Carnelian by B. Kristin McMichael Tour, Review & Giveaway!

Carnelian (Chalcedony Chronicles #1)

by B. Kristin McMichael

Release Date: 02/01/14

Summary from Goodreads:

Everyone has a past, but for most it isn’t as long ago as Seth Sangre. His past is literally thousands of years ago. Seth’s life led him to the present seeking something that might help him save his country from destruction. He has been in the present for over three years now and just found exactly what he has been looking for.

Mari had dreams that college will be a fresh start, one where she would start over and not fall for the good looking player like high school. Unfortunately for her, that’s exactly what ends up falling into her lap on the first day she moves into the dorms. Now she has to hold to her promise to herself and not fall for the handsome Seth. But he doesn’t plan to make it easy for her. Seth has already marked her as his next conquest. As the semester progresses, Mari learns that Seth might just have a life of his own that’s actually from the past.

Suddenly Mari finds her future along with her past put into question. She’s connected to Seth far more than she ever wanted to be and maybe the player isn’t who she thought he was. If Mari can trust her heart enough to follow him, Seth will lead Mari on an adventure of a lifetime and reveal family secrets she never knew existed.

 

GoodReads Link

 

Buy Links:

Amazon

 Barnes and Noble
 Book Depository

 

Link to Trailer:

You Tube Trailer

Jennifer's Review

Loved the beginning of this book--The hot guy literally falling into Mari's lap and her reaction were pretty perfect and funny. This is a fresh, well written mysterious tale of soulmates, time travel and ancient societies.
Loved we got to go back in time! I won't say too much on that front but it was great, well written and different! I had a hard time putting this book down.

This plot could of had a lot of holes and unanswered questions in it.  Kristin did a wonderful job and answers the questions the reader might have before you have them. One example --When Seth doesn't know his past, you immediately think -- Why not look up your past on the computer? Well thank goodness Mari thinks the same thing (because if she didn't that would be annoying) and goes directly to the computer which fails to work when Mari goes to look up specifics on who Seth really is (and it continues to happen if they look up specifics). So they do get a general idea of time period etc.. but no real specifics to him. All in all, the details and explanations were well covered.

Mari -- studious, shy, reserved, but stands her ground when needed. I loved how she was really leery of Seth due to his reputation -- the story definitely would not of been believable for me if she wasn't -- because who wants to be #24 on some boy's list? I liked Mari overall but I didn't love her. My issue with Mari was that she seemed too perfect - at least when it came to athletics. She knew how to play basketball, football, and she used to be on her school's track and swim team --and was fabulous at all of them but yet couldn't help her roommate with the competition? Is the fact that she excels at all sports have something to do with her time travel ability or ?? If so I wished it would of been explained because she kinda came off as conceited. She also seemed to have just dropped her roommate (I passed that off as because she was in love) but I hope to see that friendship grow and get stronger in the next book-- maybe she even lets in her on her time travel secret.

Seth- swoon worthy :-) and persistent -- you can't help falling for him just like Mari did. At the beginning I was as leery of him as Mari, but as Mari got to know him better it became clear that he wore his heart on his sleeve when it came to Mari. I felt for him just as Mari did. Their relationship was a slow progression - starting as so called "friends" and then to dating. It went at a good pace. My only issue with Seth -- the whole thing with his ex girlfriend was slightly annoying as I thought he should of put more of a clear stop to her advances. I passed that off that he was from another time and was trying to be nice which was difficult with such a forward ex-girlfriend.

Seth's brothers:
Ty -- he kinda acts like an older brother to Mari. Sweet and caring. I liked how he stayed pretty impartial and did not stick up for Seth when he was clearly in the wrong. Overall he really added to the book.

Dee- well I think most will agree with me, I didn't like him. I didn't hate him he was just always brooding and negative--- so I kinda ignored him just like Mari did. At the end of the book my attitude towards him has changed and I expect that in the next book I may just come to like him.

