{August 7, 2013} {Review} Where to Belong by W.J. Smith

From Goodreads: Madison is an ex-con artist who has now lived by the rules for eight years following the tragic death of her fiancé. She has made a new life for herself in Chicago despite the challenges of honest work. Her world flips upside-down once again when she runs into her best friend that she left behind in a desperate attempt to escape the dangerous lifestyle they were leading, only to find out he is in deeper than she could have ever imagined. They are forced to team up with the hope to shield one another while still dealing with the abrupt separation that left them both secretly heartbroken. When not only her way of life, but also the life of her dearest friend is threatened by an old associate, will it be enough for her to continue as a law abiding citizen, or will she be forced back into the line of work that claimed the love of her life?

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Madison is now straight-lace, using a pseudonym to work security for a private treasury after the death of her fiancé, Morgan, and her long stint in jail. She’s content in life, contemplating dating again—Bradley, a single father has caught her eye, and vice versa. But, the planet has something different in store for Madison, and she soon finds herself face-to-face with her estranged friend, Skyler, a man she used to call her best friend. Of course, things take a turn for the worse, and Madison finds herself once again living on the other side of the law, aiding Skyler as she learns the truth about the accident that claimed her fiancé so long ago.

Told in both the present and past, Madison and Skyler’s relationship is fleshed out in such a way that it’s impossible not to fall in love with them. They’re great characters, and they truly love one another, though it takes them far too long to realize it. Caught up in a web of deceit, both must find a way to break free from the underbelly of crime and the lord that dictates their every move, and the tale is fast-paced and highly interesting, if not completely plausible. I really enjoyed this story, but some aspects left me scratching my head—one such is the amount of time it takes for a car to sink in a large body of water. It’s far faster than one would think, and so there is a scene that left me a little unbelieving, but that’s few and far between in terms of the integrity of the story. It’s one of love, and I truly enjoyed it.

However, there are a number of glaring editing errors in the Kindle version I read, enough to make the read a little haggard and less enjoyable had it flowed seamlessly together. But to be fair, this novel was queried for review nearly two years ago, so it is possible a newer edition with a more thorough editing is already available. I do hope so—and if not, it’s an easy enough fix should Smith choose to do so. That being said, the version I read contained a very compelling story, but the typos did take away from some of my personal the enjoyment overall. Three stars.

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

{August 7, 2013} {Review} Dead Push by Tim O’Rouke (Kiera Hudson Series Two #7)

From Goodreads: When two enemies push back together!

“…Most of them just sit as if waiting for someone to join them on their impending journey. Others are rushing for their train as if late for some important meeting. They can’t wait to board one of those trains below ground. When I first discovered this place, I don’t know how long I sat here watching the dead hustle and bustle about, queue at the ticket office and take drinks from the vending machines. Like any new place you visit, like your first day at a new school or in a new job, you soon figure out how things work. I knew I was dead…”

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Tim O’Rourke’s pushed world in the Kiera Hudson Series Two novels just got even cooler with the revelation that turning back time is possible. Similar to the concept of Hermoine Granger’s Time-Turner in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, the characters in O’Rourke’s novel discover that, in this pushed world, they can turn back time and review events, a task Potter and Jack Seth must complete in order to help push the world back into its right alignment.

Think about it. How cool would it be to turn back time and witness events as they happen as an outsider? I’d love that, though the pull of wanting to change events and to interfere would be unbearable, as Potter and Jack Seth soon find out. Together, these two enemies must overcome their hatred for one another in order to save a common love: Kiera.

This time, readers get to see both sides of the story, viewing the events leading up to Isidor, Melody, and Kiera’s deaths in the pushed world, and new information has come to light; information that will floor you. As always, O’Rourke surprised me at every turn, and as events came to their climax, I was bowled over by the revelations thrown at me concerning Kiera, Isidor, and Jack Seth.

Jack Seth’s inner monologue is absolutely hilarious in this novel. As he works through his sinister feelings, leaping into the past and watching for the photographer, his musings about Isidor and Melody Rose had me snickering to myself as I read. His pet names and thoughts about their actions were quite funny, especially as readers of this series have heard this story before, from a much more serious standpoint in Dead Angels. However, seeing it through an observer’s eyes, obtaining both sides of the picture added a new twist to the story and it is beautifully done, especially as it forces Jack Seth to take a long hard look at his inner soul. And what he finds and chooses to do will surprise you.

Potter, ever the snarky mouth-off, finds himself leaping into the past to watch for the photographer at Kiera’s house, however, he soon finds himself battling against his feelings for Kiera—not his Kiera, might I add, but the pushed version; the version destined to die in a robbery shootout. Potter’s thoughts and feelings, and ultimately his actions reveal much about himself and the pushed world, and it is through him that we learn even more concerning the Wolf Man and his seemingly “all-knowing” intentions.

So much is revealed in this novel about the pushed world, the elders, and even the wolves—it’s an intense read told from alternating perspectives of Potter and Jack Seth, and I absolutely adored it. Of course, there is a major cliffhanger at the end, but, with Tim O’Rourke’s writing expertise, it won’t be long before we have the next installment, Dead Lost. Five stars.

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

For MORE books by Tim O’Rourke:

(Formerly known as Cowgirls and Vampires)

Doorways Series

Doorways (#1)

The League of Doorways (#2)

Flashes Series

Flashes (#1)–Coming 2013

Pick Series

Pick (#1)–Coming Soon

{August 6, 2013} Win Signed Paperbacks of All FOUR of Meghan Ciana Doidge’s Novels!

To celebrate the release of Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic, Meghan Ciana Doidge is running an epic giveaway where YOU can win all four of her books, signed in paperback format. How cool is that??! See below for details.

“The customer looked familiar, like maybe he’d been in the bakery a few times before. The vampire, however, was new.” – Chapter One, Cupcakes, Trinkets & Other Deadly Magic

Details:

When: August 1 – 15, 2013

Where: http://www.madebymeghan.ca

How to Enter: Comment on this blog post: http://wp.me/pP9tA-vZ

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MeghanCianaDoidge

Twitter: www.twitter.com/mcdoidge

New release mailing list: http://eepurl.com/AfFzz

*A Book Vacation is not in charge of this giveaway.

{August 6, 2013} {Blog Tour and Giveaway} Blood Rule by Heather Hildenbrand :: Release Day Blitz

Blood Rule by Heather Hildenbrand

The Dirty Blood Series, #4

Accendo Press – August 2013

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Synopsis:

Forty-six.

That’s how many hybrids survived the Hunter attack in the woods after I revived them with an injection of my blood. That’s how many followed me home to Frederick Falls. And that’s how many were now mentally linked to me through a blood bond.

Two days. Three valium. Fourteen hours of sleep.

That’s what it took to realize I wasn’t losing my mind as a result of the noise in my own head.

Sixteen.

That’s how many days have passed since I almost killed Alex. That’s how many days I’ve sat by his bedside, waiting for him to wake up. To ease the guilt, to understand his betrayal, to remember the exact shade of brown in his eyes.

Zero.

That’s my chances of skating by with Gordon Steppe and the Hunter Council. They want me for questioning. I’m afraid what’ll happen if I give them answers.

Buy the Book:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ECL1OZS/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_pZyasb1V8KETS

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blood-rule-book-4-dirty-blood-series-heather-hildenbrand/1116310366?ean=2940148570240

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Author Information

Heather Hildenbrand was born and raised in a small town in northern Virginia where she was homeschooled through high school. She now lives in coastal VA, a few miles from the Atlantic Ocean, with her two adorable children. She works from home, part time, as a property manager and when she’s not furiously pounding at the keyboard, or staring off into space whilst plotting a new story, she’s lying on the beach, soaking in those delicious, pre-cancerous rays.

