{September 14, 2013} The 99 Cent Club–Feature 62–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 and most 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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Darkest Legacy by Allyson Gottlieb

Everyone has secrets they’d prefer stayed buried. But information wants to be free… and so does Tamara Kingsley’s ex-lover, incarcerated on the maximum-security prison planet, Alpha.

Tamara has done things she’s not proud of, but that was years ago. Now the headmistress of the Silvermist School of Magic for Girls, she has an honest life, one that makes her happy. For the last twenty years she’s fought like hell to keep it that way, and she thought she’d succeeded.

She’s about to find out just how wrong she was to think her past was dead and gone.

Find it on Amazon.

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Genesis: A Soul Saver’s Novella by Kristie Cook

Paranormal Romance by bestselling author Kristie Cook ** Mature Content ** Recommended for ages 16+ due to sexual situations and language

Discover how the Amadis began in this fascinating prequel to the award-winning Soul Savers Series!
While the land of Ancient Greece is plagued with mortals’ wars, twins Cassandra and Jordan have lived more than a lifetime as outcasts. When their dying father divulges a secret that’s been buried in his soul, his children come to opposite conclusions, launching them down two very different paths.

Jordan descends down a road of darkness and discovers the Daemoni, servants to Satan. His passion to gain their inhuman abilities, especially that of immortality, nearly consumes him, but when he thinks he’s achieved his ultimate goal, he yearns for his sister to share in his power.

Cassandra, however, follows the path of healing and light. She cares for the wounded and dying on the battlefields, while praying for the end to such atrocities. But her brother is determined to bring her into the war of all ages – the one for human souls.

Whether you’ve already immersed yourself in the world of the Amadis through the main Soul Savers Series, or this is your initial foray into Cook’s world, you’ll find yourself addicted and wanting more until long past the last word.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Flightless Bird by Paulina Ulrich

The summer of her seventeenth birthday Livy Eckels was faced with something she wasn’t ready for. In the the midst of a crumbling family, devastated, she grabs her bicycle and heads out of town to escape the heavy atmosphere at home. Livy unexpectedly crashes into the lives of two mysterious people living on the outskirts of town. As she prepares to start her final exhaustive year of high school, she already has enough on her plate. Then with the entrance of Gregory Mason, her life becomes even more complicated. Tall, handsome, and ever so annoying, Livy can’t stand being around him until she finds herself being pulled closer and closer to things she cannot explain.

She was determined to understand why Gregory Mason was so interested in her until she discovered something that may put her curiosity to an end. Before she knows what is happening Livy becomes entangled in the mystifying plots of a secret society, a vengeful ex lover, and a situation she never expected to find herself in: falling in love with a boy whose secret she should have never known.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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One by Mari Arden

Jules Hendricks has had a string of bad “firsts”.

Embarrassing first kiss. Traumatic first date. An obsessive first boyfriend she can’t understand.

It’s taken her years but she’s finally able to leave her small town life behind for a new start as a freshman at UW- Madison. For Jules, this chance to be independent and rebuild her life is an opportunity she won’t ever let anyone take from her again. She’s determined to make something of herself without a man by her side, in front, behind or anywhere near her.

Reid “Pax” Paxton is the star quarterback for the UW Badgers. His brush with death makes him understand how precious life is, and how important it is to take life by the horns, unafraid. Jules knows he’s dangerous for her. Dark hair. Smoldering eyes. Killer smile. That dimple. That body. Those arms. Pax is everything she’s trying to run away from, but she can’t help coming back for more. Slowly, he begins to show a life together can be more than just a dream. It can be their reality. The truth about reality is it’s not always sunshine and butterflies.

Sometimes it’s a wasteland.
Sometimes secrets can’t stay buried.
Sometimes your past will find a way to hunt you down.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Out of Line by Jen McLaughlin

***THIS IS A NEW ADULT BOOK AND IS INTENDED FOR READERS WHO ARE AT LEAST 17 YEARS OLD. ADULT CONTENT/LANGUAGE/SITUATIONS ARE INSIDE.***

Desperate to break free…

I’ve spent my entire life under my father’s thumb, but now I’m finally free to make my own choices. When my roommate dragged me to my first college party, I met Finn Coram and my life turned inside out. He knows how to break the rules and is everything I never knew I wanted. A Marine by day and surfer by night, he pushes me away even as our attraction brings us closer. Now I am finally free to do whatever I want. I know what I want. I choose Finn.

Trying to play by the rules…

I always follow orders. My job, my life, depends on it. I thought this job would be easy, all the rules were made crystal clear, but when I met Carrie Wallington, everything got muddy. She’s a rule I know I shouldn’t break, but damn if I don’t inch closer to the breaking point each time I see her. I’m ready to step out of line. And even worse? I’m living a lie. They say the truth will set you free, but in my case…

The truth will cost me everything.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Darkness of Light by Stacey Marie Brown

Freak. Witch. Crazy. Schizo.

Ember Brycin has been called them all. She’s always known she’s different. No one has ever called her normal, even under the best circumstances. Bizarre and inexplicable things continually happen to her, and having two different colored eyes, strange hair, and an unusual tattoo only contributes to the gossip about her.

When the latest school explosion lands her in a facility for trouble teens, she meets Eli Dragen, who’s hot as hell and darkly mysterious. Their connection is full of passion, danger, and secrets. Secrets that will not only change her life, but what and who she is—leading her down a path she never imagined possible.

Between Light and Dark, Ember finds a world where truth and knowledge are power and no one can be trusted. But her survival depends on finding out the truth about herself. In her pursuit, she is forced between love and destiny and good and evil, even when the differences between them aren’t always clear. At worst, she will incite a war that could destroy both worlds. At best, she will not only lose her heart but her life and everyone she loves. Once the truth is out, however, there will be no going back. And she’ll definitely wish she could.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Deadly Crush by Ashley Stoyanoff

Dog Mountain is just like any other small town — peaceful and uneventful. Well, that is if peaceful means wolves howling all night, and uneventful means it’s overrun by pesky werewolves, then yes, Dog Mountain is just your average small town.

Jade Shaw has spent the last two years avoiding the pack. But when Aidan Collins moves to town, avoiding the dogs doesn’t seem possible. The pack wants him just as much as she does.

Determined to keep him out of the pack’s grasp, Jade does everything she can to gain his attention. Little does she know, Aidan is in deeper with the pack than she could have imagined, and competing for his attention is a deadly game, one she may not want to win.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Maybe Fate by Cynthia Brint

No matter how you fight, fate still comes knocking.
But what happens when you rebel against it?

When I felt someone watching me, I knew something was wrong. I’m not the
kind of girl who gets a lot of attention. I don’t want you to think I’m paranoid, or crazy. Definitely not crazy. That night, I got my first glimpse of something that should never have existed. I met someone who would change my life, change my everything. Someone with wicked smiles and a voice like sugar mixed with cinnamon.

Someone not entirely human.

Maybe Fate is a full-length 350 page New Adult Paranormal Romance. It focuses on the wonder of destiny, the beauty of love, and the way it sweeps us up with unstoppable, hungry claws.
MatureContent, recommended for ages 17+

Find it on Amazon.

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Wolf Spell by M.R. Polish

With a death starts a new beginning…

Eighteen-year-old Esmerelda thinks she’s just a normal girl, but all of that changes the day of her mom’s funeral, when a warlock, intent on using her special powers, kidnaps her. Powers she didn’t know existed. Thrown in the middle of a magical battle, Es struggles to learn her magic while fleeing both vampires and warlocks, at the same time, hunting for the witches that can help defeat her adversary. The only problem is that they are dead.

Thankfully, she has the help of Jarak—her Guardian—who quickly captures her heart, but she wonders if she can win his? Just when she thinks Jarak is the one for her, Ian appears with daggers drawn to save Es from a vampire attack. Ian is cocky and rude, but there is something magnetic about him—something that attracts her to him. With her heart torn between two men, she faces the foes that are out for her blood.

Can Es do the unthinkable and awaken them from their graves before time runs out?

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Octavian’s Undoing by Airicka Phoenix

No good deed goes unpunished.

Riley Masters learns this the hard way when she finds a wallet and decides to do the right thing. But returning it will cost her much more than she bargains for.