The ending had me sighing in relief, but then I read an excerpt from the second book and..... Well I should not of read the excerpt. Total cliffhanger! Granted the author did give us a warning  before diving into the sneak peak of book too which was well deserved :-).  So if you read that excerpt definitely "read at your risk". I personally couldn't not read it and I will be sitting at the edge of my seat till book 2 Chrysoprase comes out!

This was the first book by B. Kristin and I liked it so much that I checked out her other books  -- I currently just started reading The Legend of the Blue Eyes (on book 2 out of the 3) and I am really loving that storyline and am super glad all three books are out :-)  (doesn't hurt that the heroines' name is special to me).

About the Author:
Originally from Wisconsin, B. Kristin currently resides in Ohio with her husband, two small children, and three cats. When not doing the mom thing of chasing kids, baking cookies, and playing outside, she is using her PhD in biology as a scientist. In her free time she is currently hard at work on multiple novels. Every day is a new writing adventure. She is a fan of all YA/NA fantasy and science fiction.

 

Author Links:

http://www.bkristinmcmichael.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6889132.B_Kristin_McMichael

http://www.twitter.com/bkmcmichael/

http://www.facebook.com/bkristinmcmichael/

 

Giveaway:

1 grand prize of signed copies of both Carnelian and Chrysoprase

2 runners-up can get signed copies of Carnelian

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Or:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/MjM0OGI5ZGJmNWUwNzllYTYzNjAyYzhhZGU0MDc0OjI4MQ==/

 

Blog Tour Organized by:

YA Bound Book Tours

Blog Tour Schedule: http://yaboundbooktours.blogspot.com/2014/04/blog-tour-sign-up-carnelian-by-b.html 

 

Angie Stanton's ROYALLY LOST blog tour!

Title: Royally Lost

Author: Angie Stanton

Publisher: Harper Collins

Publication Date: May 6, 2014

Summary: Dragged on a family trip to Europe’s ancient cities, Becca wants nothing more than to go home. Trapped with her emotionally distant father, over-eager stepmother, and a brother who only wants to hook up with European hotties, Becca is miserable. That is until she meets Nikolai, a guy as mysterious as he is handsome. And she unknowingly finds herself with a runaway prince.

Nikolai has everything a guy could ask for-he's crown prince, heir to the throne, and girls adore him. But the one thing he doesn't have...is freedom. Staging a coup, he flees his kingdom and goes undercover on his own European tour.

When Nikolai and Becca meet, it’s their differences that draw them together. Sparks fly as they share a whirlwind of adventures, all the while dodging his royal guard. But Becca's family vacation ends in a matter of days. Will Nikolai and Becca be forced to say goodbye forever, will his destiny catch up to him, or will they change history forever?

 Amazon Link

 GoodReads Link

 B&N Link

Jennifer's Review:

This is a fun, light, relaxing read. The author's details to the setting really brought it to life. The romance is cliché at times but it was fun to read. I personally like a Happy Ever After ending and this delivered :-)

The Characters:

Nikolai --- the Prince of Mondovia who is sick of being a prince. He challenges the way its always been in his country and even questions the idea of a royal family who just lives off the people. He decides to run away to clear his head and escape Palace life.
Becca  -- College bound who is taking summer vacation with her family -- a river cruise in Europe. She doesn’t really want to be on this vacation with her "perfect" family and that is very clear (maybe too clear). Her family is her father who is a workaholic, her step- mother, and her brother. Even though her step-mother is nice and wants to pull the family together, and her father is trying to spend time with them Becca resents them. As a result, Becca takes every opportunity to ditch her parents and explore on her own.  Ultimately Becca is searching for a future that is not determined by her father. By the end of the book Becca's character experiences a well needed growth. She finds herself and figures out what she really wants in life.
Dylan - Becca's brother. We don't get much into Dylan but what we do see was very realistic for a sister/brother bond.