Heather loves Mexican food, hates socks with sandals, and if her house was on fire, the one thing she’d grab is her DVR player.

Heather is a co-founder of Accendo Press, a publishing group she operates with fellow authors: Angeline Kace and Jennifer Sommersby. Accendo (a-CH-endo), A Latin word, means “to kindle, illuminate, inflame, or set fire.” This is something Accendo strives to do inside a reader’s imagination with every title released. For a complete list of titles and author bios, visit http://www.accendopress.com

Website: www.heatherhildenbrand.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Heather.L.Hildenbrand

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherHildenbrandsFanPage

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeatherHildenbr

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4607856.Heather_Hildenbrand

Newsletter: http://blogspot.us4.list-manage2.com/subscribe?u=77abacb38959bc9c0f7b4e81b&id=739fdcef83

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Click the gif below to go to Heather’s AWESOME giveaway!

For more tour stops and information:
http://heatherhildenbrand.blogspot.com/2013/08/blood-rule-release-day-blitz-blog-tour.html

{August 5, 2013} {Review} Terminal Value by Thomas Waite

From Goodreads: “Be careful what you wish for.” That’s a warning Dylan Johnson should have listened to. When his mobile tech company is bought out by Mantric Technology, a red-hot firm about to go public, it seems like a dream come true for the young entrepreneur and his partners. But the closer they get to payout, the more uncertain Dylan becomes. Something doesn’t feel right. When his colleague is found dead on what should have been their night of triumph, Dylan is determined to find out what happened. But asking questions plunges him into a digital web of deceit and betrayal that will shake everything he thought he knew…

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If you’re into corporate espionage, murder mysteries, and mayhem, then this novel is for you. What was supposed to be the merger of a lifetime for Dylan Johnson, complete with a huge payout, ends in murder, deceit, and lie after lie, leaving Mantric Technology in the hot-seat and losing money faster than it ever gained. Filled with many intricate characters, Waite rolls out his story focusing on the upside of mergers and buyouts, eventually turning the coin and showing the downside, as we’ve all seen in recent years as large robust companies crumble from the inside out. Though I’m not really a technology guru, I was able to mostly follow the high tech world in which our characters reside, and I enjoyed much of the story, however, certain points were a bit unbelievable for me, such as the lack of police presence and investigation into the murder of Dylan’s friend and colleague. I also have to wonder exactly how much one duo would be able to uncover on their own in a huge company like Mantric, but then again, I’m not in a huge corporate business and, having never worked with a corporation like Mantric, I’m also not worthy of making a call concerning validity. In my personal world, it seemed a bit strange, but certainly not too farfetched, and I enjoyed the story overall, but think those with more knowledge of the inner workings of corporations, buyouts, and technology would enjoy this more than I. Three stars.

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

{August 5, 2013} {Review} Club Monstrosity by Jesse Petersen (Monstrosity #1)

From Goodreads: Natalie’s one of Frankenstein’s creations and works in a New York City morgue. So of course she needs therapy. She and her friends—er, fellow monsters—have formed the world’s most exclusive, most dysfunctional support group. What could go wrong?

Undetected in the modern world and under pressure to stay that way, Natalie Grey, Dracula, Bob the Blob, and others (including the fetching wolfman Alec) meet regularly to talk about the pressures of being infamous in the Big Apple. Topics include how long it’s been since their last sighting, how their “story” creates stereotypes they can’t fulfill, and—gasp—sometimes even their feelings. But when their pervy Invisible Man, Ellis, is killed in a manner reminiscent of the H.G. Wells novel, it’s clear someone’s discovered their existence and is down for some monster busting.

Led by Natalie—and definitely not helped by Hyde’s bloodthirsty tendencies—the members of Monstofelldosis Anonymous band together for security and a little sleuthing. And maybe—maybe—if they don’t end up dead, they’ll end up friends somewhere along the way.

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This novel had great potential, but it didn’t deliver as I had hoped. Perhaps it’s my preconceived notions of the monsters that are represented in this novel, but I expected them to be… different. Stronger, more assertive, and sure of themselves. But, in truth, they’re just the opposite. Full of hatred and malice towards one another, the lot was more skittish and scared to move forward and act, content to hide away for the rest of their lives. Their constant bickering, while I believe an attempt at humor, didn’t adhere them to my heart any, either. Instead, I found myself annoyed by their antics and lack of confidence. I understand that they’ve been in hiding for a very long time, but these character’s inability to stand up for themselves throughout a majority of the novel made it hard for me to enjoy, especially as some whined constantly, which is not how I expect a monster to act in the least.

Overall, this novel was the opposite of what I was expecting, though the premise was great. I think those going in without any preconceived notions will enjoy this novel, if they know that the monsters we’ve learned about him English class aren’t necessarily the ones portrayed in this novel. Two stars.

Originally, I was given access to this title by Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books Publishers via Netgalley, but as they did not supply a Kindle friendly version, I ended up purchasing this novel from Amazon.

{August 4, 2013} {ARC Review} The Weight of Souls by Bryony Pearce (#1)

From Goodreads: Sixteen year old Taylor Oh is cursed: if she is touched by the ghost of a murder victim then they pass a mark beneath her skin. She has three weeks to find their murderer and pass the mark to them – letting justice take place and sending them into the Darkness. And if she doesn’t make it in time? The Darkness will come for her…

She spends her life trying to avoid ghosts, make it through school where she’s bullied by popular Justin and his cronies, keep her one remaining friend, and persuade her father that this is real and that she’s not going crazy.

But then Justin is murdered and everything gets a whole lot worse. Justin doesn’t know who killed him, so there’s no obvious person for Taylor to go after. The clues she has lead her to the V Club, a vicious secret society at her school where no one is allowed to leave… and where Justin was dared to do the stunt which led to his death.

Can she find out who was responsible for his murder before the Darkness comes for her? Can she put aside her hatred for her former bully to truly help him?

And what happens if she starts to fall for him?

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This novel was phenomenal! I was enraptured from the very beginning, watching Taylor walk into the depths of a violent gang to pass on the mark, noting her vast courage and fortitude as she attempted to trap a killer. With her “them or me” mentality, drilled into her from a young age, Taylor runs the gauntlet of danger throughout this entire novel trying to stave off the Darkness, keeping it at bay one murdered soul at a time.

Enter Justin and his teenage followers: the popular crowd who enjoy nothing more than to plague Taylor at every turn. They don’t know about the Darkness; they don’t know Taylor sees the dead, or that the murdered’s touch is the reason she wears gloves, hoping to cover the ever deepening black mark death leaves on her hand. All the populars know is that she’s different. And “different” in high school terms means the end of all social acceptance. The brunt of their spiteful attacks and malicious slurs tend to fall on deaf ears, however, as Taylor is a strong female lead; she’s more interested in saving her soul than fitting in. And I loved this about her. She’s not afraid to assert herself or speak up against her tormentors, though it never brings about much good. Yet when faced with the death of the most popular of her tormentors, Justin, Taylor has to do more than fight back—she must fit in in order to figure out the truth before it’s too late, before the Darkness comes for her.

The fact that her scientist father doesn’t believe anything Taylor says about her curse, chalking it all up to a disease he’s intent on curing, only adds another barrier that she must overcome in order to continue roaming the streets in search of murderers, attempting to keep away the Darkness and also convince her father she’s not crazy. I can’t imagine being in her situation and having a parent disregard my words and insist on extracting my blood in attempts to heal me, but Taylor bares it quite well, following in her deceased mother’s footsteps, so it seems. Now, there’s a story that’s highly intriguing! Learning all about Taylor’s family curse, passed down from her mother’s side, was fascinating. I loved the glimpses and stories we’re given as Taylor reads from her mother’s book, the one that explains how it all began and sets the stage for the upcoming fight with the Darkness that readers know is bound to come.

