Friday, January 30, 2015

Get ready for the Sweet Temptation Cover Revel


SWEET EVIL FANS.....

Are you ready for some Kaidan Rowe??

SWEET TEMPTATION the story told from Kaidan's Point of View is coming soon!!

 
Here is a cover teaser.. Cover Reveal coming on February 8th






Sweet Temptation release date: September 8, 2015 (available in ebook and paperback)


Jennifer's Take:
I gotta say I absolutely LOVED this series. All the characters -- supporting and main ones were amazing.But Kaiden holds a special place in my heart :-) Can't wait to read this book from his point of view!
 

 
Sweet Temptation Blurb:

Bad boy Kaidan Rowe has never wanted for anything—money, popularity, musical talent…hot girls—but seducing them is part of his duty as a Nephilim, slave to the demon Dukes. As the son of the Duke of Lust, Kaidan has learned his father’s ways, becoming a master of passion, a manipulator of chemistry. Disobeying his father would mean certain death. Thankfully for Kaidan, he’s good at his job. And he enjoys it. 

Until he meets Anna Whitt—sweet, smart, feisty, and inexplicably good—the one girl seemingly immune to his charms. The daughter of a guardian angel and a fallen one, she has a certain power over him, one that makes him wish for more than he could ever deserve. 

Determined to save all the Neph from their dark lives as the influencers of sin, Anna joins forces with Kaidan to overcome the demons’ oppressive ways. In the light of her affections, Kaidan must undergo his toughest test of all, a battle of the heart.

Sensual and swoon worthy, this companion volume to the acclaimed Sweet Evil series from New York Times bestselling author Wendy Higgins, told from the perspective of the irresistibly sexy and mysterious Kaidan Rowe, gives readers revealing insights into his struggle, his intense connection to Anna, and most of all, the true emotions that drive him.

***



B&N/Nook Preorder Link



Twitter: @Wendy_Higgins

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Bridges Burned by Chris Cannon Review and Giveaway



Bridges Burned (Going Down in Flames #2)


Release Date: 01/19/15

Entangled Teen



Summary from Goodreads:

Don't just fight the system…burn it.

Since discovering she is a shape-shifting, fire-breathing dragon on her sixteenth birthday (surprise!), Bryn McKenna’s world has been thrown into chaos. Being a “crossbreed”—part Red dragon and part Blue—means Bryn will never fit in. Not with dragon society. Not with the archaic and controlling Directorate. And definitely not when she has striped hair and a not-so-popular affection for rule-breaking…

 But sneaking around with her secret boyfriend, Zavien, gets a whole lot harder when he’s betrothed to someone else. Someone who isn't a mixed breed and totally forbidden. And for an added complication, it turns out Bryn’s former archnemesis Jaxon Westgate isn’t quite the evil asshat she thought. Now she’s caught between her desire to fit in and a need to set things on fire. Literally.

Because if Bryn can’t adapt to the status quo…well, then maybe it’s time for her to change it.


 

 
Books One:

Going Down in Flames


Release Date: 06/30/14

Entangled Teen


Summary from Goodreads:

If her love life is going down in flames, she might as well spark a revolution.

Finding out on your sixteenth birthday you’re a shape-shifting dragon is tough to swallow. Being hauled off to an elite boarding school is enough to choke on.

Since Bryn is the only crossbreed at the Institute for Excellence, all eyes are on her, but it’s a particular black dragon, Zavien, who catches her attention.

Zavien is tired of the Council’s rules. Segregated clans, being told who to love, and close-minded leaders make freedom of choice almost impossible. The new girl with the striped hair is a breath of fresh air, and with Bryn’s help, they may be able to change the rules.

At the Institute, old grudges, new crushes, and death threats are all part of a normal day for Bryn. She’ll need to learn to control her dragon powers if she wants to make it through her first year at school. But even focusing on staying alive is difficult when you’re falling for someone you can't have.




Buy Links:



Jennifer's Review:

Burning Bridges continues on were Going Down In Flames Review  ended. Bryn, a mixed Dragon is returning back to "dragon school". The author, Chris Cannon did a wonderful job of reminding us what happened in book 1 (GDIF). Just as I would read something that referred to a previous incident in book 1 I would think "Oh, I have to go back and re-read that part",in comes a character who asks the very question I was thinking and right there we get a small recap in book 2.
The book cover: Well its amazing and love it BUT I kept waiting for Bryn to change her hair color to blue in this book and she doesn't :-) So I have to say I am a bit confused. Maybe I am just focused on it because its the second Entangled book this year that the cover has caused me some confusion. 
In Bridges Burned -- a lot of things happen -- things get weirder & scarier with a ton of plot twists, romance, action, Christmas family time, school dance (with some drama), terrorist attacks, and then just like book 1 ta cliff hanger ending-- and I have to say that in addition to be a cliff  hanger I was left feeling that I didn't many answers/resolution. One that will rock your world in this book is that people get seriously hurt and people die --its devastating and I am holding hope that there is more to that in the next book then what we read in this book.
The most surprising thing of book 2  for me is what happens with Bryn, Zavian and Jaxon. I can't believe I am saying this but I really want Bryn with anyone BUT Zavian. I was hoping to love Zavian in this book as his character had lured me in in Book 1 but WOW he does he does a complete 180 and becomes a total JERK in this book. Like so much of a jerk that there is no redemption in my eyes..... EVER. On the other hand -- Jaxon -- I like him ALOT more in this book, he starts to think for himself and realizes that not all is "right" in the dragon world -- not sure I like him as love interest for Bryn (as I like Rhianna and Bryn likes Rhianna and can't see Bryn crossing that friendship line) -- but Bryn and Jaxon have definitely developed a friendship & a respect for one another with a side of awesome banter that is now funny and light. I like it!
The rest of the cast: 
Bryn -- still as feisty as ever in this book with laugh out lines lines.
Ivy and Clint -- still the steadfast friends they were in book 1 and they are there for Bryn when things go all crazy with Zavian.
Bryn's Knight Valmont - we get to see more of him in this book and its all good -- could be a potential love interest for Bryn and their bond as Knight and Dragon grows (I am really loving where this Knight/Dragon element goes - its new and fresh). 
Merrick -- I was bummed that there was not much at all interaction with Merrick in Bridges Burned. 
Other characters-- we get to know Bryn's Grandmother and Jaxon's Mother more in this book and they are wonderful side characters that you will be sure to like. 
In the end I have no idea were things are going in terms of romance for Bryn(will Chris introduced someone new? will it be Jaxon, Valmont?)but this book packed some serious action and I can't wait to see what is in store for the dragons, the government, the directorate, the romance, and all the characters path's forward.  I can't wait for BOOK 3.

Bottom Line: Bridges Burned is a great second installment in an action packed young adult series that I will continue following.
 
There are just so many good excerpts to show you that I really couldn't limit myself to one so here are two of my favorites.
Excerpt #1
“Hi. I wanted to ask Jaxon a question about the Directorate. Is he here with you?”
Rhianna pointed to the midnight-blue book bag hanging on the back of the chair next to her. “He went to look for a book.”
“Know which way he went?” Searching for someone in the monstrous library could take all night, and there was no guarantee of success.
“Up to the second floor, I believe.”
Which meant he could be anywhere. “I’ll ask him another time.”
“Thank you,” Rhianna said.
“For what?”
“You came to me rather than searching him out on your own. We just quashed those strange rumors about you two, and I’d hate for them to start again.”
“How can people be so stupid?” Bryn plopped down in Jaxon’s seat. “I’d never sneak around with Jaxon for two reasons: one, because I like you, and two, because he annoys the hell out of me on a regular basis.”
Rhianna covered her mouth with her hand as she giggled. “I envy your ability to say what you’re feeling.”
“You should try it sometime.”
“This is a frightening development.” Jaxon came toward them carrying a thick leather-bound book.
“Afraid I’ll be a bad influence?” Bryn asked.
“Yes. If you could remove yourself from my seat and stay away from my future wife, I’d appreciate it.”
Bryn leaned forward, placing her elbows on the table. “Now I’ll have to become best friends with Rhianna to spite you.”
Excerpt # 2
“Excuse me.” A Blue male she didn’t know stood in front of her. He glanced back at a group of males who were snickering.
Her internal alarm went off. Odds were this wouldn’t end well.
“Yes?” she braced herself.
“I was wondering if you’d like to dance?” The tone of his voice screamed, I am a jerk.
“One question: Are you the joke or am I?”
He blinked. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
She pointed at his friends. “Are they laughing at you for asking me to dance? Or are they laughing at me, because they think I’ll be stupid enough to believe you actually want to dance with me?”
The polite expression melted from his face, leaving behind a cold sneer. “You’re not stupid, are you?”
“No.”
“You realize this is probably the only chance you’ll have to dance tonight.”
That hurt a little bit because it was probably true. She gave him a go-screw-yourself smile. “Then I’d rather not dance.”



Giveaway:
 


I love reading and writing snarky, kick-butt characters who take on the world and win.

My truths: You can never have too many books, shoes, or purses.

Coffee is the Elixir of Life.

There should be a National Nerf Bat Day where you are allowed to whack annoying people upside the head.


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Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Defenseless by Elisa Dane Book Blitz and Giveaway!


Defenseless (Diamond Girls #3)

by Elisa Dane 
Release Date: 01/27/15
Swoon Romance

Summary from Goodreads:
High school senior, Claire Reilly’s world revolves around All-Star cheerleading. The Diamond Girls, are gearing up for a major competition, which, if they win will allow them to compete at Worlds for the first time. But the unimaginable happens, and both Claire and her team are rocked by a devastating loss. Determined to get to Worlds any way she can, Claire finds help from the last person she imagined would give it—up and coming UFC fighter and notorious bad boy, Ryker Vaughn.

Fouled out of the octagon by a dirty opponent and a vicious kick to the head, Ryker loses control when he learns he may never fight again. Angry over the loss of his mother, an unsupportive family, and the world in general, he gives up, gives in, and unleashes his rage—destroying part of his cousin’s cheer gym in the process. Things go from bad to worse when Ryker is given an ultimatum: help the Diamond Girls compete for a bid to Worlds, or go to jail.

Overwhelmed with anger, sadness, and grief, the unlikely pair learn that what you see is not always what you get, and that the most difficult losses sometimes open the door to a frightening, yet amazing new future.


Buy Links:
Amazon




Excerpt:
I tore my eyes from the mess in front of me and zeroed in on the crap weasel standing in front of Coach Shea's office. If Tayla had seen him, she wouldn't have questioned who was behind the destruction. The perpetrator stood a measly yard and a half from us, and wore a bored expression.
Ryker Vaughn, Tayla's black-sheep cousin and all-around douche nozzle extraordinaire, was as noxious and irritating as he was handsome. Looking as though he were plucked straight out of one of those big-budget Clash of the Titans movies, he was chiseled like Hercules and rocked a massive Narcissus complex. Gorgeous, with stormy gray eyes and cropped, dark hair, dude thought he was the shizzle, and refused to give the meager masses the time of day. As deadly as he was handsome, there wasn't a person in Indigo Falls, or the surrounding counties, who wouldn't recognize his name: Ryker the Striker.
A humanized weapon of the martial arts variety, Ryker had spent a large portion of his eighteen years studying and perfecting Brazilian Jui-Juitsu and Muay Thai. The captain of the wrestling team at Douglas High before he graduated last year, he won two state championships and held the record for most wins and takedowns in a single season.
Unfortunately for him, neither his name, his good looks, or his martial arts skills saved him from the set of security cameras stationed around the building's perimeter. Why was he here talking to Coach Shea? Why wasn't his butt sitting in a jail cell somewhere?
I let my eyes wander from Ryker to the wreckage in front of me and frowned. The guy was more than capable of this type of demolition. What I couldn't understand was the why of it? He wasn't the world's friendliest guy, but I'd never known him to be outright destructive and criminal. Though, if I were being honest, I didn't really know him. I'd only crossed paths with him at a few of Tayla's family gatherings. He'd kept to his scowling self, barely uttering a word to anyone the entire time. Unsociable bastard.




Companion books in this series:
(each book is a separate story and do not have to be read in order)
 photo ExFactor-FinalWEB_zps56c5f109.jpg  photo Unbreakablev2-FinalWEB_zps4463314e.jpg

Links for Ex-Factor:

Links for Unbreakable:
GoodreadsAmazonBarnes & Noble

About the Author
I'm a lover of books (YA & Adult romance), chocolate, reality television, and am a proud mother to three All Star cheerleaders. Woot!
I write Contemporary YA romance with cheerleaders. Yep. I write what I know, and it's my hope that my stories will not only take you on a romantic journey that will warm your heart, but that you'll find a new respect and interest in the sport of Cheerleading you may not have had before.

Author Links:
   

GIVEAWAY:
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Thursday, January 15, 2015

Atlantis Rising by Gloria Craw Book Tour and Giveaway


Atlantis Rising


Release Date: 01/06/15

Entangled Teen

352 pages

 

Summary from Goodreads:

I am different. I have always been different, but no one can know or my life will be in danger. So I hide in plain sight, wearing drab clothes and thick glasses and trying to be invisible. I’m so good at hiding, no one has ever noticed me. Until Ian…the mysterious and oh-so-cute boy I know I need to avoid.

Now I have been seen. And more terrifying still, I am wanted—by those who would protect me and those who would destroy everything and everyone I love. But if they’re all terrified about who I am, wait until they see what I can do…

 


 

Buy Links:



Jennifer's Review:
 
First -- the cover - its a pretty amazing cover and I think people will pick up this book just for the cover but it is a bit misleading as to the  actual storyline. The reason is because when you think of the story of Atlantis, you think --underwater city that disappeared centuries ago where it is said mermaids live,  but in this story there are most definitely no mermaids. A different species, yes. The author did do a very nice job of mixing the myth of Atlantis that we all know into a more realistic theme that takes place in the current time period.

We enter the story knowing that Alison was adopted by the McKyes, prior to being adopted by them she spent a good deal of time bouncing around foster homes. She finally ended up with the McKeys -- a family that she adores and adores her. She has always known that she was different and when she meets a stranger at a park (3 years prior to the timeline of this book) he confirms her suspicions that she is in fact different and tells her that she’s a Dewing, a descendent of a superhuman species who were the original Atlantians. He also offers her some advice: "hide herself and her powers as there are people out there who would kill her family or harm her for her power".  

Since that interaction  with the stranger at the park 3 years prior she does a good job at remaining hidden until Ian and Brandi stroll into her school and her life.  They keep prodding Alison and Allison has no clue why these two want to be friends with her so badly when clearly she is trying to keep a low profile. Brandy won’t let Allison remain in the background and Ian points out that by trying to remain in the background  she is actually making herself more noticed as that's not normal teenage behavior (thankfully Ian points that out b/c that's what I was personally thinking the entire beginning of this book -- and it was kinda annoying me how much in the background she tried to remain and how she did it! It was pretty clear to me that how she was acting was making her stand out more as it very clearly wasn't normal).


At this point in the book the action seriously starts coming and you will not be able to  put the book down.


The characters are believable (even with all their special and cool talents). I liked the leading character, Allison but the side characters were all fantastic! Brandi was hilarious. Ian was extremely good-looking, broody, strong, but yet funny too. Even Lillian who put off a slightly scary vibe was awesome as by the end you really show her love for Allison shine through. Ian's Parents -- great additions to the story as well. The romance was light but you saw the connection between Alison and Ian. The backstory did not come quick enough for me. But once I understood more about the Dewing background the book became a page turner which I didn’t want to put down. While I thought there was a slow start, some parts of the book were a little rushed -- I had to actually turn back and see what character had what powers as they were kinda just thrown out there upon meeting the characters. They were all very cool powers.  I believe the book was written as a stand alone but I think this could easily become part of a series - and I really hope it does as I’d like to read more about what happens in the future to the characters. Would recommend for kids, young adults, and adults!
 

About the Author
Gloria Craw grew up in the desert southwest, inspired every day by the wide skies and rich colors around her. After high school, she attended the University of Utah where she majored and got a degree in anthropology. These days, she lives in the ‘burbs’ just outside of Seattle, Washington where she is the shepherd of a husband, four daughters and a very hairy dog. 

Author Links:   WebsiteGoodreadsTwitter

 


GIVEAWAY:

1st prize- Signed Book, ten dollar gift card to Barnes and Noble, Atlantis Rising notepad, pendant, signed bookmark and pen. (US only)

2nd prize- Signed Book, Atlantis Rising notepad, pendant, signed bookmark and pen. (US only)

Runners Up (3 total)- Atlantis Rising notepad, signed bookmark and pen. (US only)

 

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