Becca and Nikoli meet by chance. Can Nikolai and Becca’s relationship last? Can they outrun the paparazzi and Nikolai's fathers' men? The book takes you through a trip across Europe through the eyes of Becca.

This was a light, feel good romance, insta love, easy read, which totally reminded me of ‘The Lizzie Maguire Movie’ except insert prince instead of pop star. The journey through Europe is an authentic one and that was refreshing account. Stanton provides plenty of historical background to the countries and landmarks that the characters travel through.

What I didn't like -- As a lover of traveling and especially Europe I thought Becca complained about being on vacation in Europe a little too much. I think it was supposed to reflect that she didn't want to be on a vacation with her parents but it really came off a bit spoiled that was annoyed that she has to experience culture, beauty, and history.

The story is very open - ended and maybe that's an opening to a second book? I felt as if this story had the potential to be a much better novel than it was -- with more depth and resolution. It's a story of growing up -- and while there was growth to the characters throughout the book just not as much as I expected or could of been.

 Giveaway: a Rafflecopter giveaway

I just wanted to give you one more link that you can include with your posts. Angie is offering signed copies of ROYALLY LOST via the indie bookstore near her, and they are doing online orders (yay)! If you could mention that in your posts and link to them that would be totally awesome.

http://www.roomofonesown.com/royally-lost

About Angie: Angie Stanton never planned on writing books; she wanted to be a Rockette. However, growing up in rural Wisconsin, with her brothers' 4-H pigs as pets, dance didn't work out. Instead she became an avid daydreamer. After years of perfecting stories in her head, she began to write them down, and the rest is history.

Angie is the author of six books including Royally Lost, Rock and a Hard Place, and Snapshot. She graduated with a Journalism degree from the University of Wisconsin, and is a proud double finalist of the National Readers Choice Awards for Love 'em or Leave 'em.

Website: http://angiestanton.com/

Twitter: angie_stanton
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngieStantonAuthor



Inkslinger Blog Schedule

MY NOT SO SUPER SWEET LIFE Blog Tour

 


MY NOT SO SUPER SWEET LIFE

Author: Rachel Harris
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Pub. Date: April 21, 2014
Find it: Amazon, Barnes& Noble, Goodreads

Cat Crawford just wants to be normal—or at least as normal as a daughter of Hollywood royalty can be. And it looks like fate is granting her wish: she’s got an amazing boyfriend, Lucas; her fabulous cousin, Alessandra, living with her; and her dad planning his second marriage to a great future stepmom. That is, until her prodigal mother reveals on national television that she has something important to tell her daughter…causing a media frenzy.

Lucas Capelli knows his fate is to be with Cat, and he’s worked hard to win her over once and for all. Unfortunately, Lucas has his own issues to deal with, including a scandal that could take him away from the first place he’s truly belonged.
As secrets are revealed, rumors explode, and the world watches, Cat and Lucas discover it’s not fate they have to fight if they want to stay together…this time, it’s their own insecurities.

Well, and the stalkerazzi.

Rockstar Book Tours

Jennifer's Review:
My Not So Super Sweet Life is the finale of the My Super Sweet Sixteenth Century series. It brings together everyone that we have come to love from the previous two books into one great ending to the series.

The story:
We have followed Cat through her journey since the first book:  MY SUPER SWEET SIXTEENTH CENTURY. In My Not So Super Sweet Life 16 year old Cat Crawford finally comes to a resolution on issues regarding being abandoned by her own mother and issues with being loved. She feels that she needs closure so she can move on with her relationship with boyfriend Lucas Capelli. Cat has had these issues since the very first book in this series. Thankfully in this book she finally realizes that she is surrounded by amazing people in her life that a) love her and b)will not abandon her: father, step mom Jenna (loved the interactions of Cat & Jenna in this book), cousin Allessandra, and boyfriend Lucas. The series wraps up everything nicely and everyone is better off in the end.