This novel is unlike anything I’ve read before, and I loved the sleuthing Taylor undertakes, as well as learning the truth about Justin, the V Club, and watching Taylor risk her life in order to impede the Darkness. It’s very well written, and as I said before, I just adore Taylor and her inner strength. Regardless of all the obstacles set before her, she diligently tries to do what is right and protect others. Justin grew on me too, though I really hated him in the beginning, even though his side-kick James is actually the more threatening of Taylor’s tormenting group, made all the more sinister by the revelation of the V Club.

The whole idea of the V Club was fascinating, and it made me think of all those underground clubs that are rumored to have been in hiding for centuries, which only adds to the fun of it all. Of course, V Club seems a lot more sinister than the underground clubs I’ve heard of (but then again, I wouldn’t really know because I’m not privy to their societies and all they do), and it was awesome watching Taylor attempt to infiltrate. Likewise, we eventually learn more about the Darkness and, in this case, it’s interest in the V Club, which filled me with trepidation as we get an up-close and personal view of what lies beyond—which then begs the question, if all the murderers are sucked into the Darkness, what, exactly, are all these evil murderers going to be used for in the future? Because… the Darkness is not hell, as one might assume. So, what is it? Five stars.

Angry Robot and Strange Chemistry have been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this awesome novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on August 6, 2013.

{August 3, 2013} {Review} The Eradication Dilemma by William Wilkerson

From Goodreads: What if genetic science presented a way to end the worldwide cocaine trade with the snap of your fingers? Jake MacQuilkin, the top DEA agent in Latin America, resigns after a cocaine bust leaves his fiancé dead. Jake is called back to the DEA where it’s disclosed that renegades in his agency have hatched a plot to deploy this science and end cocaine trafficking forever. If he allows to plot continue to its end he could avenge the loss of his love. But politics overrides his instincts. Instead he is instructed by his superiors to do just the opposite. Stop those who would stop cocaine and the global criminal enterprises that profit from the trade. The Eradication Dilemma is the story of a man faced with the difficult choice of seeking revenge and finding redemption or following his orders and allowing the cocaine trade to flourish..

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This was a very interesting look at the cocaine trade, a topic that I honestly don’t think about very often. What was perhaps the most interesting was the revelation that some economies in the world actually thrive and stabilize based on this trade, presenting Jake MacQuilkin with an extreme moral dilemma as he has the opportunity to take down cocaine forever, but also doom entire populations that thrive off cocaine farming. While this novel certainly doesn’t condone cocain trade by any means, it does present its growth in a way that I’m sure many have never thought of before—aside from being an addictive deadly drug, it is also the livelihood of many, many people in a completely legal way.

When I began this novel, I was certainly all for the destruction of cocaine plants as I only had one side of the story: preconceived notions of what my personal economy and cultural stereotypes say about the plant. But, this novel presents the philosophical question of killing one for many, or killing many so even more may thrive, and it is a very interesting moral dilemma that our main character, Jake, is faced with; I do not envy him at all.

This is a novel that makes you think, a mixture of science, mystery, and intrigue as it all unfolds, and I enjoyed this aspect of it very much. I would have liked to connect a little bit more with the many characters within the novel, though. Jake and Rhonda were extremely interesting and great together, but I never truly felt like I knew them—possibly because they’re so very different from anyone I know!

This story takes place over the course of 60 days, and I really enjoyed knowing the date, time, and place each time there was a transition, however, the execution of the story was also a little difficult to follow here and there because the reader is whisked away to so many places within the text. Luckily for me, most of the time I has no issues keeping up with Wilkerson. It also helped immensely that he bolded the text when a change in time and location took place, though I think these transitions might have been a little more fluid and easier to understand had they been chapter breaks and not just paragraph breaks. However, that’d make for a ton of chapters, so I do understand why Wilkerson chose this format. Overall, this is a well-written, thought provoking book. Three stars.

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

{August 3, 2013} The 99 Cent Club–Feature 56–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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Olympia Heights: The Pantheon by Amy Leigh Strickland

They say that lightning never strikes the same place twice, but for Zach Jacobs, that just isn’t true. It’s hard enough being seventeen– juggling school, football, friends, and teenage romance– but Zach’s about to find out just how complicated it can get when he begins to suspect that maybe he was the lightning. Teenage woes hardly seem significant when you’ve got lightning shooting from your fingertips and a couple of murderous Titans trying to settle an ancient score.

Olympia Heights: The Pantheon, is the first of a four book series under the Olympia Heights name.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Bluffing the Devil by C.L. Foster (last weekend for the .99 cent sale)

After losing her fiancé to a freak accident, Alexia Riley decides to swear off relationships and focus her energy on conquering the male-dominated sport of professional poker.

When Alexia finds herself being visited in her dreams by a mysterious new man, she begins to wonder if her world is slowly starting to unravel around her.

Tested by a double-dealing nemesis on the tables and tempted by a mysterious “dream man”, Alexia soon contemplates making a deal with the Devil to rid herself of these torments. What bargain will she strike with the Dark Prince to get what she wants? As temptation for a mysterious dream man weakens her resolve, a desire to defeat her greatest rival beckons her. Will she sacrifice her soul for victory? Love? Or does she want something else entirely?

The stakes have never been higher for Alexia than they are when she is bluffing the Devil!

Find it on Amazon.

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Transfer Student by Laura A. H. Elliott

Two Worlds––Two Teens––One Wish
Geek Rhoe and Surfer Ashley would never be friends.
Even if they lived on the same planet.
But, they’ll become so much more.
They’ll transfer.

Earthling Ashley’s world revolves around winning daily popularity contests at Beverly Hills High School and surfing competitions with sweet scholarship prizes that will finally help her break free of her control-freak mother. Ashley never loses. Ashley never wishes on stars. But that changes when her senior class takes a field trip to the Griffith Observatory where conflicting feelings about her predatory best frenemy Tiffany causes Ashley to throw away her own carefully-crafted Queen of B.H.H.S. title under the bus.

Meanwhile on planet Retha, Rhoe misses his dad, loves his mom’s home-cooked Glechy crag with a side of ory sauce, is desperate to heal his sick brother and wants more than anything to win The Retha New Invention Competition. He and his best friend Yuke have worked for the past two years constructing the teleporting telescope Rhoe started building with his dad before he died in an airboarding accident. Rhoe’s never kissed a girl. Rhoe’s hero is the eccentric physicist, Ramay. But that changes when the telescope teleports Rhoe across the universe with an unintended side effect, Ashley and Rhoe transfer. They swap lives when they make the same wish at the same time.

Popular-surfer-turned-boy-geek alien Ashley must handle life on Retha as Rhoe complete with webbed feet, low-gravity, and an obsession with Yuke, all the while being hunted by Rethan spies and resenting her hairy, flat chest. Boy-geek-turned-popular-surfer Rhoe must fit in at Beverly Hills High School as Ashley, compete in The Laguna Beach Invitational without becoming shark food, dodge boys’ affections, cool his preoccupation with Tiffany and his new body, and find the healing rocks he believes will save his brother’s life.

If only it were that simple. Some wishes can’t come true. Some have to.

This ebook is enhanced with links to music, photos, stories and videos that inspired the story.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Shadow Slayer by Laura A.H. Elliott

Shadows will do anything to become human.
You see their influence everyday.
You say things you don?t mean or do things that aren?t like you.
You look, different.
Friends you?ve known forever suddenly never call.