Abandoned by her mother, raised by an indifferent father, Riley has accepted the fact that she would be alone always. She has no idea that a single act of kindness would propel her into a world where creatures that shouldn’t exist guard the human race from the demons that lurk in the shadows. That it will cost her the lives of those she loves while unearthing a destiny she never imagined with a man who is forbidden to love her. She finds passion, romance and the family she’d been searching for her entire life, but at what cost and what is she willing to sacrifice to find answers and happiness?

Octavian Maxwell has always known his place. He is a Caster, a Son of Judgment. His job is to protect the mortal world from the creatures plotting to destroy it. Instead, his world is shattered when a human girl walks into Final Judgment, a girl he has been searching for his entire life, a girl he is forbidden to ever touch. Being with her will break the oath he’s sworn to never love a mortal. But his heart has already found its mate and it refuses to let go.

Final Judgment… a place undetected, a gateway to evil and a legend that will undo everything anyone has ever known about our world.

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.

{September 13, 2013} {ARC Review} The Dream Thieves by Maggie Stiefvater (The Raven Boys #2)

From Goodreads: Now that the ley lines around Cabeswater have been woken, nothing for Ronan, Gansey, Blue, and Adam will be the same. Ronan, for one, is falling more and more deeply into his dreams, and his dreams are intruding more and more into waking life. Meanwhile, some very sinister people are looking for some of the same pieces of the Cabeswater puzzle that Gansey is after.

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Unfortunately, this series apparently just isn’t for me. While I didn’t particularly enjoy the first novel, I was hoping the story would grow on me in the second, especially because so many of my friends really adore these books. But, it just isn’t meant for me, which happens.

I had a very hard time following the plot line of this story, similar to my personal issues with the first novel, as it turns out. The novel jumps around too much for my taste, as well, and it was so hard for me to keep track of the characters and all the paranormal aspects. The characters are interesting, but there are a lot, more than I can handle, apparently, though I find that a bit weird because I generally don’t have any issues following characters all over the place. But, in the end, that doesn’t really mean anything. Some books just aren’t meant for some people.

Basically, I’ve come to the conclusion that those who loved the first book will thoroughly enjoy the second novel, as it’s the same writing style, jumping around from character to character and delving into the paranormal, with a slice of romance. If you didn’t necessarily enjoy the first novel, then this second might be a little difficult for you to read, but in the end, I think it all comes down to reader preferences, and while this series doesn’t seem to be for me, don’t write it off until you try it. Two stars.

Scholastic has been very gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on September 17, 2013.

{September 12, 2013} {Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway} For Everly by Raine Thomas

For Everly by Raine Thomas

Released: May 27, 2013

Publisher: Iambe Books, LLC

Age Group: New Adult (17+)

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Tour organized by: AToMR Tours

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From Goodreads: **Mature Content Warning** This is a New Adult novel recommended for ages 17+ due to language, sexual content, and mature subject matter.

Determined to overcome a dark and tragic past, college student Everly Wallace is only months away from earning her degree in physical therapy. She’s consumed with school, caring for her ailing grandfather, and figuring out how to pay the next bill. The last thing she wants is a relationship, but it just might be the one thing she needs.

Major League pitcher Cole Parker hasn’t fought for anything in his life. He went from a privileged upbringing to a multimillion dollar All-Star career. But when his pitching shoulder starts to give him trouble at only twenty-four years old, he faces the possibility of his injury becoming public knowledge and costing him everything.

In a desperate bid to save his career, Cole decides to hire someone to treat his injury, someone who will keep things off the record and out of the media. He finds the perfect solution in Everly. As mysterious as she is beautiful, she provides an enticing distraction from his pain. Soon, physical therapy is the last thing on his mind.

When an act of betrayal brings the truths they both fear to light, Cole will have to fight for the first time in his life…not just for his career, but for Everly’s love.

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For Everly is an absolutely beautiful novel that pulled me in from the very beginning, wrapped me up tight between the pages, and kept me glued to the powerful storyline until the very last page. Both Everly and Cole are vivid, real characters that hold a presence that’s impossible to ignore; it’s as if they lift off the pages and come to life before the reader’s very eyes, and long after the end they still resonate in our minds and hearts.

Raine Thomas has written a pure gem in this tale of love and redemption, investing readers in the story from page one as Cole comes tearing onto the scene in a very literal sense. Though it took me a little while to warm up to Cole due to his numerous mistakes and occasionally dangerous actions, his heartfelt remorse made him likeable and real. And as the story unfolds, and he learns the truth about Everly’s past and heartache, his love and will to protect her from all harm make him just shy of perfect in my eyes.

But Everly certainly isn’t a push over character in need saving. She has a strong will, works hard for a living, cares for her grandfather, and puts other’s needs before her own. She’s exceptionally smart, doesn’t fool around, and she has her head on straight, which makes her instantly likable in my eyes. Yes, she has a rather abrasive past, though no fault of her own, and Thomas’ compelling novel also promotes extremely important themes concerning depression, suicide, and abuse. These are difficult and heavy topics to address, yet Thomas lays their reality bare in such a delicate manner that it isn’t overbearing, yet it speaks loudly enough to capture the readers attention and root for Everly, Cole, and her grandfather as set back after set back lands in their path, some of which have deadly potential. Five stars.

I received a review copy of novel from ATOMR Tours in exchange for an honest review.

Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17835522-for-everly

Amazon – http://www.amazon.com/For-Everly-ebook/dp/B00D0TB1CE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375889867&sr=8-1&keywords=for+everly

Barnes and Noble – http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/for-everly-raine-thomas/1115426502?ean=9781939453051

For Everly Book Trailer Link: http://youtu.be/5P2oZJupu6U

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About the Author

Raine Thomas is the award-winning author of a series of YA Fantasy/Romance novels about the Estilorian plane, including the Daughters of Saraqael Trilogy and the Firstborn Trilogy, and a New Adult Contemporary Romance, For Everly. She is a proud member of Romance Writers of America and is a contributing blogger to The Writer’s Voice. When she isn’t planning weddings, writing, or glued to social networking sites, she can usually be found on one of Florida’s beautiful beaches with her husband and daughter or crossing the border to visit with her Canadian friends and relatives.

Author Social Media Links:

Twitter (http://twitter/Raine_Thomas)
Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/rainethomas)
Goodreads (http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5053436.Raine_Thomas)
Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/raine_thomas/)
Linkedin (http://www.linkedin.com/pub/raine-thomas/53/111/bb3)
Website (http://rainethomas.com)
Blog (http://RaineThomas.com/blog/)

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Giveaway!

You could win:

$25 Amazon Gift Card

2 Print Copies

5 Ebook Copies (mobi or epub)

Click this Rafflecopter Link to enter!

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To see other stops on the tour for reviews, guest posts, and excerpt click here or the tour button below.

{September 12, 2013} {Cover Reveal} Four Seconds to Lose by K.A. Tucker

Cover Reveal:

For Seconds to Lose

By K.A. Tucker

Release Date: November 4, 2013

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ABOUT FOUR SECONDS TO LOSE:

Owning a strip club isn’t the fantasy most guys expect it to be. With long hours, a staff with enough issues to keep a psych ward in business, and the police regularly on his case, twenty-nine year old Cain is starting to second guess his unspoken mission to save the women he employs. And then blond, brown-eyed Charlie Rourke walks through his door, and things get really complicated. Cain abides by a strict “no sleeping with the staff” rule. But being around Charlie challenges Cain’s self-control…and it’s been a long time since any woman has done that.

Twenty-two-year old Charlie Rourke needs a lot of money, really fast, in order to vanish before it’s too late. Taking her clothes off for men makes her stomach curl but Charlie tells herself that at least she’s putting her acting and dancing skills to good use. And though her fellow dancers seem eager to nab their sexy, sophisticated, and genuinely caring boss, she’s not interested. After all, Charlie Rourke doesn’t really exist—and the girl pretending to be her doesn’t need to complicate her life with romance.

Unfortunately, Charlie soon discovers that developing feelings for Cain is inevitable, that those feelings may not be unrequited—but losing him when he finds out what she’s involved with will be more painful than any other sentence awaiting her.