Lucas and Lorenzo :-)
Well I loved Lorenzo who we meet in the first book. When we met Lucas in book #2 I just wasn't ready to forget Lorenzo. I liked Lucas BUT not as much as Lorenzo or Austin.  I became Team Austin. Rachel hinted that I would probably develop a strong love for Lucas in Book #3 and switch teams or at least be both Team Austin and Lucas and she was 100% CORRECT. In this book, WOW Lucas won me over and I am quite certain will win you over as well. Be prepared to swoon for Lucas!

Some twists in this book:
In this book, Rachel introduces us to a new character:  RANSOM Chase.  Ransom is Cat's half brother (same mom, also abandoned but at birth). Despite being newly reunited as siblings in this book -- he changes Cat's outlook and response to situations (in a good way) and I think she changes his. Rachel doesn't give us a ton of information on Ransom's back story  or insight into him but enough to leave you wanting more. So my vote, which I have already expressed to Rachel, is for Ransom to get his own story!  I could easily become Team Ransom :-)

The last interesting twist is the final scene brings us back Reyna, the gypsy girl -- she's what started this whole journey and happy ending so I wouldn't mind either her getting her own story or some how wrapping her story into a book about Ransom. Either way I would like to hear her backstory.

To sum it up:  If you liked the rest of the series, you will love how Rachel wraps the series out and leaves a door open for more! If you have not read this series -- you need to get started as its one you don't want to miss.

Giveaway Details:

1 a handmade sterling silver necklace that retailed over $130. It is an eight petal rose and a replica of the one Lucas gives Cat for Valentine's Day in the book. And 1 rare, signed paperback. US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Rafflecopter Link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e2389b177/

ADDITIONAL GIVEAWAY

As an additional giveaway Meredith & Jennifer are gifting one ecopy to a commenter on the blog. Let us know where you'd want Reyna to send you to enter to win!  WOuld she send you to the past, some place in the present, or to the future?

Good Luck!

About Rachel:
As a teen, Rachel Harris threw raging parties that shook her parents’ walls and created embarrassing fodder for future YA novels. As an adult, she reads and writes obsessively, rehashes said embarrassing fodder, and dreams up characters who become her own grown up version of imaginary friends.

She grew up in New Orleans, watching soap operas with her grandmother and staying up late sneak reading her mam's favorite romance novels. Now a Cajun cowgirl living in Houston, she still stays up too late reading her favorite romances, only now, she can do so openly. She firmly believes life's problems can be solved with a hot, powdered-sugar-coated beignet or a thick slice of king cake, and that screaming at strangers for cheap, plastic beads is acceptable behavior in certain situations.

She homeschools her two beautiful girls and loves watching reality television with her amazing husband. She writes young adult, new adult, and adult Fun, Flirty Escapes, and LOVES talking with readers!  

Website/Blog/Twitter/Facebook/Goodreads

Tour Schedule:

Week One:
4/21/2014- Jenna Does Books- Review
4/21/2014- Coffee, Books and Me- Interview
4/22/2014- Meredith & Jennifer's Musing- Review
4/22/2014- Vi3tbabe- Excerpt
4/23/2014- Pandora's Books- Review
4/23/2014- Stuck In Books- Guest Post
4/24/2014- The Unofficial Addiction Book Fan Club- Review
4/24/2014- Library of a Book Witch- Excerpt
4/25/2014- Every Free Chance Book Reviews- Review
4/25/2014- Book Loving Mom- Excerpt

 Week Two:

4/28/2014- The Book Belles- Review

4/28/2014- Mercurial Musings- Excerpt

4/29/2014- Mundie Moms- Review
4/29/2014- The Cover Contessa- Guest Post
4/30/2014- Book Angel Booktopia- Review
4/30/2014- Swoony Boys Podcast- Interview
5/1/2014- Bookaholics Anonymous- Review
5/1/2014- TSK TSK What to Read- Excerpt
5/2/2014- Once upon a twilight- Review
5/2/2014- Fantasy Book Addict- Guest Post

Alienated by Melissa Landers-Review

Alienated by Melissa Landers
Publication Date: February 4th, 2013
Publisher: Disney Hyperion

From Goodreads:
Two years ago, the aliens made contact. Now Cara Sweeney is going to be sharing a bathroom with one of them. 