As a freshman, Roxie just wants to fit in which is impossible because she barely runs into her friends at her huge high school. Adrianne?s disappearance and Hayden?s attention rock Roxie’s world. But nothing rocks it like the most gorgeous guy at school, Drew. And nothing is more important to Roxie than astral projecting back to Planet Popular to solve the mystery of the map. But that changes when Drew invites Roxie to homecoming. Hayden warns her that something’s wrong. Why would a guy like Drew like Roxie anyway? Drew must want something. Hayden’s right. Drew is different. Planet Popular was just the beginning. Part of a bigger world, the Shadow World. There?s a war brewing between the world of humans and the world of shadows. When the shadow invasion begins at Roxie’s high school, she’ll not only fight for her life but the lives of her family and friends, when she discovers she?s the Shadow Slayer, the one human who can save Earth from the shadow onslaught. But, Roxie can?t even kill a spider. Oh yeah, there?s an evil English teacher, an enchanted play, a sword of Sandonian steel, a homecoming of horrors, and seven magic words too.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Blossom by Jennifer Martinez

My name is Maia. I’m a princess, a fae princess to be exact. But I don’t want to be. See, my whole life, I’ve always been the center of attention, and I’ve never understood why. Give me boring, ordinary, and simple any day. It’s hard enough trying to work my way through high school. Add running a kingdom to that? Yea, not so much.
Magic, mystery, fairies. I just want to pass driver’s ed.

Find it on Amazon.

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Pulled by Danielle Bannister

When college freshman Naya meets Etash, a terribly scarred sophomore, she finds herself inexplicably ‘pulled’ toward him.

As Naya and Etash fight against the pull drawing them together, they discover that their connection is too strong to be denied. A connection deeper than either of them could fathom.

Together they will learn that this is not the first time they have been ‘pulled’ together.

Nor will it be their last.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Poppy by Riana Lucas

Poppy, a young female Warrior Faery from the Unseelie Court is sent out to retrieve Halflings from the human world to help build her Kings army. A seasoned warrior, she sets out on what should be a routine exercise, but not this mission. Suddenly Poppy’s world is turned upside down. She meets an odd Halfling – Reed, portals between worlds close, assassin attempts, and much much more.

Find it on Amazon.

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Arrow of the Mist by Christina Mercer

Terror strikes the Celtic inspired kingdom of Nemetona when barbed roots breach the veil of a forbidden land and poison woodsmen, including 15-year-old Lia’s beloved father. Lia and three others embark on a quest to the forbidden land of Brume to gather ingredients for the cure. But after her elder kinsman is attacked and poisoned, she and her cousin, Wynn, are forced to finish the quest on their own.

Lia relies on her powerful herbal wisdom and the memorized pages of her late grandmother’s Grimoire for guidance through a land of soul-hungry shades, trickster creatures, and uncovered truths about the origin of Brume and her family’s unexpected ties to it. The deeper they trek into the land, the stronger Lia’s untapped gift as a tree mage unfolds. When she discovers the enchanted root’s maker, it forces her to question everything about who she is and what is her destiny. Ultimately she must make a terrible choice: keep fighting to save her father and the people of the lands or join with the power behind the deadly roots to help nature start anew.

Find it on Amazon.

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River’s Recruit by Charlotte Abel

Jonathan McKnight lost everything in Afghanistan. His left hand, his identical twin and his self-respect. He searches for redemption during a solo backpacking trip into the remote Sawatch Mountains of Colorado and discovers a secret tribe of shifters.

River, the beautiful young shifter that rescues Jonathan from certain death, wants to recruit him. He is equally determined to rescue her from her cult-like society — even if he has to kidnap her.

17+ NA.

Find it on Amazon.

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Crossing the Deep by Kelly Martin

Sixteen year old Rachel Harker expects the church sponsored hiking trip in the Smoky Mountains to be short and painless. Four days later, injured and scared, Rachel prays to just make it home alive.

Asher Jenkins, fellow hiker and handsome skeptic who is only on the hike so he doesn’t have to go home and face his abusive ‘uncle’, finds Rachel in the woods and tries to get her back to Deep Creek Trail. A small hole hidden under the fall leaves causes her ankle to twist and forces Asher to leave her to get help. As night falls, he comes back, unable to find the right trail.

As hours stretch into days, an unexpected rainstorm bears down the mountain, flooding Deep Creek and cutting off their way home. Rachel puts all of her faith in God to save them. Asher thinks believing in God is a waste of time and does what he can to prove to Rachel that He doesn’t exist.

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.

{August 2, 2013} {ARC Review} Skin by Donna Jo Napoli

From Goodreads: My lips are white. Sixteen-year-old Sep stares into the bathroom mirror. It’s not some weird lipstick (she never wears lipstick). Her lips are just ? white. In a panic, she digs up an old lipstick and smears it on her colorless lips. But soon, more and more white spots begin to bloom, spreading their chalky tendrils across her olive brown skin. Does she have a disease? Is she turning into some kind of freak? Sep is usually the one who knows all the answers. With a quicksilver mind and a supple body, she’s happiest when she’s delving into the mysteries of animal biology or giving herself over to sweet, hot moves in Jazz Dance Club. Unlike her best friend, Devin, she’s never been in a rush to get a boyfriend. But as the white blotches spread, her dating days ? like the endangered species she studies ? seem numbered. So when Joshua, a boy she’s always liked, makes a flirty advance, she wonders: why not grab pleasure while she can? Frank, funny, and full of passion, this is the empowering story of a strong gifted teen who, as her life spins out of control, desperately tries to prove to the world ? and herself ? that she is deeper than skin.

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This novel’s social commentary on the world’s current perception of beauty is one I think many need to read about, but especially teens. In our day and age, the toned “model body” is sought after and idolized, and anyone who doesn’t measure up, be it in weight, height, or even facial symmetry is left feeling less attractive by default, whether people tell them so or not. I see this a lot with the students I teach, and I think with all the technology and social media available today, the issue of beauty takes over tenfold because the “model body” is plastered everywhere, and one bad make-up day or hair day can be snapped by any phone and tweeted to the whole world–how mortifying. It wasn’t like this when I was growing-up, and truthfully, it never bothered me because I wasn’t exposed to the perceived conception of beauty as much as our teens are now, and for me, different was always better, which is probably one of the reason’s that I don’t fully connect with Sep’s issue with her skin.

Sep has vitaligo, a condition that depigmentizes the skin. On the first day of school, she wakes up with white lips, only to lose color quite quickly in splotches all across her body as the novel progresses. Of course, I’ve never been on the receiving end of vitaligo, so I can’t say I wouldn’t feel as mortified as Sep does, but in my old age, I do have to say that I find it quite beautiful on those I’ve met with this type of skin condition, be it from vitaligo or some other condition. But that’s me. I’m not a teenager in my prime who has to deal with how others perceive her, and I imagine it’d feel quite differently had I been in Sep’s shoes.

While I can appreciate Sep’s feelings, I feel like she sort of went off the deep end, though. Afraid she’ll never experience true love based on her looks, she goes from never been kissed to full on sex (everywhere) with her new boyfriend (who also is her first boyfriend). And I get that our teens jump into sex very quickly in today’s society, because really, that sacred act isn’t viewed as sacred anymore, but the one aspect of the story that threw me was the undertone that sex sets teens free. Sep is also a dancer, and on a few occasions she states that, since sex, she’s been more in-tuned with her body. But I disagree. I believe that she’s more in-tune with her body because she inspects is multiple times daily to see if she’s lost any more pigment, and she now knows every inch of her body. While it is true that she’s been awakened to sexual feelings, I don’t necessarily agree that it will make someone a better dancer. And, while Sep says something along the lines of not wanting to say that sex was the cause for her great dancing, it’s still pretty much what she says near the end, and for me, well, that’s not the underlying message I want teens to take away from this novel. What I want them to get is that beauty is only skin deep and, as Sep learns, there is much more to life and love than our appearance. Three stars.

Amazon Children’s Publishing has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on August 6, 2013.

{August 1, 2013} {Trailer Reveal and Giveaway} Enemy Within by Angeline Kace

Enemy Within by Angeline Kace

Vampire Born, #2

Accendo Press – April 2013

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Synopsis:

Two guys who’ve stolen her heart.

Three races and only one of them worthy.

Countless enemies with insatiable bloodlust for power.

Will one girl’s curse ultimately save her?

Half-vampire Brooke Keller barely survived the slaying of her worst enemy, only to learn that Zladislov—the world’s most powerful vampire, leader of the vampire world, and her father—wants her dead. However, this time, she’s not only fighting vampires but a raging monster within her that endangers what’s left of her humanity.

And when a deadly disease threatens to take her best friend’s life, Brooke tries to convince Kaitlynn to accept a monster of her own: becoming a Zao Duh.

As a former slave to the Pijawikas, Mirko is driven to protect the innocent at all costs, but he has never faced a foe more formidable than Zladislov. And when the Commission bears down on Brooke, Mirko finds the stream of enemies runs deeper than he ever imagined.

Read my 5 STAR REVIEW.

Buy Now:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

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Author Information

Angeline is a Scorpio living in the Rocky Mountains with her husband and dogs. She loves all things paranormal, believes ghosts are real, werewolves aren’t, and vampires? Definitely real! At least in the Vampire Born world they are.

She is currently at work on her first New Adult Romance, Wicked Thing, which releases September 2013.

Website: http://www.angelinekace.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Angeline-Kace-YA-Author/122820374454142?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Angeline_Kace

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4641669.Angeline_Kace

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And an EPIC GIVEAWAY:

Angeline is offering up a fantastic giveaway! One lucky winner will receive a Kindle Fire HD with an Enemy Within skin and ebooks from authors Chelsea Fine, JL Bryan, Raine Thomas, Sarah Ross, and more!

Click this Rafflecopter link to enter!

{August 1, 2013} My Recently Released Giveaway Goodness #27–August–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-SEVENTH 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:

Crush. Candy. Corpse. by Sylvia McNicoll
Taking Back Forever by Karen Amanda Hooper
The Dead and Buried by Kim Harrington
Eyes Ever to the Sky by Katie French
Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer
Screwed by Laurie Plissner
The Tribe: Homeroom Headhunters by Clay McLeod Chapman
Hush by Stacey R. Campbell

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!

{August 1, 2013} Announcing the Winner of My Recently Released Giveaway Goodness #26–July

My Recently Released Giveaway Goodness #26–July–has just concluded, and I’m excited to say that the winner has been chosen via Rafflecopter.

And the winner is…

Alicia

Book of Choice:

Pretty Dark Nothing by Heather L. Reid

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 Signed Paperback of Becoming Bryn by Angela Carling: Ends August 14

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

{July 31, 2013} {Blog Tour: Review and Giveaway} Becoming Bryn by Angela Carling

From Goodreads: For months, Jesse has been envious of her twin sister Bryn and even has a crush on Bryn’s gorgeous, popular boyfriend, Quinton. When Jesse awakens from a coma to learn that everyone thinks she IS Bryn, the option of actually taking over her sister’s life is beyond tempting, but there’s a downside. She’d have to give up Ethan, her best friend and the only person she trusts. Could she actually live as Bryn for the rest of her life? And if her family and friends found out, would they ever forgive her?

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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a twin? I have. Whenever I see twins, I’m always wishing that I had one, too. Sisterly love, someone just like me to confide it. Someone with which to share my secrets, dreams, and ambitions… the glamorization of twins has always made me jealous of those with that special bond. But glamorization is just that. The grass always seems greener on the other side, and truth be told, I can do all the above with a good friend or sibling, if I wanted to. What I can’t do, however, is switch places with them. But Jesse and Bryn can…

Carling’s novel, Becoming Bryn, follows the lives of Jesse and Bryn, identical twins, as they battle the drama that is high school. Told from differing viewpoints, readers get an in-depth look into the hearts and minds of both girls, which was an ingenious idea as it allowed me to connect with both on a deeper level than had the story been completely from Jesse’s point-of-view, which is what I expected. Through this process, we learn about Jesse’s jealousy and Bryn’s heartache, casting a differing light on the twins as they live their lives. However, it doesn’t end there. As you know from the synopsis, Bryn dies, and it is here that the inevitable twist occurs.

Thought to be the popular twin, Jesse is mistaken for Bryn, and when her feeble attempt to explain the truth to her mother falls flat and Bryn’s beautiful boyfriend Quinton comes to visit, the idea of becoming Bryn takes hold. But one can’t just become another overnight, twin or not. What I loved about this transition is that, even though Bryn is dead, we still get her point of view from the afterlife. She has yet to cross over, and we struggle with Jesse’s decision to take over Bryn’s life right alongside Bryn. We also learn that Bryn’s life wasn’t as perfect as Jesse thought it to be, and that Jesse’s life wasn’t as dull as she herself thought her own life to be, and it’s a wonderful portrayal of growing up, making life-altering choices, and having to deal with the lies and deceits we’ve spun. Though Jesse seemed a little like a whiner and many of her choices made me angry with her, I get it. And so does Bryn as she thinks over her interactions with her sister in the months leading up to her death. Being a twin doesn’t mean you know everything about one another, and maybe it’s better that way.

This is a story of love, healing, and redemption, and I really enjoyed it. I recommend a box of tissues as you read, because the ending will leave you a little bit raw. I listened to the last fifth of the novel on my Kindle as I drove down the highway on my way home from a conference because I couldn’t wait another moment to find out what happened, and let me tell you, I had to pull over and get myself together because the tears and overwhelming sense of joy and sadness made it impossible for me to function, so don’t follow my example there, don’t read and drive–the ending will leave you a happy mess. But do read it, because it’s great. Four stars.

I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

And now for the giveaway!

We have one SIGNED paperback copy to give away!

To enter this giveaway, you must:

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

-Agree to HONESTLY REVIEW the novel via a blog (if you have one), or Goodreads, or any other media format you use for book reviews (Amazon, Barnes and Noble, etc.)

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

Click here to go to the Rafflecopter entry form!

This contest is open to U.S. and Canada Addresses ONLY and will end at 12:01am EST on August 14th at 12:01am. Please only enter once. The winner will be announced later on August 14th, and will receive email notification! Please read my giveaway policy and leave me a comment!

{July 30, 2013} {ARC Review} Gated by Amy Christine Parker

From Goodreads: Do the gates keep the unchosen out or the chosen in?

In Mandrodage Meadows, life seems perfect. The members of this isolated suburban community have thrived under Pioneer, the charismatic leader who saved them from their sad, damaged lives. Lyla Hamilton and her parents are original members of the flock. They moved here following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, looking to escape the evil in the world. Now seventeen, Lyla knows certain facts are not to be questioned:

Pioneer is her leader.

Will is her Intended.

The end of the world is near.

Like Noah before him, Pioneer has been told of the imminent destruction of humanity. He says his chosen must arm themselves to fight off the unchosen people, who will surely seek refuge in the compound’s underground fortress–the Silo.

Lyla loves her family and friends, but given the choice, she prefers painting to target practice. And lately she’d rather think about a certain boy outside the compound than plan for married life in the Silo with Will. But with the end of days drawing near, she will have to pick up a gun, take a side, and let everyone know where she stands.

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This was a very well-written fictionalized story that takes a look into world of cult life. Lyla Hamilton was only a kid when her family moved to Mandrodage Meadows, and growing up in a faction like the one Pioneer has organized doesn’t phase her because it’s really all she’s known. The world is an evil place; after all, her older sister was kidnapped from in front of her house right before the terrorist attacks on 9/11. No one in safe. But there are a few chosen, and the Brethren have spoken to Pioneer to tell them who they are, bringing them all to Mandrodage Meadows to wait out the storm. They are the new Noah, and the Brethren will soon be unleashing Armageddon on the rest of the world, at which time the families in Mandrodage Meadows will move deep into the earth, into the Silo, where they’ll live for five years before coming back topside to begin the world of man again.

Sound familiar? It should, especially if you’ve read about Charles Manson or Jim Jones and their flocks that followed them. This novel crosses the two infamous cults to create a story that, though slow to start, increasingly becomes more intense as the story unfolds. The novel opens with target practice: Lyla, her intended, Will, her best friend, Maria, and her intended, Brian, are in the fields practicing with their rifles because, in just a few months, the end will come, and when it does, evildoers will come knocking on their doorstep, so they have to be ready. Or, at least that’s what Pioneer has told them ever since they were young, mold-able children. While Will, Marie, and Brian have no qualms about being the chosen and fighting for their loved ones, Lyla is different. She can’t stop imagining the wood cutouts are real people, and she doesn’t want to hurt anyone. From the very beginning, it’s easy for an outsider like me to see that Lyla and her family are part of a cult, even though they don’t believe it. And though Pioneer seems kind and caring in the beginning, it doesn’t take long for him to begin to show his sinister side.

One aspect that I really loved about this novel is that the characters were completely fleshed out and real. Even though the novel started very slowly and it took a while for me to really get into it, Parker takes this time to create vivid characters. The hate I harbor for Pioneer as he exacts punishments and cons the adults and teens around him–there are no children anymore as Pioneer selected very carefully when choosing his families so all the children would be roughly the same age to make marriage easier–is palpable, and though I’m no longer immersed in the pages, my blood-pressure still rises when I think of him. Thankfully, Pioneer has no interest in sexual relations with anyone in this story, so that aspect of cult life is not included in this novel, but his version of “intendeds,” matching up teens for marriage at 18, shows just how much hold he plans to exact in the next generation after emerging from the Silo in five years time.

Lyla was a complicated character. At 17, she knows what she’s supposed to do according to Pioneer’s teachings and her family’s insistence, but after meeting a young outsider her thoughts begin to probe the validity of it all. In the midst of all the sheep blindly following Pioneer, Lyla begins to struggle with herself as she knows her doubt will bring down evil among her people. She wants to follow and be good, but her conscience won’t allow it. And, While I really wanted to reach through the pages and shake her, at the same time, I completely understand her inability to choose what’s right because her teachings have taught her to trust no outsider and obey Pioneer unconditionally. It’s intense.

As the plot thickens and events bring Lyla closer to the truth, she has a huge decision to make, and I don’t envy her at all. While the choice may seem relatively easy on the outside, the consequences will be earth-shattering for everyone, and it is here that the novel really begins to pick up speed.

While much of the novel is predictable based on our knowledge of cult beliefs and brainwashing, Pioneer never ceased to amaze me and I feared very much for not only Lyla, but also the people within the faction as new evidence came to light. It ended with a bang and I really enjoyed it overall, so, should you have any curiosity about cults, this is definitely the novel for you. Four stars.

Random House Children’s Books has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read an ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on August 6, 2013.

{July 29, 2013} {Review} Reel Life Crime by Cary Pepper

From Goodreads: San Francisco detective Ed Sampas is sitting in his office when Thelonius Noble enters and says he wants to hire Sampas to recover a stolen item. It’s a black statue of a bird, about a foot high, made of lead. “Sounds like the Maltese falcon,” Sampas jokes. “It is,” Noble responds. Turns out, Noble owns the statue from the 1941 film, and it’s worth a million dollars.

Reel Life Crime mirrors the plot of Dashiell Hammett’s novel and John Huston’s film, while being an original mystery in its own right, a tongue-in-cheek hard-boiled detective story, an affectionate tribute to the noir genre, and a commentary on how much movies impact our culture and our everyday lives.

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This novel is very dialogue driven, sort of like a play or a movie script, which was very different for me as a reader. I’m used to vast descriptors in my novels, but a dialogue driven novel is actually quite refreshing. Unfortunately, on the whole, the novel itself just wasn’t for me for a number of reasons. I, personally, had a hard time connecting to any of the characters, and I wonder if perhaps I needed to see the movie or be familiar with the story of the Maltese falcon to really “get it,” but I don’t think that’s entirely it. I’m not really a fan of wise-cracking characters, and AJ and Kermit grated my nerves with their “stoner” type attitude and nonchalance, which I found to be present in a majority of the characters, not just these two. The characters themselves made it difficult for me to focus on the underlying detective story because I found them a tab bit annoying with all their pauses, tangents, and “likes,” and their inability to tell the story straight was jarring, if that makes any kind of sense.

I’ve also noticed over time that I’m just not a “funny” person, and many tongue-in-cheek and dry sense of humors are beyond me, even though I really try to “get” it. My cognitive thought process just doesn’t wire that way, and it’s no fault of the author’s at all—it’s just a personal thing, I supposed. I also had a small issue with the constant underlining as opposed to italics used in the dialogue, but that’s, again, a personal preference and has no barring on the story. Truthfully, I think this novel has a good premise and that many people will enjoy it, especially if they’re into old movies, detective stories, flighty characters, and tongue-in-cheek humor (my brother would probably really enjoy it, actually…). It just wasn’t for me. Two stars.

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

{July 28, 2013} {Review} Battered Earth by D. Hilleren

From Goodreads: “In the new decade, the world gathers in Stockholm for a controversial climate forum. The stakes are high, as violent and unpredictable storms increasingly plague the earth and sea levels encroach on coastal shorelines. Nicole Hunter, head of the richly endowed Everson Foundation, leads the charge to invest in promising research that will hopefully impede environmental devastation. But her contentious stance has been questioned by others, and now her career and her life are both in jeopardy.

Meanwhile, unseen forces assemble to sabotage any breakthrough that could challenge existing global energy markets. Oliver Odin, a mysterious international agent, is sent by the Security Alliance to investigate ominous threats intercepted by intelligence sources. The evidence leads him to the beautiful, strong-willed Nicole and the brainy scientists attending the forum. But when scientists on the verge of a promising discovery are gunned down at a reception held by a United States senator, it becomes apparent that powerful forces will stop at nothing to prevent the world from being saved.

As a few brave souls attempt to rescue the planet from environmental calamity, they soon realize that their mission comes with a price—and some will pay with their lives.”

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This was an extremely fun thriller, full of mystery and intrigue. Beginning with an introduction to our characters and environment, setting the stage for the events to come, the novel really starts to take off as Nicole’s life is threatened at a party where the two scientists she is talking to are shot in cold blood. Together with Oliver, an intense international agent, Nicole must figure out who is out to stop the green fuel initiative, and it is here that the fast-paced nature of the story begins.

Though a little more scientific than my brain is capable of processing, Hilleren does a great job keeping the reader up to speed with the scientist and environmental jargon as events progress. And, with its high speed chases, gun battles, and explosions, this novel unfolds quite cleverly as Hilleren intertwines terrorism, espionage, and the very real threat of climactic devastation to create her intense novel.

The characterization was great, and while I wouldn’t necessarily be friends with either Nicole or Oliver in real life, we’re just much too different, I felt like I really got to know them as the novel developed. Hilleren fleshed them out well and kept the romance to a minimum, which I was extremely happy about because I was much more wrapped up in the thrill of it all than the romantic aspects of the story. Likewise, I just don’t think the chapter layout would have allowed it.

The chapters are set up to show as many different sides as possible using the third-person narrative, with extremely short chapters that quickly jump from person to persona and event to event to spur the novel on. Each chapter has its own title, allowing the reader to easily focus on the new segment, which might be about Nicole, a senator, a terrorist, etc., and I really enjoyed this sporadic nature once I began to wrap my head around it. Though there were many small side stories, Hilleren does bring them all to a point as the story unfolds, which was really fun as I began to piece things together. Overall, this is a fun and engaging read that I think a majority of adult readers will enjoy. Four stars.

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

{July 28, 2013} {Review} Almost Home by Frank Marcopolos

From Goodreads: When former baseball phenom Enzo Prinziatta is recruited into a powerful, shady-business fraternity, he thinks he’s found the solution to all of his campus-life problems.

But when he discovers the truth behind the frat’s prosperity, can he untangle himself from it before it’s too late for him to resurrect his career?

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This novel has an interesting concept centering around Enzo Prinziatta and Barry Budiski, two college students that cross paths when Enzo falls for Barry’s girlfriend at a Halloween party. Swept up in lust as he chases Jenny, Enzo stumbles upon the death of a stripper in the fraternity house, unleashing a set of events that put Enzo and Barry into close contact throughout the rest of the novel. Readers feel the tension between the two males from the very first violent outbreak, and the tension remains high throughout the novel as it unfolds, crossing back and forth between the narration of Enzo and Barry, which gives readers a direct link to each as the plot thickens. I love this narration style as it generally allows me to connect even more with the characters, however, in this instance it had the opposite effect for me. The more I learned about the inner workings of the characters’ minds, the less I liked them—though no fault of the authors. Enzo seems extremely immature, constantly drinking, fighting, and trying to score with Barry’s girlfriend, and I just wasn’t impressed or attracted to him at all. From the sounds of his character descriptions, it seems he has a rather large beer belly, as well, and since he’s the star baseball player, well, that was difficult for me to envision, and his sloppy attitude didn’t endear him to my heart any further.

Barry was exceptionally sinister, and his arrogance and flippant nature was an instant turn-off for me from the beginning, but I feel like this was more or less intended. While the pressure from Barry’s father helped shed light on his antics and lies, I never did feel sorry for him or even begin to like his character; he too seemed immature and sloppy to me, just as Enzo did, which made for a tricky read as disliking the two main characters doesn’t bode well for a novel I’m reading. However, the writing was extremely well done, and the story carried through quite nicely from start to finish. And though it’s slated as a sports novel, it’s really much more than that, with relatively little baseball, which was great for me because I really don’t care for sports all that much. Honestly, I think many readers might find the events in this novel quite comical and enjoyable should they not mind the main characters’ immaturity. I, personally, can only give it two stars, though.

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

{July 27, 2013} The 99 Cent Club–Feature 55–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 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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Never Let You Fall by Michele G. Miller

Orphaned at 7, with no memory of her past or the family she lost, 17 year old Skye Martin is tired of being alone and afraid. After a hard night of partying, Skye wakes up alone in an unfamiliar hotel. All she can remember is the deep voice of her rescuer and his promise: “I am safe.”

Xander has been tasked with watching Skye from afar for the past two years, in order to keep her safe from the demons that hunt her. An easy job – until a pair of red glowing eyes reveal themselves to Skye, and Xander, in a moment of weakness, is forced to break his cover to protect her. Never good at trusting people, Skye is inexplicably drawn to Xander and the immediate bond she feels for him. However, Xander is filled with secrets and ties to her past that threaten to thrust Skye into a world she could never imagine existed…

As she begins to unravel the truth about who Xander is and the details surrounding her family, she discovers that she might just be the key to saving everything… And, most importantly, she finds that there has always been someone by her side who would never let her fall…

Find it on Amazon.

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Wishing for Someday Soon by Tiffany King

Seventeen year old Katelyn Richards is a stronger person than anyone will ever know, and that is just the way she wants it. Behind her normal facade lies the reality of a broken home life. Thanks to her abusive mother, a string of deadbeat stepfathers, and an unsympathetic system, Katelyn has learned that the only one she can count on is herself. Her life’s mission has become to shield her nine year old brother, Kevin, and to give him the future that they both wish for. A life with no more abuse, no worries about where their next meal will come from, and no more wondering if they will have a roof over their heads.

When her mother moves them again, this time to a small town in Montana, Katelyn’s resolve is shaken when she meets Max, a cute boy from her new school, who gets a glimpse into her real world. Max slowly manages to break through Katelyn’s wall of distrust, stirring up feelings she never saw coming. Now with her world more complicated than she ever intended, Katelyn struggles with the decision to follow her heart into the arms of the first boy she has ever loved. A decision that could risk the promise she made to protect Kevin, and to give them the ‘someday soon’ that is so close within their grasp.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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The Pearl Savage by Tamara Rose Blodgett

Seventeen-year old Clara Williamson, reluctant princess and daughter to Queen Ada, lover of wine…who exchanges Clara’s liberty for free trade of grapes with another sphere…

Bracus, who as a protector of the Band, must save his clan’s people from extinction Outside…

Suddenly, with both the clan and sphere peoples’ destiny in her hands, Clara finds herself torn between love and duty…

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Death Whispers by Tamara Rose Blodgett

Almost fifteen-year-old Caleb Hart is one of the teens who receives a government-sanctioned pharmaceutical cocktail,which cause paranormal abilities to manifest… making the teens more powerful than the adults.

After Caleb discovers he has the rare, Affinity for the Dead, he sets in motion a plan to hide his rareness from the government while protecting Jade, the one he loves…at all costs.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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The Dark by Heather Self

Mary Anne Moore doesn’t know what she is. She can’t explain why she has lived so long. Or why she never gets sick. Or why the dreams she has come true. She has hidden herself as a lowly servant to the households of Dublin’s English elite for decades, until the night that changes her life. Now her sole purpose is the child she never expected to have. She will do anything in her power to keep the black-eyed monsters from discovering him and turning him into one of them. For Kieran Moore the dark is an ever-present parasite, waiting to devour his humanity. His mother’s love and the girl in his dreams has kept it at bay for years, but the more time that passes—the longer he has to wait for her—the more it grows. When tragedy strikes, it is all he can do to keep from being consumed by the darkness that infects him. He must continue to hold on to the hope of peace her presence will bring him, because it’s not just his fate on the line, but that of the entire world.

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Haven from the Storm by Sarah Dosher

“If you’re going to make me cry, at least be there to wipe away the tears…”

Most were asleep in their beds the night Lily Grace’s entire world was ripped apart leaving only darkness and torment in its place. The only remaining person she depended on abandoned her without a second thought…or so that’s what Lily’s believed for the past four years.

Dean Haven has returned for one reason, to win Lily’s love again. He broke her heart once because of the demons that haunt him, can his desire for Lily keep him from succumbing to those demons again?

Dean has no idea what awaits him when he tries to fight his way back into Lily’s life. Everything he remembers has changed, including Lily.

Is love enough when you’re forced to weather the storms life has blown your way?

Find it on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

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Genesis 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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The Hangman’s Daughter by Oliver Potzsch

A historical thriller set in Germany, 1660: When a dying boy is pulled from the river with a mark crudely tattooed on his shoulder, hangman Jakob Kuisl is called upon to investigate whether witchcraft is at play in his small Bavarian town. Whispers and dark memories of witch trials and the women burned at the stake just seventy years earlier still haunt the streets of Schongau. When more children disappear and an orphan boy is found dead—marked by the same tattoo—the mounting hysteria threatens to erupt into chaos.

Before the unrest forces him to torture and execute the very woman who aided in the birth of his children, Jakob must unravel the truth. With the help of his clever daughter, Magdelena, and Simon, the university-educated son of the town’s physician, Jakob discovers that a devil is indeed loose in Schongau. But it may be too late to prevent bloodshed.

A brilliantly detailed, fast-paced historical thriller, The Hangman’s Daughter is the first novel from German television screenwriter Oliver Pötzsch, a descendent of the Kuisls, a famous Bavarian executioner clan.

Find it on Amazon.

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Still With Me by Thierry Cohen

Today, it’s my choice. I don’t want this life anymore. Today, I’m in control…If I’m not brave enough, I’ll think of her.

When childhood friend Victoria rejects his love, Jeremy takes his life on his twentieth birthday.

On his twenty-first birthday, he wakes to find Victoria holding his hand, blissfully in love with him. Jeremy can’t remember the previous year, but he savors the miracle of waking up alongside the woman he loves.

The next time he wakes, two years have passed and Jeremy is now a spectator of his own life. Victoria has given him a child, but the man alongside her is a cruel, egotistical, seemingly unknowable Jeremy. Is it amnesia? Insanity? Or has Jeremy been cursed for his selfish, destructive act?

This strange, beautiful novel asks an eternal question: What is the value of life and love?

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.

{July 26, 2013} {Review} Ten Tiny Breaths by K.A. Tucker (Ten Tiny Breaths #1)

From Goodreads: 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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It’s been four years since the accident that irrevocably changed Kasey Cleary’s life, sending her on a downward spiral, unable to connect with others, let alone shake their hands. Insistent on doing right for her younger sister, the novel really begins with Kasey and Livie arriving in Miami via bus, side-stepping the catastrophic event that sends them on the run, their uncle’s attempt to sleep with Livie. This was a godsend; I am always nervous when a synopsis hints at sexual abuse being a part of the story, and it was this that actually stopped me from picking up the novel for such a long time. But there is no sex abuse in this story. Uncle Raymond laid down and Livie took flight to Kasey’s room directly, as Tucker tells her readers fairly early on, which was an extreme relief for me. So, if that’s what’s keeping you on the fence about reading this story, don’t let it stop you. In fact, the entire first paragraph and a half of the synopsis has already happened when the story begins, and readers learn very limited things about Kasey’s aunt and uncle as the main focus is on the now, on the arrival in Miami and the girls’ attempt to create a normal existence.

I have to admire Kasey. She works hard to protect her sister and keep her own emotions in check, however, she is extremely damaged inside, pushing everyone away, exuding extreme hatred for the drunk driver and the boys in the car that crashed into her and her family that fatal night. Consumed by her fear of touch and her hatred of for the boy who livid, she runs the gauntlet of emotions, never realizing just how much she is hurting the one she loves most: Livie.

Of course, Trent was a very swoon-worthy character and I loved the interactions and angst between him and Kasey. They are great for each other, and watching him wear down her barrier was amazing. I was thankful, as well, that Tucker utilizes the “fade to black” style when dealing with most of the sexual interactions, and that she didn’t linger on the ones that provided more details. Less is more, and I’m more interested in the plotline in my stories than in the sexual deviances. Tucker totes this line very well, and I give her kudos for keeping the focus on the emotional upheaval of Kasey.

Tucker sets up the story so that readers will very quickly realize what Trent’s secret is, and though I would have liked to be more surprised, I enjoyed the focus on healing from past wounds of the soul. This book is really about healing and less about the secret and sexual angst between the characters, and I enjoyed how well Tucker fleshed out all her characters throughout the novel.

While the ending of the novel was very tidy and quite nice, I was sort of hoping it would end differently as, for me, it would have seemed a little more realistic. However, I think that’s my jaded sense of life coming through, pessimism, really, so don’t mind me. Three stars.

Atria Books has been extremely gracious in allowing me to read this novel via Netgalley.

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Kiera Hudson Series 1

Kiera Hudson Series 2

Vampire Shift Graphic Novels

Black Hill Farm Series

The Moon Trilogy

Samantha Carter Series

Doorways Series

Flashes Series

Pick Series

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To celebrate the release of Cupcakes, Trinkets, and Other Deadly Magic, Meghan Ciana Doidge is running an epic giveaway where YOU can win all four of her books, signed in paperback format. How cool is that??! See below for details.

“The customer looked familiar, like maybe he’d been in the bakery a few times before. The vampire, however, was new.” – Chapter One, Cupcakes, Trinkets & Other Deadly Magic

Details:

When: August 1 – 15, 2013

Where: http://www.madebymeghan.ca

How to Enter: Comment on this blog post: http://wp.me/pP9tA-vZ

Other Important Links:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MeghanCianaDoidge

Twitter: www.twitter.com/mcdoidge

New release mailing list: http://eepurl.com/AfFzz

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Buy the Book:

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ECL1OZS/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_pZyasb1V8KETS B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blood-rule-book-4-dirty-blood-series-heather-hildenbrand/1116310366?ean=2940148570240

Author Information

Heather loves Mexican food, hates socks with sandals, and if her house was on fire, the one thing she’d grab is her DVR player.

Website: www.heatherhildenbrand.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Heather.L.Hildenbrand

Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/HeatherHildenbrandsFanPage

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HeatherHildenbr

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4607856.Heather_Hildenbrand

Newsletter: http://blogspot.us4.list-manage2.com/subscribe?u=77abacb38959bc9c0f7b4e81b&id=739fdcef83

Click the gif below to go to Heather’s AWESOME giveaway!

For more tour stops and information: http://heatherhildenbrand.blogspot.com/2013/08/blood-rule-release-day-blitz-blog-tour.html

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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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Enemy Within by Angeline Kace

Vampire Born, #2

Accendo Press – April 2013

Synopsis:

Two guys who’ve stolen her heart.

Three races and only one of them worthy.

Countless enemies with insatiable bloodlust for power.

Will one girl’s curse ultimately save her?

And when a deadly disease threatens to take her best friend’s life, Brooke tries to convince Kaitlynn to accept a monster of her own: becoming a Zao Duh.

As a former slave to the Pijawikas, Mirko is driven to protect the innocent at all costs, but he has never faced a foe more formidable than Zladislov. And when the Commission bears down on Brooke, Mirko finds the stream of enemies runs deeper than he ever imagined.

Read my 5 STAR REVIEW.

Buy Now:

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Author Information

Angeline is a Scorpio living in the Rocky Mountains with her husband and dogs. She loves all things paranormal, believes ghosts are real, werewolves aren’t, and vampires? Definitely real! At least in the Vampire Born world they are.

She is currently at work on her first New Adult Romance, Wicked Thing, which releases September 2013.

Website: http://www.angelinekace.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Angeline-Kace-YA-Author/122820374454142?ref=hl

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Angeline_Kace

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4641669.Angeline_Kace

And an EPIC GIVEAWAY:

Angeline is offering up a fantastic giveaway! One lucky winner will receive a Kindle Fire HD with an Enemy Within skin and ebooks from authors Chelsea Fine, JL Bryan, Raine Thomas, Sarah Ross, and more!

Click this Rafflecopter link to enter!

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

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

Click here to go to the Rafflecopter entry form!

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My Recently Released Giveaway Goodness #26–July–has just concluded, and I’m excited to say that the winner has been chosen via Rafflecopter.

And the winner is…

Alicia

Book of Choice:

Pretty Dark Nothing by Heather L. Reid

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 Signed Paperback of Becoming Bryn by Angela Carling: Ends August 14

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ECL1OZS/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_pZyasb1V8KETS

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/blood-rule-book-4-dirty-blood-series-heather-hildenbrand/1116310366?ean=2940148570240

For more tour stops and information:
http://heatherhildenbrand.blogspot.com/2013/08/blood-rule-release-day-blitz-blog-tour.html