Pre-Order Links:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Four-Seconds-Lose-Novel-ebook/dp/B00BSBVGZI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378843471&sr=8-1&keywords=Four+Seconds+to+Lose+k.a.tucker

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/four-seconds-to-lose-ka-tucker/1115379355?ean=9781476740508&itm=1&usri=four+seconds+to+lose+k.a.+tucker

Other Retailers: http://books.simonandschuster.com/Four-Seconds-to-Lose/K-A-Tucker/9781476740492

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TEN TINY BREATHS BY K.A. TUCKER WILL BE RELEASED IN PAPERBACK ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Kacey Cleary’s whole life imploded four years ago in a drunk-driving accident. Now she’s working hard to bury the pieces left behind—all but one. Her little sister, Livie. Kacey can swallow the constant disapproval from her born-again aunt Darla over her self-destructive lifestyle; she can stop herself from going kick-boxer crazy on Uncle Raymond when he loses the girls’ college funds at a blackjack table. She just needs to keep it together until Livie is no longer a minor, and then they can get the hell out of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

But when Uncle Raymond slides into bed next to Livie one night, Kacey decides it’s time to run. Armed with two bus tickets and dreams of living near the coast, Kacey and Livie start their new lives in a Miami apartment complex, complete with a grumpy landlord, a pervert upstairs, and a neighbor with a stage name perfectly matched to her chosen “profession.” But Kacey’s not worried. She can handle all of them. What she can’t handle is Trent Emerson in apartment 1D.

Kacey doesn’t want to feel. She doesn’t. It’s safer that way. For everyone. But sexy Trent finds a way into her numb heart, reigniting her ability to love again. She starts to believe that maybe she can leave the past where it belongs and start over. Maybe she’s not beyond repair.

But Kacey isn’t the only one who’s broken. Seemingly perfect Trent has an unforgiveable past of his own; one that, when discovered, will shatter Kacey’s newly constructed life and send her back into suffocating darkness.

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ABOUT K.A. TUCKER:

Born in small-town Ontario, Kathleen published her first book at the age of six with the help of her elementary school librarian and a box of crayons. She is a voracious reader and the farthest thing from a genre-snob, loving everything from High Fantasy to Chick Lit. Kathleen currently resides in a quaint small town outside of Toronto with her husband, two beautiful girls, and an exhausting brood of four-legged creatures.

LINKS:

Blog: http://www.katucker.blogspot.ca/
Website: http://www.katuckerbooks.com/
Author Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/K.A.Tucker.Author?fref=ts
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kathleenatucker
Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4866520.K_A_Tucker

FOUR SECONDS TO LOSE Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17571140-four-seconds-to-lose?ac=1

Atria: http://imprints.simonandschuster.biz/atria

{September 11, 2013} {Review} Quite Contrary by Richard Roberts

From Goodreads: The secret of having an adventure is getting lost. Who ever visited an enchanted kingdom or fell into a fairy tale without wandering into the woods first?

Well, Mary is lost. Mary is lost in the story of Little Red Riding Hood, and that is a cruel and murderous story. She’s put on the red hood and met the Wolf. When she gives in to her Wolf’s temptations, she will die. That’s how the story goes, after all.

Unfortunately for the story and unfortunately for the Wolf, this Little Red Riding Hood is Mary Stuart, and she is the most stubborn and contrary twelve year old the world has ever known.

Forget the Wolf’s temptations, forget the advice of the talking rat trying to save her – she will kick her way through every myth and fairy tale ever told until she finds a way to get out of this alive. Her own way, and no one else’s.

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I’m sorry to say that this novel just isn’t for me. I originally wanted to read it because I usually enjoy revamped fairy tales, but Mary completely turned me off from this story. I was expecting a retelling of Little Red Riding Hood with a contrary heroine, which in my mind meant more assertive a deviating from the meek path of Red in the traditional stories. But in this story, contrary actually stands for vile, obnoxious, cussing, kicking, punching, and vulgar interactions that don’t really sit well with me, especially as our “heroine” is just 12 years old. From the very beginning, with her blatant disrespect of her mother, I had an inkling I wasn’t going to enjoy the story on a personal level, and when Mary began cussing at everyone and everything, it was basically over for me. Now, Mary does have a few redeeming qualities in that she really does care about people, but she’s hard pressed to show it, and she’d rather kick someone in their private areas first and ask questions later. Honestly, I think this was more of a “shock the reader” type of story where crazy situations evolve and Mary responds vulgarly to them. Which, truthfully, isn’t my type of story. One star.

I originally requested this novel from Netgalley, but as a Kindle version was not available, I purchased it from Amazon, instead.

{September 10, 2013} {ARC Review} Deceived by Julie Anne Lindsey

From Goodreads: When Elle’s father, a single parent and a big shot in corporate insurance, moves her to yet another boarding school for senior year, Elle is disgusted when nothing changes. Her night terrors don’t go away, and, soon, despite her father’s caring calls and visits, Elle starts to believe she’s losing her mind. She knows she’s being followed; a ribbon is tied around her doorknob, and there are those cigarette butts that keep turning up on the doormat, in violation of a strict smoking ban on campus. Then there’s Bryan, an intriguing boy Elle meets at a flea market and later finds out is a student at her school. Yet on campus, he pretends he doesn’t recognize her – until the day he divulges just how much danger she’s in. In her search for an answer to all the madness, Elle unravels the truth about her dad’s real identity, why someone has lied to her all her life, and the terrifying truth that she may be the only one who can save her from the one who’s following her now.

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While the overall archetypes of a story set in a boarding school haven’t really changed in this novel, with the brooding yet protective hero, the shy and needy heroine, the distant parent, and the lackluster staff, Lindsey still adds her own twist to an age old story, bringing in a serial killer with a vendetta, the secret police, and pure, nice, caring friends for our heroine, Elle.

I won’t lie, it’s hard not to compare Lindsey’s novels with the vast majority that have been written using the same setting. If you read the synopsis, you might just think it’s going to be like all the others out there, but in truth, it’s really not. In the beginning, yes, I very much thought that this novel was just like others I’ve read. However, like I said previously, Lindsey adds in her own elements that help give the story a kick, like the fact that there really aren’t any “mean girls/boys” on campus. That was an added relief. In fact, our heroine, Elle, though shy, has great friends that rally around her and try to include her in everything, which was an awesome change from some of the books I’ve previously read where the hero/heroine is hated by the “fabulous” rich students all around him/her.

On top of that, the school isn’t exactly strict, and the students are able to move about more freely, going into town, owning cars, and interacting with the real world, which isn’t something I often see in novels dealing with boarding school. It actually made the characters seem more like college students with this added freedom, and I liked this aspect a lot, though sometimes it was confusing to me because I’m still trying to figure out the living arrangements. The girls seemed to have their own apartment, complete with a kitchen, and they bought their own groceries, so that was a little weird for me, but not a deal breaker by any means.

The addition of a serial killer running around added a sense of fear to the entire novel as well. Though, on occasion, I wanted to smack Elle upside the head because she doesn’t seem very street smart. If I woke up every morning and there were tons of cigarette butts all over my doormat every day, I’d be worried of a stalker AND I’d tell authorities. It wouldn’t be something I just chalk up to chance. Likewise, I feel like most people recognize a cigarette’s glow in the evening, so it surprised me that Elle didn’t recognize what it was when she saw it stalking her, but… then again, she is really naive, so… it happens.

I figured out much of the plot before the constant reveals and revelations of the characters’ roles, but the one aspect I couldn’t figure out for a while was the “why” behind the serial killer’s choice. But, once that was explained, everything fit nicely into place, and the end definitely left me with a pounding heart for multiple reasons. Overall, this is a decent read with a twist, and if you’ve enjoyed any of the novels you’ve previously read set in boarding schools, then I suggest you give this one a try. Three stars.

F+W/Adams Media has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its official release on September 18, 2013.

{September 10, 2013} Win a Kindle Fire and Other Awesome Prizes from Marata Eros-Author of A Terrible Love and A Brutal Tenderness

Enter to Win a FREE Kindle Fire!

Marata Eros is giving away some epic prizes in celebration of A TERRIBLE LOVE‘s paperback release on September 24, 2013!

You can win:

A Kindle Fire

A Signed Paperback of A Terrible Love

A Galley of A Brutal Tenderness

and An Author Swag Bundle!

To enter Marata’s giveaway, click this Rafflecopter link!

{September 9, 2013} {ARC Review} Some Act Of Vision by Lori Ann Stephens

From Goodreads: After ten years of ballet lessons, Jordan Walker has finally landed her first principal role in Romeo and Juliet. Sweeter yet, “Romeo” has asked her to the May Fling Ball at Winston High. But a massive Texas earthquake triggered by the fracking activity nearby tears apart the community and Jordan’s future as a dancer. The Walker family survives the earthquake, but wake up the next morning utterly invisible.

On the run from a military with nefarious plans, Jordan and her family are forced to abandon their old lives and flee to Galveston. It isn’t until she meets Caleb, a blind musician, that Jordan dares to hope again. And the more their secret friendship develops, the more Jordan understands the danger she’s placed everyone in.

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This was a great read, pulling the reader in from the very beginning with a little hint of romance and ballet, only to have the entire world thrown into chaos with an earthquake that releases a purple gas from a research facility, forever changing Jordan and her family’s life.

It never ceases to amaze me when I know something’s coming in a plot line, yet, the author still manages to surprise me, and that’s exactly what happens in this novel. I knew about the invisibility due to the synopsis, but Stephens reveals it in such a way that it was still jarring for me, even though I was expecting it. As the reader, we’re given both sides of the coin: how the family interacts prior to the quake, and how they cope after with the advent of invisibility, which was really intriguing for me as I felt like I got to know the characters on a deeper level, watching them struggle and come to terms with their new lives, and being surprised time and time again by the many twists in the story.

Another aspect of the novel that I enjoyed was the characterization, which is extremely well done; Jordan changes immensely throughout the duration of the story, and though at times her decisions, as well as those of her family, irked me to no end, this is what makes Jordan and her family extremely real. They struggle, they make mistakes, they yearn for what they can’t have, and Stephen captures it all quite beautifully in this well written paranormal read. It’s so easy, as the reader, to look in from the outside and point out every bad choice a character makes, which is what I ultimately did with Jordan, but when it’s all said and done, I wouldn’t change it for the world. Jordan definitely makes some bad decisions, but truthfully, I’d probably be doing the same if I were invisible and had no one to interact with aside from my family. So, I get it, even though I don’t necessarily like all the ramifications.

The novel, overall, kept up a decent pace, thought on occasion there was some downtime that I could have done without, mainly, when Jordan walks up and down the beach. She spends a lot of time in her head trying to figure out her relationship, and while this definitely needs to happen, I’m more of an action lady myself. But, there is more than enough happening in the novel, and throughout much of the novel I was on pins and needles waiting for the shoe to drop because an invisible existence is one that, at some point, must be found out. Four stars.

I received an ARC of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review prior to its official release on September 17, 2013.

{September 9, 2013} {ARC Review} Rose Under Fire by Elizabeth Wein

From Goodreads: While flying an Allied fighter plane from Paris to England, American ATA pilot and amateur poet, Rose Justice, is captured by the Nazis and sent to Ravensbrück, the notorious women’s concentration camp. Trapped in horrific circumstances, Rose finds hope in the impossible through the loyalty, bravery and friendship of her fellow prisoners. But will that be enough to endure the fate that’s in store for her?

Elizabeth Wein, author of the critically-acclaimed and best-selling Code Name Verity, delivers another stunning WWII thriller. The unforgettable story of Rose Justice is forged from heart-wrenching courage, resolve, and the slim, bright chance of survival.

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This novel started off a little slow for me as Wein begins to create the background for her story, allowing readers to connect with Rose and her life prior to her capture. For me, this part really wasn’t interesting… information about piloting, friendships, and betrothals wasn’t what I was expecting and it’s not really my style, but in the end, it was actually vital information to further along the plot near the end, and I’m glad that Wein chose to include it, even though I initially wasn’t interested.

This is a gut wrenching read as we learn of the experiments carried out on the Rabbits (a group of women who created the nickname for themselves due to the experimentation) and their insistence on caring for one another, even to the point of volunteering to die in another Rabbits’ place. Much time is dedicated to the fleshing out of these strong-willed, powerful characters within the novel, and it is their determination that really pushes the story along and allows the reader to finish the novel. Without their outlook on life and their perseverance, I don’t think I would have been able to complete this novel because the atrocities within are quite difficult to handle, and yet these women bear it in stride.
I teach a Holocaust unit to my students, and we focus on the novel Night, by Elie Wiesel, so we don’t see the entire travesty of the war in what happened to the women and children as it focuses on a male concentration camp. Thus, I think Rose Under Fire, though extremely sad and difficult to stomach at times, is the perfect novel to show what life in the women’s camps were like. I feel like this is a topic that is not taught enough—all the novels I read in school as a student, and that I now teach, deal with the perspective of a male in a male concentration camp, and I think it is incredibly important that there is a focus on the women and children’s camps as well. This is a very powerful novel, and I highly suggest it, but beware, it is difficult to read at times. Four stars.

Disney Book Group has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release tomorrow, September 10, 2013.

{September 8, 2013} The 99 Cent Club–Feature 61–Ten Books for Ten Bucks

Every weekend 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 Barnes and Noble and Amazon. 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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Sworn to Raise by Terah Edun

Seventeen-year-old Ciardis has grown up in poverty, a cleaner in a small vale on the outskirts of the kingdom. But beneath her kingdom’s seemingly idyllic surface lies a hidden secret. Whispers of an inept crown Prince are growing ever louder—intensified by the five year anniversary of the soulbond initiations.

Amidst scandalous whispers, Ciardis finds herself chosen to train for the Companion’s Guild. She leaves her home and sets off on a personal journey to become a Court Companion. A position she’d never thought possible for a lowly servant to obtain, she must prove that she has the skills to attract a Patron.

But she must master those skills quickly. If the legends are true, only Ciardis can harness the power to raise a Prince in an Imperial Court sworn to bring him down.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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A Graceful Mess by Nacole Stayton

Hiding behind the anguish from my past, my coyness seeps off of me like an aroma. I have felt like a stranger in my own skin, trying to claw my way out for far too long, allowing very few people to see past my façade…until my eyes met with his. I felt a sudden rush of energy all the way to my core. It jolted me in ways I never thought possible.

Never in a million years would I have expected to be in the mess I am today. It all leads back to the night Parker Porter turned my world upside down. The night his hazel eyes undressed me, peeling away the layers of the woman I tried so hard to be. He awoke desires that burned deep within me and changed me in one quick glance, leaving me vulnerable and exposed, picking up the shattered pieces of my carefully constructed life…a life I should not be living…a life I was not born into, but placed into by the state of Maine.

Parker opened a door that I am far from closing until I have answers and am able to face the life I was destined to live. I just have to decide if his love is worth the mess.

“They say be careful of the quiet ones.” –Grace

Warning: This book is intended for readers 18+ due to explicit language and sexual encounters.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Finding Olivia by Micalea Smeltzer

How far would you go to find yourself?

That’s the question that’s been haunting Olivia Owens for years.

All Olivia has ever wanted to do is live and make mistakes, but her preacher father has made that impossible. She believes that her years at college will be her ticket into the real world and her chance to be wild and spontaneous.

But she’s never been able to do it on her own.

At the start of her sophomore year, she only has four things crossed off her Live List, but that’s all about to change thanks to a chance encounter with Trace Wentworth. She’s about to learn that there’s more to this reformed bad boy than just his looks and panty dropping smile.

Trace can’t explain what it is that draws him to Olivia.

All he knows is that he wants to get to know the girl with the sad smile but sparkle in her eyes.

When she tells him about her list, he knows that this is his chance to get to know Olivia Owens. Trace is determined to show Olivia that she can do all the things she’s ever wanted to do. So, he begins to help her cross things off her list, even the more outlandish requests.

What happens along the way is more than what Olivia or Trace ever expected.

Love, laughs, and a list.

That’s the name of the game when you’re Finding Olivia.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Life for Rent by Emmie Lou Kates

Beth is running away again and finds herself in a small Cornish village.

Liam is fighting his own demons and is fed up with his friends meddling in his affairs.

What happens when two lost souls are brought together with the help of a little Cornish magic?

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes by Denise Grover Swank

“It all started when I saw myself dead.”

For Rose Gardner, working at the DMV on a Friday afternoon is bad even before she sees a vision of herself dead. She’s had plenty of visions, usually boring ones like someone’s toilet’s overflowed, but she’s never seen one of herself before. When her overbearing momma winds up murdered on her sofa instead, two things are certain: There isn’t enough hydrogen peroxide in the state of Arkansas to get that stain out, and Rose is the prime suspect.

Rose realizes she’s wasted twenty-four years of living and makes a list on the back of a Wal-Mart receipt: twenty-eight things she wants to accomplish before her vision comes true. She’s well on her way with the help of her next door neighbor Joe, who has no trouble teaching Rose the rules of drinking, but won’t help with number fifteen– do more with a man. Joe’s new to town, but it doesn’t take a vision for Rose to realize he’s got plenty secrets of his own.

Somebody thinks Rose has something they want and they’ll do anything to get it. Her house is broken into, someone else she knows is murdered, and suddenly, dying a virgin in the Fenton County jail isn’t her biggest worry after all.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Leo by Mia Sheridan

Evie and Leo met in foster care as children and formed a bond of friendship. As they grew, their bond turned to love, and they vowed to make a life together when they turned 18 and were no longer a part of the system.

When Leo unexpectedly gets adopted as a teen and he moves to another city, he promises Evie that he will contact her as soon as he gets there and come back for her in a few short years. She never hears from him again.

Now eight years later, in spite of the odds, Evie has made a life for herself. She has a job. She has friends. She’s content. Then a man shows up out of the blue, claiming that her long lost love, Leo, sent him to check up on her. The attraction between them is undeniable. But, should she trust this sexy stranger? Or is he keeping a secret about what his connection to Leo is really all about and why Leo disappeared all those years ago?

New Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Stardust by Mimi Strong

CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 17+

“This is one of those books that you beg your best friend to read because you have to have someone to laugh with. This is the first book I have read from Mimi Strong but it will not be the last. Her writing is so flawlessly funny and paints such an amazing picture for you that I felt as though I could have been another roommate or coworker of Peaches. This book has everything … humor, great characters, and hot sex!”
Bobbie Jo, Two Crazy Girls with a Passion for Books

There I was, minding my own business at Peachtree Books when this lunatic comes racing in the door and knocks me into his arms. I would have ripped him a new one, but he was hot. Like I-want-to-have-your-babies-now hot.

I feel like I know him, because I stare at his gorgeous face on TV every week. Dalton Deangelo. In the firm, sculpted flesh. Have I mentioned how hot he is? My panties practically flew right off.

Now he wants to get to know me. I can’t say no to that face … or those captivating green eyes.

I’m just a regular girl, and he’s rich and famous with no body fat. So, why is he chasing me? And what is this secret of his the reporters are trying to uncover?

I try to keep my eyes wide open. I’ve made terrible, stupid mistakes in the past. But Dalton Deangelo’s touch turns me to Jell-O.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Keep Me Still by Caisey Quinn

Let You Leave
(novella included in this special edition of Keep Me Still)

Layla Flaherty had the perfect life, or close to it. Until a stranger gunned her parents down right in front of her, leaving her with seizure inducing PTSD. After years of trying to pass as normal and failing miserably, she resigns herself to being invisible. But new to town Landen O’Brien sees her, and he likes what he sees. Much to Layla’s surprise, he doesn’t freak out when she has a seizure in front of him. He does the exact opposite, calming her until the tremors subside. But Landen has secrets of his own. Secrets that will either bind them together or tear them apart.

Keep Me Still

Scarred by loss, Layla leaves her hometown of Hope Springs, Georgia, hoping to put her painful past behind her and start over in college in California. When she runs into Landen at freshmen orientation, she has a choice to make. Reinforce those steel walls she’s built up around herself or give the only boy who can keep her still a second chance.

Landen’s more than ready to tear down those walls, but this time when they come crashing down, they might bury her.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Ruin by Rachel Van Dyken

I’m not your typical girl. I’ve been running away from the memories that haunt me for so long that depression has become my only comfort. I was content in the darkness…until Wes Michels offered to be my light. I didn’t know that time wasn’t my ally — that every second that ticked past was one step closer to the end of something that was beginning to mean the end of myself. He tried to warn me. He promised me all he was able to offer–each moment as it came–but it would never be enough.

Sometimes when you think it’s the end, it’s only the beginning. Wes thought he could save me, but in giving me everything, he ruined me. Because after one kiss, one touch, I couldn’t–I wouldn’t ever be the same.

And from that moment on, his heartbeat became my own.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Breaking Nova by Jessica Sorensen

Nova Reed used to have dreams-of becoming a famous drummer, of marrying her true love. But all of that was taken away in an instant. Now she’s getting by as best she can, though sometimes that means doing things the old Nova would never do. Things that are slowly eating away at her spirit. Every day blends into the next . . . until she meets Quinton Carter. His intense, honey brown eyes instantly draw her in, and he looks just about as broken as she feels inside.

Quinton once got a second chance at life-but he doesn’t want it. The tattoos on his chest are a constant reminder of what he’s done, what he’s lost. He’s sworn to never allow happiness into his life . . . but then beautiful, sweet Nova makes him smile. He knows he’s too damaged to get close to her, yet she’s the only one who can make him feel alive again. Quinton will have to decide: does he deserve to start over? Or should he pay for his past forever?

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.

{September 8, 2013} Announcing the Winner of a Significance Series Tote Bag Signed by Shelly Crane

The winner of a Significance Series Tote Bag Signed by Shelly Crane has just concluded, and I’m excited to say that the winner has been chosen via Rafflecopter.

And the winner is…

Becky Paulk

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 a Recently Released Book of Your Choice: Ends October 1

An eBook of CLICKS by Amy Evans: Ends September 15

Win a Signed Paperback of No Attachments by Tiffany King: Ends September 20

{September 7, 2013} {ARC Review} The Truth About You and Me by Amanda Grace

From Goodreads: Smart girls aren’t supposed to do stupid things.

Madelyn Hawkins is super smart. At sixteen, she’s so gifted that she can attend college through a special program at her high school. On her first day, she meets Bennett. He’s cute, funny, and kind. He understands Madelyn and what she’s endured – and missed out on – in order to excel academically and please her parents. Now, for the first time in her life, she’s falling in love.

There’s only one problem. Bennett is Madelyn’s college professor, and he thinks she’s eighteen – because she hasn’t told him the truth.

The story of their forbidden romance is told in letters that Madelyn writes to Bennett – both a heart-searing ode to their ill-fated love and an apology.

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This is the story of a young girl so desperately trying to break the mold of her perfect life that her parents have designed for her that she ultimately ruins another’s life in order to feel different. Bennett makes her feel like an adult, like she has control of her life, and so she doesn’t tell him she’s 16, even though she knows she should, that their relationship is illegal, and that it could all come crashing down around her. But she’s selfish; not intentionally, but selfish she is, and in the end, the pieces shatter and she is left with nothing but a disappointed family–but she does break the mold.

Both Bennett and Madelyn were incredibly infuriating characters in this story, mainly because they didn’t think. The first thing I do when I meet someone I’m interested in is find out their age, and Bennett doesn’t do that. He never asks, even though he knows he shouldn’t be dating a student. He doesn’t verify that she’s 18, or ask around about her; instead, he throws himself into the relationship and, in this lack of thought, ends up ruining his own life. Asking someone to keep a secret this monumental means he knows what he’s doing is wrong. So he’s just as much to blame as anyone else.

Madelyn does stop to think that what she’s doing isn’t smart, but she continuously ignores the nagging feeling in the back of her mind and does whatever she wants to do. She doesn’t care who she hurts, and because of this, I have no respect for her. Yes, I understand she’s 16, irrational, and that her brain hasn’t fully formed, so she makes big mistakes, but this is calculating, and while she never means to being Bennett harm, that’s what she does because of her own selfish desires.

And her parents are just as much to blame as Bennett and Madelyn are. Their pressure and inability to really see their daughter was sickening. How does one not notice their child is suddenly dressing sexier and trying to be more mature and grown-up? She was 15 when she started community college–why force that on her? They didn’t know their own daughter, and I understand that the mother was absent a lot, and dad was all about making sure she succeeds in life, but what ever happened to allowing kids to be kids? Why force them to grow up so quickly? If you push her to be an adult all the time, when she’s not and doesn’t have all the experience and capabilities adults have, then you’re asking for trouble, in my opinion. And that’s what they got.

In the end, everyone is at fault in some way, shape, or form in this story. Everyone.

I liked the idea that this story is told through a series of letters Madelyn wants to send Bennett after it’s all said and done, so she leads up to the fateful morning her secret was discovered, but I really would have loved to have Bennett’s point of view in there, too. Overall, though, it’s a very well written story that will really make readers think, picking the characters apart and trying assess their cognitive abilities, or lack thereof. The characterization is superb; I just wish I liked them more. Three stars.

Flux Books has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its official release tomorrow, September 8, 2013.

{September 6, 2013} {ARC Review} Silent Echo: A Siren’s Tale by Elisa Freilich

From Goodreads: Haunted by silence, a mute teenage girl is mysteriously given back her voice … and it is divine.

Rendered mute at birth, Portia Griffin has been silent for 16 years. Music is her constant companion, along with Felix, her deaf best friend who couldn’t care less whether or not she can speak. If only he were as nonchalant about her newfound interest in the musically gifted Max Hunter.

But Portia’s silence is about to be broken with the abrupt discovery of her voice, unparalleled in its purity and the power it affords to control those around her. Able to persuade, seduce and destroy using only her voice, Portia embarks on a search for answers about who she really is, and what she is destined to become.

Inspired by Homer’s Odyssey, SILENT ECHO: A Siren’s Tale is an epic story filled with fantasy, romance and original music.

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I really liked the mythology piece of this novel and I think it’d be great for teens to read, especially if they’re studying the topic in school, or if they’re extremely interested in mythology, as many are since Percy Jackson hit the scene a few years back. From my own studies of mythology in school way back when, I knew what Sirens were, and of course, I’ve read The Odyssey AND all the Percy Jackson books, so my definition of them is a lot more refined than someone who hasn’t studied or read mythology, but even so, I learned so much more about Sirens in this novel than I ever have before, and I thought that was extremely interesting.

I think it’s safe to say that most people know Sirens have a beautiful mesmerizing voice that lures men to their deaths, but most probably don’t know why they turned evil, and I really enjoyed Freilich’s rendition of what happened after Odysseus, bringing the story into the present, captivating the reader with this tale of good versus evil.

Now, potential readers already know from the synopsis that Portia is a Siren, unbeknownst to her, and therefore she’s going to struggle immensely with the power she has. She’s going to make bad decisions, she’s going to have trouble controlling her voice and reactions, and, if her distant relatives have anything to do with it, she’ll lose her way and wreak havoc on the world. Thus, readers realize that Portia, while initially very likable, is going to do things, say things, feel things that are going to make the reader dislike her. It’s part of being a Siren. Knowing that going in helped me as I read because I knew what she was, and while I really hated some of the things she does, and she tainted my feelings about her as a character, I knew that it wasn’t her true nature, but the Siren taking over. There is an outside force at work here, and while it’s easy to judge Portia and dismiss her as evil and dislike the story, in the end, this is a novel about Sirens and their power to ruin people, so I highly stress that readers remember this, otherwise it will be extremely easy to write off the novel and dislike it due to the heroine.

Now, I’m not making excuses for Portia, and her behavior definitely put me on edge as I read. Yes, I lost some respect for her, and at points I wanted her to die off in order to stop the hurt she was causing, but… I understood where this angst was coming from, which is why I still liked the novel in the end, whereas I usually end up disliking books where I lose respect for the main character. Also, Portia isn’t always evil, and the end of the novel does bring things full circle, in a way, so I can’t actually say I dislike her.

The one aspect of the novel I did not enjoy was the verse interspersed throughout. Portia loves music, as does her beau, Hunter, and they sing to each other, a lot. As someone who doesn’t listen to music or thoroughly enjoy poetry, I struggled with this. The versus themselves seemed quite juvenile to me, and the lack of a melody I could literally hear turned these verses into rhyming poems that, to be quite honest, I would expect from an elementary/middle school child. Now, the main characters are teenagers, and I think teens probably won’t mind these verses as much, but as an adult who teaches high school, including poetry, it was difficult because not all poetry rhymes, nor should it, and, well, this aspect just wasn’t for me.

Overall, I think this was a very interesting story that many MG and YA readers will enjoy, especially with it’s mythological aspects. Three stars.

Diversion books has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read on ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on September 10, 2013.

Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble

{September 5, 2013} {ARC Review} Monsters by Ilsa J. Bick (Ashes #3)

From Goodreads: The Changed are on the move. The Spared are out of time. The End…is now.

When her parents died, Alex thought things couldn’t get much worse-until the doctors found the monster in her head.

She headed into the wilderness as a good-bye, to leave everything behind. But then the end of the world happened, and Alex took the first step down a treacherous road of betrayal and terror and death.

Now, with no hope of rescue-on the brink of starvation in a winter that just won’t quit-she discovers a new and horrifying truth.

The Change isn’t over.
The Changed are still evolving.
And…they’ve had help.

With this final volume of The Ashes Trilogy, Ilsa J. Bick delivers a riveting, blockbuster finish, returning readers to a brutal, post-apocalyptic world where no one is safe and hope is in short supply.

A world where, from these ashes, the monsters may rise.

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Bick jumps right into this final installment without giving any playback, so if you haven’t read the other books, you’ll be lost in this one. And if you haven’t read the other books recently, you’ll most likely need a refresher course because there are a ton of characters, and the story jumps back and forth between them all, leaving the reader on constant pins and needles as each change over happens on a cliffhanger. To be truthful, Bick is the queen of cliffhangers—I haven’t read another author that does it so flawlessly and so often within his/her writing; it’s an art, really, and I admire Bick’s ability to write a story like this that leaves me yearning for more and more, freaking out at each mini cliffhanger within the chapters. And guess what? The ending, in my opinion, leaves the door wide open for a spinoff series if Bick so chooses, which I would love, cliffhangers and all.

The characterization is great, but I was a bit confused by some of the paranormal activity that takes place in this novel, which I either forgot about from the previous novels, or I just plain missed in this one. I don’t really understand Alex’s ability and the monster within her, but I’m going to chalk it up to reader error because, honestly, Bick has never lead me astray. I’ve highly enjoyed all her novels, and this zombie apocalypse is a smash hit.

Overall, Monsters was one hell of a ride and a great end to the series, but just a little too long for my tastes. I, personally, would have gotten more joy out of it had it been pared down from nearly 700 pages to two separate books. Instead of a trilogy, a four book series would have been superb and made reading this final installment that much easier. Regardless, though, this was an epic end to the series, but readers beware, it’s basically a nonstop action ride, jumping from character to character with mini cliffhangers written in between the multiple points of view. There isn’t much down time, though I’ll admit there was a little, so I came out of it extremely tense and my body hurt from it all because I just couldn’t let myself relax as I read, and 700 pages is a long time to be tense. But it’s so good, it was worth it. Four stars.

Egmont USA has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on September 10, 2013.

{September 4, 2013} {ARC Review} Thin Space by Jody Casella

From Goodreads: Ever since the car accident that killed his twin brother, Marshall Windsor has been consumed with guilt and crippled by secrets of that fateful night. He has only one chance to make amends, to right his wrongs and set things right. He must find a Thin Space—a mythical point where the barrier between this world and the next is thin enough for a person to step through to the other side.

But, when a new girl moves into the house next door, the same house Marsh is sure holds a thin space, she may be the key—or the unraveling of all his secrets.

As they get closer to finding a thin space—and closer to each other—Marsh must decide once and for all how far he’s willing to go to right the wrongs of the living…and the dead.

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This is the story of a young man so wrought with grief that he’s given up living, so set in his own delusion that he wanders everywhere barefoot in hopes of finding a thin space to connect with the dead. For the longest time, I thought I knew what happened that night that Austin died. There are so many instances when Marsh begins to tell the story, only to stop, giving enough snippets to connect all the dots, except for the biggest one of them all that some readers may catch, but I certainly didn’t. This, in and of itself, blew the whole story out of the water, and pushed what I thought to be just a decent read into a higher category for me. I love when I’m floored by the events in books, and this novel definitely left my jaw hanging. Of course, looking back on it, there are so, so many clues throughout, and Marsh even basically admits it at one point, but it went right over my head. Epic.

Basically, what seems to be reality in this novel is just the opposite, and I loved that Casella threw in a little bit of paranormal near the end, because I really thought the story itself was depressing and I was worried for Marsh. Since the accident that killed his twin and left Marsh scarred both inside and out, he’s become an introvert, wishing he could trade places, so sorry for the events and fight prior to the car accident that claimed Austin’s life. He’s lost all his friends, though not for lack of trying on their part; he’s despondent and zones out on many an occasion, and at multiple points in the novel, as he deals with his grief, the reader cannot help but wonder if, perhaps, he’s just crazy.

I really liked that Maddie latched on to Marsh to help him through this extremely difficult time. She has her own dark past as well, though, and watching the two come to trust and help each other was really nice.

Overall, this is a good read. Just remember, not everything is what it seems. Four stars.

Beyond Words Publishing has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on September 10, 2013.

{September 4, 2013} {Cover Reveal} A Matter of Truth by Heather Lyons (Fate #3)

We have a treat for you today! Heather Lyons is revealing her cover of A Matter of Truth, but she’s also unveiling her latest cover of the first book in the series, A Matter of Fate, as well! Aren’t they pretty?! And, to sweeten it all, A Matter of Fate and A Matter of Heart, are just $.99 TODAY ONLY!

A Matter of Fate: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

A Matter of Heart: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

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**ABOUT A MATTER OF FATE (Book 1):**

Chloe Lilywhite struggles with all the normal problems of a typical seventeen-year-old high school student. Only, Chloe isn’t a normal teenage girl. She’s a Magical, part of a secret race of beings who influence the universe. More importantly, she’s a Creator, which means Fate mapped out her destiny long ago, from her college choice, to where she will live, to even her job. While her friends and relatives relish their future roles, Chloe resents the lack of say in her life, especially when she learns she’s to be guarded against a vengeful group of beings bent on wiping out her kind. Their number one target? Chloe, of course.

That’s nothing compared to the boy trouble she’s gotten herself into. Because a guy she’s literally dreamed of and loved her entire life, one she never knew truly existed, shows up in her math class, and with him comes a twin brother she finds herself inexplicably drawn to.

Chloe’s once unyielding path now has a lot more choices than she ever thought possible.

A MATTER OF FATE Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16077863-a-matter-of-fate?ac=1

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Matter-Fate-Series-ebook/dp/B0092ETXR6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378223462&sr=8-1&keywords=a+matter+of+fate+heather+lyons

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-matter-of-fate-heather-lyons/1112674154?ean=2940015252439&itm=1&usri=a+matter+of+heart+heather+lyons

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**ABOUT A MATTER OF HEART (Book 2):**

No longer in high school, Chloe Lilywhite is now living and working in Annar, the Magicals’ city-state plane of existence. Since moving, she’s joined the Council, gone on missions with the Guard, moved into her own apartment, and enrolled at the University of Annar. Plus, she’s happily engaged to be married to Jonah Whitecomb, the literal man from her dreams, not to mention her Connection. While she still struggles with aspects of her craft, Chloe feels like she’s finally coming into her own, especially after a difficult year that had her questioning nearly everything in her life.

After a brutal attack by the Elders, her life is turned upside down once more. Accusations fly throughout the Council and Guard, forcing Chloe to confront her worst fears about what’s she’s capable of as a Creator. And then there’s the matter of Kellan Whitecomb, Jonah’s twin brother and Chloe’s ex, who resurfaces after disappearing months before. Although Chloe chose Jonah, and despite their best efforts, the two find it hard to stay away from one another.

But no matter what Fate throws at her, Chloe is determined to take charge of her life, even as it begins to spiral out of control.

A MATTER OF HEART is book 2 in the Fate Series, a mature Young Adult/New Adult fantasy.

A MATTER OF HEART Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17261347-a-matter-of-heart

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Matter-Heart-Fate-Series-ebook/dp/B00DKOFSTQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1378223551&sr=8-2&keywords=a+matter+of+fate+heather+lyons

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-matter-of-heart-heather-lyons/1115806416?ean=2940016654591&itm=1&usri=a+matter+of+heart+heather+lyons

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**ABOUT A MATTER OF TRUTH (Book 3):**

Not long ago, Chloe Lilywhite seemingly had it all: a prized spot on the Magicals’ Council as lead Creator, a loving fiancé and Connection, and a wealth of good friends. But the poised young woman she projected was nothing more than a façade. Her parents all but disowned her. Power plays and accusations of murder within the Council rocked her confidence. And most difficult of all, her secret, a secondary Connection to Jonah’s twin brother, Kellan, became painfully impossible to resist. Desperate to gain control over her rapidly unraveling existence, Chloe did the unthinkable: she ran away.

Now living and working in Alaska under an alias, Chloe is slowly discovering who she is and, more importantly, who she wants to be. But the more she tries to leave the Magical world behind, the harder it becomes to stay hidden. The Elders are back with a vengeance, and the stakes have never been higher. Chloe finally has to make a choice: embrace her pre-ordained Fate or pave her own way in the worlds. One thing’s for sure, though—she’s finally up for the challenge.

This is a New Adult title, suitable for readers 18+

A MATTER OF TRUTH Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18167992-a-matter-of-truth?ac=1

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About Heather Lyons:

Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—She’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.

Website: http://www.heatherlyons.net

Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/heatherlyons

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hymheather

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heatherlyonsbooks?fref=ts

{September 3, 2013} {Review} The Seed by Fola

From Goodreads: Throughout our lives, many things may lead us to forget who we truly are. Result? Slowly yet inevitably, cages and chains enslave our thoughts and slay our freedoms.

Down the ages, men have thus fallen for hosts of illusions, confusions and fears – except for the seven dreamers whose stories this book contains. These mad truth-seekers (who oddly share the same name) did not follow others’ flow to slavery; rather, they heeded a voice in their heads that led them to obsession with an idea long thought extinct, buried beneath the sands of time: The Seed.

In this book you will take a rollicking metaphysical ride that starts in ancient Egypt, moves to the Grand Greek Era, then to Rome, Arab Alexandria, on piratic High Seas, to Switzerland and circuses, into a Christian era interlude, then to modern Egypt (2007) and lastly, to a sort of Garden of Visionary Epiphany that leaves you on and past the brink of enlightenment…

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Unfortunately, this book is not for me. It is highly philosophical and scientific, and my brain just isn’t wired that way. All the characters are one person who lives across the centuries, morphing into different beings, be they male or female, young or old. The tale begins in Ancient Egypt, and this is where I was lost almost immediately. It begins with the main character, who is obsessed with numbers and inventions, launching into a diatribe about how his life changed when he began writing on walls due to his epiphany over the number two and was then thrown into the mad house for acting crazy (which he was). It’s told in a very choppy format with constant references to numbers and riddles, and it was all beyond me. The main character’s narrative jumps from him being in the palace to being thrown into the Nile, living in the madhouse, being set free, drinking with the gods, and well… I just couldn’t keep up with he narrator’s cut and dry tone and constant changing of scenery. I had no idea what point he was really trying to get across because of his constant changing of topic and referencing of numbers, truth be told.

When the main character becomes a young girl living in the middle east, the flow changed and the story became much easier to understand, but as her marriage barter comes and she finds out she’s being wedded to a gay man only because her teacher is blackmailing him and wants to sleep with her, well… that turned me off. And suddenly, she’s on a rock, or maybe a cliff, I’m not sure because this is where the text became full of more riddles and philosophy, and she becomes a pirate, shifting into another character all together.

The stories do become easier to read as the main character progresses further into the present, but some of the stories really turned me off, such as trial over sex and murder. That episode just wasn’t for me and I couldn’t stomach it. In my opinion, it was unneeded to further along the plot, more for shock value than philosophical engagement, but then again, as I’m not a philosophical thinker by any means (I nearly failed that class in college; seriously), it is possible that I just don’t understand what the author, Fola, is doing in this scene, or the many others. Truthfully, I didn’t understand this novel, which made it impossible for me to enjoy, but I do think that those who like a philosophical debate and deciphering riddles, ones who like to chew over the materials in their novels, will really enjoy this novel. I, personally, can only give it one star, though.

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

{September 2, 2013} {Blog Tour: Review, Top Tens, and Giveaway} Soul Survivor by Michelle N. Files (Hybrid #1)

Soul Survivor

Author: Michelle N. Files

Series: Hybrid Chronicles #1

Publication: June 14th, 2013

Category: Young Adult

Genre: Paranormal Romance

Synopsis

From Goodreads: Hailee Mai Hart is just a simple, normal girl. Or so she thought. When she left her one-horse town for a college education in the big city, she never could’ve imagined what awaited her.

She’s quickly thrown into a world filled with angels, danger, and a curse…her curse. Come to find out, she’s not so simple after all. She’s actually the last of her kind, and the fate of the world rests on her shoulders. She has one chance to save Earth, and it all comes down to one choice: Light or Darkness. What is right and what is wrong is all a matter of perspective, which leaves her heart dangerously tangled. No matter which path she takes people will die, and that’s just not an option.

Will she be able to save everyone, or will she be the Soul Survivor?

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Review:

Hailee is a very complex character, self-assured and strong-willed in some instances, while full of doubt and panic in others. In other words, she’s real, and I enjoyed getting to know her in this first novel of the Hybrid series. She has a lot of weighty decisions to make in this novel, and I don’t envy her at all, but I do respect her immensely! And Alex and Seth? Both are infuriating suitors in that they bicker all the time and hassle Hailee about her destiny, but I loved them all the same. Part of their charm comes from their intense hatred of one another, to be honest. I wasn’t necessarily a fan of Ami, though, but would you be a fan of a woman who always tells the truth, regardless of a person’s feelings? Nah, probably not.

Truth be told, in the beginning I was a little nervous about the “insta-love” relationship that was brewing between Hailee and Alex in this novel. I’ve never really been a fan of instant relationships, and that is definitely what happens in the beginning of this intense novel, but there is a rhyme and reason behind it all, and Files soon put my worry to rest as she began to flesh out the characters and the truth behind all their identities came to light. I must admit, I breathed a sigh of relief because I really liked the storyline, and so I was very happy to realize that “insta-love” isn’t actually the case at all.

The plot itself was very well written and I found it unique as a reader. I love angel novels, but this is different, dealing with guardians, messengers, hybrids, and, of course, the Darkness. I think the Darkness, Seth, was my favorite character because I never knew what he was going to do next, and he’s the bad boy image 100%, magnified because he’s actually full of murderous intent and destruction. He’s no faker, that’s for sure; he’s not putting on a façade, and that’s the personality that gets me every time.

The ending to the novel was perfect… for a minute there I was truly worried this would be a sad sob story because Files does something I certainly wasn’t expecting, and it blew my mind. It is remedied, however, opening the door for the sequel, which I am extremely excited to read. Four stars.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17906541-soul-survivor

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Soul-Survivor-Hybrid-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00DE50H2O/

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/soul-survivor-michelle-nicole/1115658248

I won a copy of this novel in a giveaway and read it prior to joining this awesome tour.

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Top Tens List – Songs to Listen to as you read Soul Survivor–from Michelle Nicole

“She Is Love” by 3 Doors Down ~ Chapter 1 – Lost and Found
“I Never Told You” by Colbie Caillat ~ Chapter 16 – Going Home
“Just A Kiss” by Lady Antebellum ~ Chapter 25 – Under the Moonlight
“Set Fire to the Rain” by Adele ~ Chapter 30 – Rain
“Criminal” by Fiona Apple ~ Chapter 35 – Desire
“Give Me a Sign” by Breaking Benjamin ~ Chapter 37 – Miracles and Options
“Without You” by Breaking Benjamin ~ Chapter 41 – Plan B
“Anthem Of The Angels” by Breaking Benjamin ~ Chapter 43 – Facing the Music
“Hymn For The Missing” by Red ~ Chapter 45 – The Sun and the Moon (first half)
“Never Be The Same” by Red ~ Chapter 45 – The Sun and the Moon (second half)

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Giveaway

Prizes:

1 – Print copy of Soul Survivor by Michelle Nicole {US Only}

3 – eBooks of Soul Survivor by Michelle Nicole {International}

End date: September 21st, 2013 @ 11:59pm EDT

Click this Rafflecopter Link to Enter!!!

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About the Author:

Michelle Nicole was born and raised in wild, wonderful West Virginia. While her first passion is numbers, not long into adulthood, Michelle rediscovered her love of books and with it the joy and fulfillment of writing her own stories. She spends her days working as a CPA and her nights weaving tales of love, friendship, and everything in between.

When she’s not working or writing, you’ll find her binge watching her favorite TV shows, reading, tweeting, hanging with her husband and furry children, or spending time with her close knit extended family.

LINKS

Website: http://authormichellenicole.blogspot.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMichelleNicole

Twitter: https://twitter.com/M1chelle_N1cole

Google+: https://plus.google.com/110493304598240853391

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7085821

http://www.grapevinebooktours.com/2013/07/tour-signup-soul-survivor-by-michelle.html

{September 1, 2013} My Recently Released Giveaway Goodness #28–September–Choose From Eight Recently Released Novels

It’s that time again! For no other reason than that I like giveaways… we’re onto the TWENTY-EIGHTH Recently Released Giveaway Goodness Giveaway!

Many of these novels have recently released. I’ve included my reviews below to help you pick the novel you’d like to win. And honestly, there should be something here for everyone!

Interested? Of course you are! I’m offering ONE lucky winner one of these novels:

Secret for a Song by S.K. Falls
The Island by Jen Minkman
Far Far Away by Tom McNeal
Watched by Cindy M. Hogan
Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay
Terminal Value by Thomas Wait
Runes by Ednah Walters
Club Monstrosity by Jesse Petersen

This is an INTERNATIONAL giveaway from the book depository, but you need to make sure they send to your country before entering–check here.

To enter you must:

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

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

Click here to go to the Rafflecopter entry form!

This contest is open internationally and will end at 12:01am EST on September 1st. The winner will be announced later on September 1st, and will receive email notification! Please read my giveaway policy and leave me a comment!

{September 1, 2013} Announcing the Winner of My Recently Released Giveaway Goodness #27–August

My Recently Released Giveaway Goodness #27–August–has just concluded, and I’m excited to say that the winner has been chosen via Rafflecopter.

And the winner is…

Carla Ribeiro

Book of Choice:

Taking Back Forever by Karen Amanda Hooper

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!

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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For Everly by Raine Thomas

Released: May 27, 2013

Publisher: Iambe Books, LLC

Age Group: New Adult (17+)

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Tour organized by: AToMR Tours

Giveaway!

You could win:

$25 Amazon Gift Card

2 Print Copies

5 Ebook Copies (mobi or epub)

Click this Rafflecopter Link to enter!

To see other stops on the tour for reviews, guest posts, and excerpt click here or the tour button below.

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Cover Reveal:

For Seconds to Lose

By K.A. Tucker

Release Date: November 4, 2013

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Marata Eros is giving away some epic prizes in celebration of A TERRIBLE LOVE‘s paperback release on September 24, 2013!

You can win:

A Kindle Fire

A Signed Paperback of A Terrible Love

A Galley of A Brutal Tenderness

and An Author Swag Bundle!

To enter Marata’s giveaway, click this Rafflecopter link!

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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 winner of a Significance Series Tote Bag Signed by Shelly Crane has just concluded, and I’m excited to say that the winner has been chosen via Rafflecopter.

And the winner is…

Becky Paulk

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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Amazon | Kindle | Barnes and Noble

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A Matter of Fate: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

A Matter of Heart: Amazon | Barnes and Noble

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ABOUT A MATTER OF FATE (Book 1):

That’s nothing compared to the boy trouble she’s gotten herself into. Because a guy she’s literally dreamed of and loved her entire life, one she never knew truly existed, shows up in her math class, and with him comes a twin brother she finds herself inexplicably drawn to.

Chloe’s once unyielding path now has a lot more choices than she ever thought possible.

A MATTER OF FATE Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16077863-a-matter-of-fate?ac=1

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Matter-Fate-Series-ebook/dp/B0092ETXR6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1378223462&sr=8-1&keywords=a+matter+of+fate+heather+lyons

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-matter-of-fate-heather-lyons/1112674154?ean=2940015252439&itm=1&usri=a+matter+of+heart+heather+lyons

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ABOUT A MATTER OF HEART (Book 2):

But no matter what Fate throws at her, Chloe is determined to take charge of her life, even as it begins to spiral out of control.

A MATTER OF HEART is book 2 in the Fate Series, a mature Young Adult/New Adult fantasy.

A MATTER OF HEART Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17261347-a-matter-of-heart

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Matter-Heart-Fate-Series-ebook/dp/B00DKOFSTQ/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1378223551&sr=8-2&keywords=a+matter+of+fate+heather+lyons

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-matter-of-heart-heather-lyons/1115806416?ean=2940016654591&itm=1&usri=a+matter+of+heart+heather+lyons

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ABOUT A MATTER OF TRUTH (Book 3):

*This is a New Adult title, suitable for readers 18+*

A MATTER OF TRUTH Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18167992-a-matter-of-truth?ac=1

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About Heather Lyons:

Links:

Website: http://www.heatherlyons.net

Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/heatherlyons

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hymheather

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heatherlyonsbooks?fref=ts

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Soul Survivor

**ABOUT A MATTER OF FATE (Book 1):**

**ABOUT A MATTER OF HEART (Book 2):**

**ABOUT A MATTER OF TRUTH (Book 3):**

This is a New Adult title, suitable for readers 18+