Handpicked to host the first-ever L’eihr exchange student, Cara thinks her future is set. Not only does she get a free ride to her dream college, she’ll have inside information about the mysterious L’eihrs that every journalist would kill for. Cara’s blog following is about to skyrocket.

Still, Cara isn’t sure what to think when she meets Aelyx. Humans and L’eihrs have nearly identical DNA, but cold, infuriatingly brilliant Aelyx couldn’t seem more alien. She’s certain about one thing, though: no human boy is this good-looking.

But when Cara's classmates get swept up by anti-L'eihr paranoia, Midtown High School suddenly isn't safe anymore. Threatening notes appear in Cara's locker, and a police officer has to escort her and Aelyx to class. 

Cara finds support in the last person she expected. She realizes that Aelyx isn’t just her only friend; she's fallen hard for him. But Aelyx has been hiding the truth about the purpose of his exchange, and its potentially deadly consequences. Soon Cara will be in for the fight of her life—not just for herself and the boy she loves, but for the future of her planet.


Review by Meredith:

I come in peace Aelyx...take me away!

I absolutely adore this book. It just gives me all the feels. It's sweet, witty, funny, and oh yeah, there is one majorly hot alien in it! I really connected with both Cara and Aelyx. Cara is so real! Yes, I said it...she is REAL. She isn't a thirty-year-old trapped in a teenager's body (personally, I think that totally stinks), she isn't the nerdy quiet girl that no one likes, she isn't the ugly-duckling...Nope Cara is just a teenage girl trying to get through high school. She's funny, smart, strong, and won't give in to her pushy boyfriend (WOO HOO!). I think a lot of girls can relate to Cara. 

Then there is Aelyx. He is so loyal to his people that even though his intentions may not be the best for all of those around him, you know he is guided by passion and doing what he believes is the right thing. I loved watching this character evolve into a caring, feeling, emotional, almost-human teenage boy. His arc is extremely fulfilling and I was so invested in it.

There is no insta-love in this book. Cara and Aelyx are as different as night and day and it takes time for these two to find each other. As a reader I fell in love with Aelyx with Cara as he slowly opened up to her and experienced emotions he didn't know he was capable of feeling. And seriously, there is nothing in this world better than the kissing showdown between these two! Get ready to melt!

For the most part, the book is light and funny. It's heartwarming and the developing romance will take you right back to that first time you ever fell in love (do we EVER forget that feeling?). But there is also a deep story at play at the center. The author does an amazing job of portraying the real fear of the unknown. You will want to hate certain characters in the book (and a few you will), but you will also understand where they are coming from and that it isn't evil that guides them, but irrational fear of those that are different from themselves. 

The story is gripping and the characters will suck you into their world. I laughed, I teared up a little, and I felt all of those wild emotions that go along with falling in love for the first time. I may be a bit biased in my love for all things alien, but this book is definitely one of my favorites. I am dying to read the next in the series. I won't lie...the ending is a pretty giant cliff hanger. But there is a bit of a Happily Ever After aspect to it. As Aelyx and Cara discover in those last few paragraphs, along with the good news comes a bit of bad news as well. I can't wait to see how they make it through the next phase together. 

Alienated is a heart-warming story between an integalactic Romeo & Juliet that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you cheer for first love, acceptance, and for those that stand up for what is right no matter how hard it is to do. 

Melissa Landers is a former teacher who left the classroom to pursue other worlds. A proud sci-fi geek, she isn’t afraid to wear her Princess Leia costume in public—just ask her husband and three kids. She lives just outside Cincinnati and writes adult contemporary romance as Macy Beckett.

