieces, that I lost interest before all was said and done. The dreamscape was a great idea, but as it was extremely repetitive in nature and went unexplained much of the time, I found it fell a bit flat.

Overall, I found that I wanted a faster pace, less repetition, a better scene flow with less plot holes, realistic characterization, and a shorter text. So, while this novel had much potential and I really wanted to like it, it fell a bit flat for me. Two and a half stars.

INscribe Digital and Ink Monster LLC have been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on December 17, 2013.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

{December 15, 2013} Announcing the Winner of Fugitive X by Gregg Rosenblum

The giveaway for an ARC of Fugitive X by Gregg Rosenblum has just concluded, and I’m excited to say that the winner has been chosen via Rafflecopter!

And the winner is…

Desiree Putaski

A tweet has already gone out to the winner, and an email will go out later this evening! If I don’t hear from the winner within 48 hours, I will select a new winner using Rafflecopter.

Thanks to everyone who participated, and congratulations to the winner… but don’t despair if you didn’t win this round!

Enter to win my other great giveaways:

Win an ebook of Demonica by Will Davis–ENDS Dec. 19

Win a Signed Paperback of Sweet Peril by Wendy Higgins–ENDS Dec. 22

Two will Win a Signed Paperback of Stilts by Tim O’Rourke–ENDS Dec. 26

Win a Recently Released Book of Your Choice: Ends January 1

{December 14, 2013} The 99 Cent Club–Feature 75–Ten Books for Ten Bucks

Every Saturday I run a feature for the 99 Cent Club, and below are the eBook picks for this week that caught my eye and are currently ONLY 99 Cents on Amazon, with a few on Barnes and Noble as well. I don’t know if these are permanent prices, so please don’t shoot the messenger, and double check pricing before pressing the buy button. Enjoy! (If you could help give these authors some love by spreading the word, that would be epic.)

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Whispers and Wishes by Hollie Westring

Eliza Monroe has been traveling the United States for three years, immersing herself in the towns she visits as she searches for the mother she’s never known. She hopes returning to her grandmother’s inn in Sage Springs, Mo., will provide the break she needs to evaluate her lonely life.

What Eliza isn’t expecting is to have two men enter the picture, not making her decision to stay or leave any easier. One has been her foundation, while the other is as comfortable as she is hopping from city to city. Throw in a kooky grandmother, a cheerful best friend, a sarcastic guest, a town where residents and spirits interact like neighbors, and Eliza has little time to contemplate her future.

Friendships grow, webs are spun and lies are revealed before Eliza comes to terms with what she wants in life and learns what’s really important.

Find it on Amazon.

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Imitation by Heather Hildenbrand

Everyone is exactly like me.
There is no one like me.
The rough fabric of my cotton nightgown chafes so I lie very still. They say my discomfort comes from being built like one accustomed to niceties. How is that fair when I myself have never experienced anything but copies of the real thing?
My entire life is an imitation.
I am an Imitation.
I’ve been here five years. Training. Preparing. Waiting.
And now I have a letter.
My assignment has begun.
I am a prisoner.
I am not Raven Rogen.
I am here to die.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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For Real by Chelsea M. Cameron

Two people. One fake relationship. What could go wrong?

When virgin Shannon Travers gets fed up with her friends demanding that she find a boyfriend, she enlists the help of tattooed, mohawk-rocking graphic design student Jett. He’s more than happy to play along with their Fake Relationship, including the Ten Rules of Fake Dating that control-freak Shannon comes up with. Even if he likes to violate them. Repeatedly.

But what happens when Fake Dating starts to feel… not fake anymore? Will Shannon be willing to let go and embrace the first thing in her life that’s ever felt REAL?

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Ethan by P.T. Michelle

Ethan Harris never thought monsters and darkness would consume his daily thoughts, but every night the same visions repeat in his dreams. He’s careful to project a semblance of normalcy, keeping the suffocating darkness locked inside. As much as he wishes he could focus on girls, sports, and cars like other seventeen-year-olds, nothing distracts him from his own demons or shines through.

Until Nara Collins crosses his path. The blonde fascinates and intrigues him, giving him a measure of peace he’s never felt before.

When Ethan discovers there’s more to Nara than she allows others to see, that she might have a unique secret of her own, suddenly his world comes into focus.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Never by Ellery Rhodes

What happens after happily ever after?

After a devastating break-up that drove her to a school on the other side of the country, Juliet Stowe swore she would never fall in love again. She wasn’t counting on finding Lucas McNamara, the first guy she ever loved.

Finally reunited after years apart, Juliet jumps in headfirst–but obstacles to their happiness remain. Lucas’ ex, Candi Mann, is determined to unearth Juliet’s past and drive a wedge between them.

Lucas McNamara knew Juliet was special the moment he saw her. She’s a girl worth giving up his player ways; a girl he wants to wake up to the next morning and every morning after. A girl that makes everything else go away.

All the BS with his parents? Irrelevant. His friend’s complaints that he’s acting weird, losing himself in some girl? Ridiculous. All he needs is Juliet. And then he does something he never, ever thought he would do. Something that could ruin everything…

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Beautiful Chances by Alicia Rae

After losing her parents and sister in a tragic car accident, Lily distances herself from those still around her. As she solely focuses on her work, she refuses to form any emotional attachments in fear of struggling through another unbearable loss.

…until Kyle enters her life with his possessive and overbearing personality. Instead of running, Lily finds herself drawn to him. Helping her on a path to healing, Kyle stands by her side and lends her his strength.

A bond is formed, but it is tested when the unthinkable happens.

Can taking a chance on love conquer all?

Find it on Amazon.

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Remember When by T. Torrest

Years before Trip Wiley could be seen on movie screens all over the world, he could be seen sitting in the desk behind me in my high school English class.

This was back in 1990, and I cite the year only to avoid dumbfounding you when references to big hair or stretch pants are mentioned. Although, come to think of it, I am from New Jersey, which may serve as explanation enough. We were teenagers then, way back in a time before anyone, himself included, could even dream he’d turn into the Hollywood commodity that he is today.

I’m sure I don’t need to tell you who Trip Wiley is. But on the off chance you’ve been living under a rock for the past decade, just know that these days, he’s the bad boy actor found at the top of every casting director’s wish list. He’s incredibly talented and insanely gorgeous, the combination of which has made him very rich, very famous and very desirable.

And not just to casting directors, either.

I can’t confirm any of the gossip from his early years out in Tinseltown, but based on what I knew of his life before he was famous, I can tell you that the idea of Girls-Throwing-Themselves-At-Trip is not a new concept.

I should know. I was one of them.

And my life hasn’t been the same since.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Caste by Raelynn Fry

Seventeen-year-old Karis Singh’s little brother is dying and the Corporation’s Analysis has concluded that he’s not worth saving. One thing is stopping her from going into the city and stealing the medicine herself-the tattooed Mark that physically bars her from entering. The only way around that is to get it altered in the Black Market- an act that carries the possibility of a horrific and slow death- but will guarantee her the access she needs.

Willing to do whatever it takes, she accepts the help of the mysterious Ethan, a boy with an agenda of his own and who knows too much about the enemy. As her time in the city passes, dark secrets are uncovered about the Corporation and what really happened to her brother. When the tables turn and the stakes get higher, Karis is forced to align herself with the deadliest beast of all, risking everything in order to save those she loves.

Now, the most treacherous part of Karis’ plan is staying alive long enough to make it back home.

Find it on Amazon.

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The Keeper by A.G. Henley

Peree knows what he’s doing as the new Keeper of the Water Bearer, Fennel.

He knows Fennel’s Sightless. He knows that means the Scourge can’t hurt her when she gathers fresh water for her people. He knows how to wield his bow and arrow to kill piles of the revolting flesh-eaters as they swarm around her. He’ll motivate her, distract her, do anything he can to keep her working. And most important, he’ll make sure his people get every drop of their share of the water she collects. Peree knows his duty is to his people and his people alone, and not to the Water Bearer.

What he doesn’t know is that he’s falling in love with her.

Find it on Amazon.

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The Twelfth Keeper by Belle Malory

When sixteen-year-old Kennedy Mitchell is proclaimed the world’s last keeper, she thinks it’s a cruel joke. Come on- her? Impossible. She’s no warrior. She isn’t wise beyond her years, or more importantly, capable of keeping Earth safe.

Except…no one will listen. And since all evidence says otherwise, the job is hers whether she likes it or not.

During the highly demanding training regime that follows, Kennedy struggles to fit in with Earth’s renowned protectors. Especially Phoenix Jorgensen, who openly despises her. Problem is, he may be the only one she can trust. The keepers have big secrets surrounding them. Secrets Kennedy isn’t comfortable knowing, much less being apart of. With Phoenix’s help, she’ll have to find a way out.

Either that, or die trying.

Find it on Amazon.

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If you could help give these authors some love by spreading the word, that would be epic.

For more information about books on sale throughout the week, as well as giveaway updates, be sure to like A Book Vacation’s Facebook Page.

{December 13, 2013} {Books-to-Movies Celebration} Raine Thomas’ Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy on Sale!

Books-to-Movies Celebration: Raine Thomas’ Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy on Sale!

The big news is out: Raine Thomas’ bestselling YA fantasy romance trilogy, The Daughters of Saraqael, has been optioned by Back Fence Productions to be made into movies! Heading the project is multiple award-winning writer and producer, Chase Chenowith, whose film credits include working with Anthony Hopkins, Naomi Watts, Alec Baldwin, Dan Ackroyd, Christopher Walken, Brenda Blethyn, Alfred Molina and James Denton, among others. His films have won 11 Best Picture Awards and 29 total awards.

The books follow eighteen-year-old sisters, Amber, Olivia, and Skye, as they discover the truth about their origins and fight to save a race of beings they never knew existed. Filled with action, adventure, love and intrigue, the stories will translate wonderfully to the big screen.

To celebrate the big news, Raine is having a sale and hosting a giveaway! Here’s what you could win:

~ Three signed paperbacks of the Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy

~ Three bracelets inspired by the books

~ $10 Amazon gift card

~ YOUR NAME IN THE NEXT ESTILORIAN NOVEL

That’s right! There will be a seventh book in the Estilorian series coming out in 2014, so now’s the time to get caught up on these popular stories. To get you started, Raine is offering the first book in the series, Becoming , for just 99 cents until 12/27. Or you can pick up the entire trilogy for just $4.99 during that time, a two-dollar savings!

Buy Becoming on Amazon ~ Buy Becoming on Barnes and Noble

Buy the DofS Trilogy on Amazon ~ Buy the DofS on Barnes and Noble

ENTER THE GIVEAWAY

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{December 12, 2013} {Review} Crash Into You by Katie McGarry (Pushing the Limits #3)

From Goodreads: From acclaimed author Katie McGarry comes an explosive new tale of a good girl with a reckless streak, a street-smart guy with nothing to lose, and a romance forged in the fast lane

The girl with straight As, designer clothes and the perfect life-that’s who people expect Rachel Young to be. So the private-school junior keeps secrets from her wealthy parents and overbearing brothers…and she’s just added two more to the list. One involves racing strangers down dark country roads in her Mustang GT. The other? Seventeen-year-old Isaiah Walker-a guy she has no business even talking to. But when the foster kid with the tattoos and intense gray eyes comes to her rescue, she can’t get him out of her mind.

Isaiah has secrets, too. About where he lives, and how he really feels about Rachel. The last thing he needs is to get tangled up with a rich girl who wants to slum it on the south side for kicks-no matter how angelic she might look.

But when their shared love of street racing puts both their lives in jeopardy, they have six weeks to come up with a way out. Six weeks to discover just how far they’ll go to save each other.

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This is an absolutely stunning and beautiful story, one that gripped me from the very beginning and held me captive long after the final page. The characters are extremely real and well written, and on many an occasion, I wanted to reach through the pages and shake Rachel’s family. The dysfunction that both Isaiah and Rachel are dealing with is so different, yet the same in that they’re both struggling. Rachel’s family is suffocating and demanding, while Isaiah’s in non-existent, but their love for one another amidst all the adversity, the anticipation of their relationship, their money issues, and their family issues made this an unputdownable read. I especially loved the back and forth narration, giving readers both sides of the story and allowing us to see deeper into their lives.

Although it’s a very car oriented story, with drag racing, a betting crime lord out for blood, and car lingo sprinkled throughout, it wasn’t overbearing for me—a reader who couldn’t care less about all things cars—and I think that this novel will also appeal to male readers because of the topic. Yes, there is a love relationship in the novel, but it’s not gushy-kissy-gross, and the fact that there’s a crime lord threatening both Isaiah and Rachel definitely adds to the melee that is their life. While I have a crush on Isaiah and his swoonworthyness, Rachel is an awesome female lead that I think many readers will love just the same, especially the male populace, again making this a great book for both genders. And, truth be told, the drag racing and car stuff was kind of cool to read about, even though I wouldn’t normally.

The end of Crash into You had me on pins and needles, and I thought I was going to scream the way McGarry drew it out, changing between the character’s points of view and making me wait to know exactly what was happening. It was torture, but the best kind in that the novel was drawn out even more, because I just couldn’t get enough!

This is my first novel of McGarry’s, but it certainly won’t be the last. I already purchased all the other novels in the Pushing the Limits series, and I can’t wait to read them, especially as I just learned that these are all companion novels and not sequels, with each novel focusing on a different set of characters, and I can’t wait to learn the entire back story of the side-characters I met in this novel. Five glorious stars.

Harlequin Teen has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read this novel, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

{December 12, 2013} {Review} The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith

From Goodreads: A brilliant debut mystery in a classic vein: Detective Cormoran Strike investigates a supermodel’s suicide.

After losing his leg to a land mine in Afghanistan, Cormoran Strike is barely scraping by as a private investigator. Strike is down to one client, and creditors are calling. He has also just broken up with his longtime girlfriend and is living in his office.

Then John Bristow walks through his door with an amazing story: His sister, thelegendary supermodel Lula Landry, known to her friends as the Cuckoo, famously fell to her death a few months earlier. The police ruled it a suicide, but John refuses to believe that. The case plunges Strike into the world of multimillionaire beauties, rock-star boyfriends, and desperate designers, and it introduces him to every variety of pleasure, enticement, seduction, and delusion known to man.

You may think you know detectives, but you’ve never met one quite like Strike. You may think you know about the wealthy and famous, but you’ve never seen them under an investigation like this.

Introducing Cormoran Strike, this is the acclaimed first crime novel by J.K. Rowling, writing under the pseudonym Robert Galbraith.

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As I was reading this novel, I couldn’t help but think of Who Framed Roger Rabbit. In my mind, Cormoran Strike is Eddie Valiant (i.e. Bob Hoskins), living in his office, drinking his life away, and not doing very much of anything. But here’s the thing: I didn’t like Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and I didn’t care for The Cuckoo’s Calling much, either. For one thing, the novel is extremely long (500 pages long), and not much happened to keep my interest.

Strike has no money and no place to live, so he’s staying at his office. He hires a temp secretary who really likes the job and decides stays a while, even though she might not get paid much (this is a side story that, in my mind, really had nothing to do with anything). A model throws herself from her balcony, and her brother hires Strike to investigate. What ensues is an investigation that is long, long, long, without much of anything happening. Strike interviews many people—some who are suspects, and some who aren’t—but no one seems to know what really happened, and the police want to close the case. Yep. That’s about it.

I just wasn’t interested throughout much of the novel, which is a shame because I absolutely adored the Harry Potter Series. However, this adult fiction novel just didn’t do anything for me. I didn’t care about any of the characters, especially the model who died; her hang-ups and “whoa is me” attitude about being adopted actually put a very bad taste in my mouth, mainly because I’m adopted and I’m so tired of people making adoption out to be such a terrible thing. It’s not, yet books and movies continue to depict it as a crushing “event” that will ruin the child’s psyche and make him/her dysfunctional in the world, and I have to disagree. Adoption doesn’t do that. Bad parenting does, as is evidenced by her crazy adoptive parents. Where was the screening process here?

But, I will hold my rant. All in all, this novel just wasn’t all that interesting. But neither was Who Framed Roger Rabbit… so, different strokes for different folks. I’m thinking that if you enjoyed that movie, you may like this novel; it’s just not for me. Two stars.

I borrowed this novel from the library.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

{December 11, 2013} {Review} Severed by Dax Varley

From Goodreads: Katrina’s still haunted by her encounter with the Headless Horseman – the night he beckoned to her. Now he has risen again, slashing heads and terrorizing the quiet countryside.

Her only joy during this dismal darkness comes when Ichabod Crane, a gorgeous young man from Connecticut, moves to Sleepy Hollow and their attraction turns to romance.

When the Horseman marks Ichabod as his next victim, Katrina, despite dangerous efforts to save him, sees no other choice than for them to flee.

But the Horseman awaits. Now it’s up to her to sever the horror and alter the Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

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This is a very, very well done take on the classic short story, “Sleepy Hollow.” In truth, I actually like Severed much more than I like the classic for a number of reasons, two of them being that I can actually connect with the characters and I can fully understand the text! No offence of Washington Irving, but his story is very dry, whereas this recent rendition is full of characterization, mystery, intrigue, and romance. Varley does an amazing job staying close to the original story throughout much of her retelling, but adds her own flare near the end, changing the story to a much more sinister and intriguing end, I think, than that of the original. In fact, as I was reading I pictured the film version with Johnny Depp from 1999, and just like the movie, Daxley creates her very own end that fits perfectly within the storyline.

The story itself kept my attention late into the night, and had my eyes allowed it, I know I would have finished this in one sitting. Varley definitely knows how to spin a tale, and her characterization was spot on. I loved Katrina and Ichabod, and loathed Brom and Peter, just, as I imagine, Varley wanted readers too. In the end, the characters do get their comeuppance, and this twist was really intriguing. I never saw it coming, and truth be told, I think this is an even better ending that the film version.

If you are intrigued by the legend and would like a different approach to the classic, I highly suggest you read this novel. Four stars.

Dax Varley was extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

See my review of Washington Irving’s “The Legend Of Sleepy Hollow” here.

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

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Dirty Blood is the first title I ever read of Heather Hildenbrand’s, and I LOVED it. She hooked me with this novel, and I’ve been faithfully reading her boks ever since (and I’ve loved every single one of them).

This Christmas season, you can can win a signed paperback of Dirty Blood, as well as some signed swag, and become immersed in the amazing world that Hildebrand has created. You won’t be disappointed! Good luck!

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The giveaway for a signed paperback of Sweet Peril by Wendy Higgins has just concluded, and I’m excited to say that the winner has been chosen via Rafflecopter!

And the winner is…

Vivian M

A tweet has already gone out to the winner, and an email will go out later this evening! If I don’t hear from the winner within 48 hours, I will select a new winner using Rafflecopter.

Thanks to everyone who participated, and congratulations to the winner… but don’t despair if you didn’t win this round!

Enter to win my other great giveaways:

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Synopsis:

Annie and Fia are ready to fight back.

To enter this giveaway, you must:

-Be 13 years or older (or have parent/guardian permission)

-Fill in the mandatory question on rafflecopter (extra entries optional)

Click this Rafflecopter Link to Enter!

This giveaway is open to USA and Canadian entrants only and will end at 12:01am EST on January 5st. Please only enter once. The winner will be announced later on January 5, and will receive email notification! Please read my giveaway policy and leave me a comment!

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If you could help give these authors some love by spreading the word, that would be epic.

For more information about books on sale throughout the week, as well as giveaway updates, be sure to like A Book Vacation’s Facebook Page.

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The giveaway for an ebook of Demonica by Will Davis has just concluded, and I’m excited to say that the winners have been chosen via Rafflecopter!

And the winners are…

Irene Tsiachta

Jessica Lynn Leonard

A tweet has already gone out to the winners, and an email will go out later this evening! If I don’t hear from the winners within 48 hours, I will select a new winner(s) using Rafflecopter.

Thanks to everyone who participated, and congratulations to the winner… but don’t despair if you didn’t win this round!

Enter to win my other great giveaways:

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Synopsis:

For fans of Josh Whedon’s cult classic television show Firefly comes a fascinating and fast-paced sci-fi thriller from author Mindee Arnett, about a group of teenage mercenaries who stumble upon a conspiracy that threatens the entire galaxy.

With pulse-pounding action, a captivating mystery, and even a bit of romance, Avalon is the perfect read for hard-core sci-fi fans and non–sci-fi fans alike.

To enter this giveaway, you must:

-Be 13 years or older (or have parent/guardian permission)

-Fill in the mandatory question on rafflecopter (extra entries optional)

Click this Rafflecopter Link to Enter!

This giveaway is open to USA and Canadian entrants only and will end at 12:01am EST on December 31st. Please only enter once. The winner will be announced later on December 31st, and will receive email notification! Please read my giveaway policy and leave me a comment!

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The giveaway for an ARC of Fugitive X by Gregg Rosenblum has just concluded, and I’m excited to say that the winner has been chosen via Rafflecopter!

And the winner is…

Desiree Putaski

A tweet has already gone out to the winner, and an email will go out later this evening! If I don’t hear from the winner within 48 hours, I will select a new winner using Rafflecopter.

Thanks to everyone who participated, and congratulations to the winner… but don’t despair if you didn’t win this round!

Enter to win my other great giveaways:

Share this:

If you could help give these authors some love by spreading the word, that would be epic.

For more information about books on sale throughout the week, as well as giveaway updates, be sure to like A Book Vacation’s Facebook Page.

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Books-to-Movies Celebration: Raine Thomas’ Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy on Sale!

The books follow eighteen-year-old sisters, Amber, Olivia, and Skye, as they discover the truth about their origins and fight to save a race of beings they never knew existed. Filled with action, adventure, love and intrigue, the stories will translate wonderfully to the big screen.

To celebrate the big news, Raine is having a sale and hosting a giveaway! Here’s what you could win:

~ Three signed paperbacks of the Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy

~ Three bracelets inspired by the books

~ $10 Amazon gift card

~ YOUR NAME IN THE NEXT ESTILORIAN NOVEL

Buy Becoming on Amazon ~ Buy Becoming on Barnes and Noble

Buy the DofS Trilogy on Amazon ~ Buy the DofS on Barnes and Noble

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