Amazon * B&N

FLAW Tour and Giveaway

FLAW by Ryan Ringbloom

Publisher: BookBaby


Release Date: January 23, 2014

What can be said about Josh Brewster? Nothing good, that's for sure. Just ask anyone. They'll be quick to tell you. Josh is a selfish, sweet-talking manipulator who will charm you in a minute, all the while planning his next move. He uses. He leaves. All Josh desires is things that come easy. Why actually work hard for something when you don't have to? When Josh comes to face to face with a girl who’s doesn’t make anything easy, Josh begins questioning the game he's played so long. He’s suddenly eager to learn how to work for something he never imagined wanting. Can a player really change his ways? Better yet, will his past forgive? 


Aidan Turner has had a rough life, a life that has only become harsher as he's gotten older. The scars across his face serve as a constant reminder of the haunting nightmares from his past life. Seeing himself as nothing but a monster, Aidan believes no one will ever be able to look past his flaws. 


His reasoning is about to change when his very own beauty comes barreling in, sparking emotions he'd thought he'd never feel. Love sizzles between them, but his friendship with another girl complicates everything, especially after the nature of their friendship becomes confused. Will friendship overshadow his true feelings and ruin both couples’ chances at happiness?

Goodreads * Amazon * Barnes and Noble

Jennifer's Review:
A story of four twenty-somethings either in college or out in the working world: Josh, Aidan, Becca, and Jordyn, who are flawed on the inside and out.

Characters:  

Josh Brewster is from another of Ryan's books (one I have not personally read). He is a JERK and has always been a JERK. He treats woman like crap, the book starts out with Josh treating a girl horribly and then deciding he needs to find a place of his own (so he has somewhere to bring the girls he is going to treat horribly). So Josh goes in search of getting out of living with his parents and finding his own place. This leads him to Aidan who is looking for a roommate. Josh meets Aidan's best friend Becca and she throws him for a loop. Has Josh just met his match?

Aidan Turner has had a pretty rough time in life. He has a horrible scar on his face that keeps him from going out in the day (he is a tattoo artist) and keeps him away from most people except his best friend and neighbor, Becca.

Becca - She see's Aidan for who he really is. A sweet, gentle, good guy. Their strong friendship is clear. But is there more than friendship here for these two?

Jordyn - A Perfect Princess. Jordyn has expectations that everything about her and her life have to be perfect...and that's her flaw. She travels a road to self discovery figuring out that the most precious things in life do not have to be perfect.  

As the book introduces the characters it is very difficult to figure who will be paired up. I like that Ryan did not disclose everything at once and that makes you want to read further to find out.

The book is written is alternating POVs - which I personally LOVE.

No book is perfect so here are the minor flaws I saw: I kinda got tired of hearing how beautiful Becca was and how everyone could see how perfect she was for Josh just by seeing her? Really? Everyone has their own idea of beautiful and I just didn't think it was possible for EVERYONE to think Becca was so beautiful and perfect just by sight. Being perfect for someone comes from personality not appearance.  Also, I thought the "I LOVE YOU" came too quick for one of the couples (I won't say which one). I just didn't feel the connection between the two characters was strong enough at that point to go there. I was ok with the speed that the "I LOVE YOU" came for the other couple as they seemed to know each-other better so the I LOVE seemed more realistic to me.  

This is a fast pace read about life, loving someone else, loving yourself, self discovery, and friendship. The lines of friendship get crossed and what happens then?


About the Author:

Ryan Ringbloom lives for anything Romance. The passion, love, angst, awkwardness… she loves all of it. When Ryan needs a break from reality she sneaks off to read a romantic story or write one of her own. Drinking coffee, reading Tweets and hugs from her five year old are the best part of her day.

Links:

Website

Twitter

Author Goodreads

Facebook

The giveaway is for a $25 Amazon Gift Card and 2 Signed Copies of FLAW. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway