Book Nerds Across America

Goodreads description: 


Devi knows she shouldn’t trust the new employee at her favorite used bookstore. Sure, he’s funny, smart and hands down the sexiest guy she’s ever met, but something dark lurks behind his unassuming smile and sinful green eyes.

Still, a girl can’t always afford to be picky. When an angel abducts your twin brother it should come as no surprise that the one person who can help you get him back is a demon–and only if you’re willing to pay his price.

MARY'S REVIEW:

I have had this on my Kindle FOREVER and I never got around to it.  However, this year I am trying to clean up my Kindle and read all the books that have been sitting on there forever!

I am not totally sure about this book.  There are parts that I loved and parts I was like "Really?!"

Best part of the book:  I loved Oz and Devi.  I loved how Oz was right there with Devi and try to help her as much as he could along the way.  I love the whole angels/daemons/supernatural story line!  My most favorite thing was that Oz owns a book store *swoon*!  I felt bad for Devi because her father committed suicide and her mother was not really there.  I really enjoyed Kim (Devi's friend).  She was funny and a great addition to Devi's life.

Not so great about the book:  I was deeply confused about Devi's twin brother story line and the guardian angel!  Then Oz "changed" into a female and attended school with Devi (did NOT understand that at all).  Then there was Devi's soul (or lack of thereof) .  I am interested to see what happens in book 2 but at the same time .... maybe not

Goodreads description: 


Readers entranced by "As I Close My Eyes" will once again be thrust into the enchanting life of Danielle Grayson in "As I Wake," the second book in the Breaking Fate series.

A secret of Dani's past is revealed and she must find the answers before it's too late. Can she change the fate of her one true love or will he suffer the same destiny for all of time?

As Dani rekindles her relationship with Ben she finds herself torn between her present day life in Sugar Hill, Georgia and a new past she has yet to discover. But something in her past makes her question the journey she has chosen. Time is running out and she is the only one who can understand the path that must be taken. But will it be enough? Has the story of Dani and Ben been written in stone never to be undone?

Mary's Review:

I was given this book by the author for an honest review.

Best Part of the book:  This picks where "As I Close My Eyes" ends, I like that.  Even though this has the same "concept" as Book 1, it is a little bit different.  Danielle and Ben are "working" on their realtionship; however,she is still having dreams.  The difference is its a different time and era than book 1.  I actually liked this one better.  Although, it seems a bit better Danielle is now beginning to piece together her family secrets. That was interesting!

Not so great about the book: Same as before, it seems a little confusing when she goes from "dream world" to "real world"  and this time there was more "storylines".  What I mean by that is:  there was her past secrets, the romance between her and Ben and the other characters that were introduced.

Overall, it was good!

Goodreads description:


When she looks into her own eyes, she sees a ghost.

And when she looks into his eyes, she knows she has seen them before ...

Danielle Grayson is a beautiful, intelligent young woman in present-day Georgia, but when she closes her eyes, she becomes someone else in a different time, one hundred years earlier in fact.

Danielle's other life is as entrancing and romantic as her current one, and the contrast between the lifestyles is intriguing and enlightening, but what starts out as being dreamlike soon becomes real and strangely familiar.

Worse, whatever happens to her as Danielle seems to change the past, if it is a true past.

And when she finds she is not alone in being able to flip between the two worlds, life, love and death become increasingly disturbing.

Mary's Review:

I was given this book by the author for an honest review.

Best part of the book:  Ok, I read a lot and this story was much different that other "dream" stories.  After an accident Danielle began have these "dreams" of her past life.  Through all of this "strangeness" she meet Ben.  I like Ben!  He is helpful to her and she feels comfortable with him.  Like she has knows him her whole life.  Danielle's life is complex and I really felt sad for her.  However, Ben was there for her and help her figure out the puzzle of her life and dreams.

Not so great about book:  It was confusing at first.  It took me a little bit to figure out when she was in her "dream" world and when she was in the real world.  Also, the ending was a bit of a cliffhanger.

Overall, its a good book and a unique tale.

You can purchase the book here:

I just love Diana Nixon and her series so much!  Each book just keeps getting better and better.  Being part of this tour is a real honor for me!

With this stop of the tour, you will be reading a teaser from each of the books in the series (thus far)

Love Lines (Love Lines #1):


There were about ten students in the audience. They all stood in a circle, in the center of which there was a large crystal bowl full of water. Evan and I came closer to see better what was happening there. 

All of the students one by one approached the bowl and dipped their hands into the water. Then everybody pulled wet hands in front of them, and began to create some figure with their eyes closed. Watching Christian work yesterday, it seemed to me that the fire was like coming out of his hands, but now the students were using a different method. The water in the bowl rose into the air with a million drops that scattered in the opposite directions. Each drop was transformed into an element of a future image. When all the drops were like little stars, a few people raised their hands above, as if they were pulling over a portion of them. As a result, the stars transformed into the words, and the words, in their turn - into the whole sentence.

“Per aspera ad astra,” I read aloud.
“Through the thorns to the stars,” translated from the Latin Evan.

Jennie Schroder lives with her husband and three amazing and energetic children in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She studies Court Reporting at Sumner College in Portland, Oregon. Her love of writing took off in her junior high school years in Mrs. Eckert’s Creative Writing Class. Now she is sharing the stories in her head with everyone because there are way too many to keep to herself. If not writing, seeking out readers, interacting and thanking her amazing supporters, or daydreaming about her next story or being a very exhausted mother to 2 young boys and a teenage daughter, Jennie loves most to be playing with her family – indoors and out and reading.

OMG! This is so hard! 5 Favorite couples!?  Well, I did it .... here is my list:

1. Eden and Kiran - Reckless Magic by Rachel Higginson - Even through all their ups and downs you all know that they are perfect together!!

2. Maggie and Caleb - Significance by Shelly Crane - At a corner stoplight Maggie saved Caleb's life and then one touch of their hands ...... PERFECT!!

3. Cassie and Conner - The War of the Werewolves by Katella Stegmann - If you do not know this series, or this couple, you are truly missing out!  Cassie and Conner's relationship was not love at first sight!  But, it did get there.

4.  Alex and Aiden - Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout - This series is not finished yet, but I can't wait! I love their relationship and how it is not "allowed" but the make it happen!

5. Jen and Decebel - Beyond the Veil by Quinn Loftis - What?! Did you think that I would forget my most fave couple ever!!  I don't even need to explain why I love these too.  Just remember that Decebel is really mine, I just share with Jen (for appearances, only)

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Let me tell you a story:

I am Tabatha Vargo's biggest fan! (no pun intended) She is an amazing person inside and out! When I beta read her debut novel Wicked Fate, I did not think it could get better.  But, she then was telling me about this book, On the Plus Side, and I thought "Sounds Awesome!!"

When she asked me to beta read this, I jumped at the chance. I knew the book would be good because Tabatha is a amazing author.  However, the point of this is...Tabatha didn't just write a book with some characters.  She wrote about people, with feelings! One thing that I will say about Tabatha is that she is the most descriptive author I KNOW!  I cried with this book, got mad at this book and LOVED EVERY SINGLE WORD OF THIS BOOK.

I am not saying this because Tabatha has become my friend, I saying this because it is the truth.  Before long she will be a household name and she deserves it!

Now, onto the tour and review:




Big girls need love, too, but at what cost?

Lilly is loaded, not only with money, but with weight. Both things she could do without. But even with her undesired millionaire status, she doesn’t hold on to false hopes of finding true love. So when a sexy stranger comes into her life dripping with seduction, she finds it hard to resist. The bigger they are the harder they fall and Lilly falls straight through the floor in love with Mr. Sexy. Too bad he’s there for all the wrong reasons.

The chance of losing it all will make you do some crazy things and Devin’s willing to do whatever it takes to keep his life together. All seems lost when out of nowhere he’s approached by a Millionaire Momma with an offer he can’t refuse. But even a womanizer like Devin has a heart and when the short, chunky girl with the carefree attitude breaks through his icy façade, he finds that losing everything takes on a whole new meaning.


***Warning: this book contains graphic language, sex, and violence. Mature readers only. Not intended for young adult readers.***

My Review:
Tabatha has been writing since she could pick up a pencil. Her first publication was a little poem in her elementary school paper, from that point on she was hooked. When she was a teenager, she traded in her girly magazines for personalized writing notebooks.

At nineteen, she met her own personal prince charming and writing took a back burner for a while. She is now married to that prince and the mother of a beautiful Six year old princess/rock star. Once her daughter was born, writing came back into her life, and she finished her very first novel in May of 2009.

She is pursuing a Bachelors in English and hopes to one day teach while continuing to write.

As a stay-at-home mom and full-time student, Tabatha enjoys the freedom of spending a good bit of her days doing what she loves the most…writing.

Stalk Tabatha Vargo here:

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Tour Schedule:

Jan 20 –

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Jan 21 –
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Jan 22 –
http://www.mirasgreatbook.blogspot.com/

Jan 23 –
http://rmfabbookreviews.blogspot.com/
http://booksandtheirwordlyrealm.blogspot.com/

Jan 24 –
http://www.cambriahebert.com/  
http://tarasphere.wordpress.com/

Jan 25 –
http://lifebetweenthepages.com/  
http://kristinasbooksandmore.blogspot.com/

Jan 26 –
http://kathryn-jacob-712.blogspot.com/?m=1
http://rocknrollparaphantasy.blogspot.com/

Jan 27 –
http://www.readingfictionforlife.wordpress.com/
http://magicalmanuscriptsandwritingthings.blogspot.co.nz/

Jan 28 –
http://cassiesreviewsde-la-mazing.blogspot.com/

Jan 29 –
http://bawakas-bookfair.blogspot.com/

Jan 30 –
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Jan 31 –
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Feb 1 –
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When I started reading this book I thought it was the second book in a prequel TRILOGY.  I have since discovered that it is a duology and the series has come to a close.

Rift left off with a very action packed last third of the book and I assumed the momentum would continue throughout Rise.  Unfortunately, there was some action at the very beginning, but then there was A LOT more discovery, world building, and tension before we received another dose of excitement at the very end.  While I enjoyed learning about the history of the Keepers and Searchers and what led up to the events in the Nightshade series, there wasn't enough here to hold my attention for an extended period of time. 

The relationship between Ember and Borrow was a tease most of the book, which became frustrating as the chapters went on.  I realize the book is set in the 1400s and times were different than they are today, but REALLY? 

Rise had the feel of a middle book.  Maybe the intent was simply to bridge the gap between Rift and Nightshade.  If that is the case, it was very well done.  If this was supposed to provide the type of closure for these characters that we received in Bloodrose, it fell short.  Don't get me wrong...I think Andrea is an excellent writer.  The tale is eloquently told, but it lacked the spark that her other books have had. 

The rise to power of Eira and Bosque and their developing relationship was one of the highlights of this book.  We are also able to see how the Guardians came to be, which was a fascinating element as well.  Overall, I think any fan of the Nightshade series will enjoy the history this book provides.  I just wish I could have read it before Nightshade.  I would have had a better understanding of the magical elements the books contain and I could have ended the series on a high note.

Before tonight Cassie Tate’s biggest concerns were whether she could pass Algebra and how she was going to keep Elora, her best friend, from dressing her in a skimpy fairy costume for Halloween. Her feet were firmly planted in suburban reality and she had no reason to believe her life would be anything but that of a typical teenager. That is until tonight, when Cassie saw something that no human was ever supposed to see; in the blink of an eye she was thrown into the world of the Light and Dark Elves.

He comes from a realm where light and dark have fought for millennia. He is of a race known to humans only in myths and legends. The darkness that lives inside him is a part of both who and what he is and it makes him the most gifted spy and assassin in the history of his time. His life is not his own; he lives in the service of the Dark Elf King. He slays who he must, has mercy on no one, is relentless in his hunt, and never tires of seeing his prey fall. He is Triktapic, assassin, spy, most feared of the Dark Elves.

Now, in the midst of his King’s complicated plans to expand the Dark Elves’ holdings into the mortal realm, for the first time, Trik finds his loyalties divided. For no Elf, Dark or Light, can turn away from their Chosen.

Unbeknownst to the mortal realm, the battle between Light and Dark is being brought to their doorstep. The only one who can keep it at bay holds darkness in his heart like a lover, and the one who can sway that heart must decide if she can look beyond his black past, beyond his evil nature and see the man he is destined to be.

The question must be asked, does love really cover a multitude of sins? Can true love actually conquer all or will his darkness consume those around him until all that stands is an assassin with the blood of the mortal realm on his hands?


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I was contact by the author to review the first chapter of his book Son of the Accused.  That's right just the first chapter.

This story is based on a true story.

The first chapter is amazing!  You get to meet Michael while he is heading into a courtroom.  On his way, we get a "flashback" into his life growing up.  Let me just say, it's not a good one.  I could really feel the torture and pain that Michael went through growing up.  It is quite sad.

The end of the chapter leaves you on a cliffhanger as Michael is being called to the witness stand.

I will definitely be looking for this book when it is release later this year.

Please follow Andrew O'Brien on his site: Son of the Accused.

Goodreads description:


Our lives are a cascade of events that pass faster than we would like them to. Time changes everything. Our habits, our views, our circle of friends. But there is one thing that remains the same over the years. 
Our memories.
Through them we cherish the most unforgettable moments of our history. And they also retain some things that can't be forgotten….
But one day you realize that yesterday should be left in the past. Because tomorrow your new life begins, and you go back to the drawing board. 
A love story of Evan Murray and Tara Mackenzie.
A story that should last forever….
But no one knows when forever ends….

Mary's Review:

OMG! I don't even know where to begin! Well, let me say this:  THANK YOU DIANA!  Right before I was given this book Diana Nixon posted this on her Facebook Page:


If you want to read the first book of series, Love Lines, you can purchase it here:

Goodreads description:

Alexander and Gaius go in search for their much needed revenge. But come across much more than they had ever planned. Lea and Zari must transverse the very pits of despair in order to save their mates. Zari learns of a deep dark secret that has been kept from her and all other Fae since the beginning of time. When the Queen of Nalla Vareim gets involved no one will be the same ever again.


Mary's Review:

How is the possible?! I mean seriously!  This book was WAY BETTER than the first.  I could not put it down.

This review will be short and quick, just like the book.  Sometimes, I find it harder to review novellas because I don't want to spoil anything but I want to tell you everything! (does that make sense?)

I loved seeing Lea's stronger side in this book.  I love the whole journey!! Nothing like a good love story when you trying to save your mate by going through Hell.  Alexander and Gaius want revenge on their brother and that is one reason for the journey through Hell.  This is why Lea and her sister Zari are following.

I just wish that this book was longer.  However, this book is so packed with actions and adventures that you literally fly through it in no time.

Now I just have to wait for the next book...............

Today, I will tell you my top five best kisses.  HEHE!! This is so much fun, but so had to chose.  I have some many!

1.  Elli and Shea, Taking Shots by Toni Aleo:  I loved their first kiss and every kiss they had in the book. Toni Aleo did an amazing job throughout the book describing their love and kisses!  It was H-O-T and sweet!!!!!!!!!!

2.  Jennifer and Decebel, Just One Drop by Quinn Loftis:  If you know me at all, you know that I love Decebel more than anything!! I only share him with Jennifer because I am a nice person.  However, their first kiss was perfection and every kiss, thereafter!!!!!!!!!!!!!

3.  Jacqueline and Lucas, Easy by Tammara Webber: Nothing like a hot, tattooed tutor and a sweet, kind student.  Their first kiss perfection and they only got HOTTER!  Oh, did I mention that Lucas is also an artist.

4.  Eden and Kiran, Reckless Magic by Rachel Higginson: You know I had to do it.  Eden and Kiran are my most fave characters and their first kiss was epic (well, to me it was).  With every book, it only got better!!!!

5.  Katy and Daemon, Obsidian by Jennifer Armentrout:  I love this series! Katy and Daemon are perfect together, although their relationship is a bit complex.  However, their first was INSANE and then it was just a roller coaster of emotions after that.

Be sure to visit Jacque's Book Nook and Dreaming Dreams to see who they picked for their Best Kisses

Amazing author and friend, Amity Hope, is running a weekend special for her book, Twisted!

It is ONLY 99 CENTS! This will only last till Sunday! Grab it NOW!

On top of that it has a beautiful new cover!

Just look:


If you want to purchase the book, you can here:

Goodreads description:

Alexander is the Alpha wolf of the Neuri werewolf tribe, set to destroy anything associated with the dreaded strigoi. Lea is a magnificent Fae -- or so she believed but she soon discovers she may not be after all. With Alexander, Lea’s and basically the worlds fate is in the hands of the mated pair. They must act fast and not just on the revenge they so desperately need. Can their love save us all? As Lea and Alexander’s souls hang in the balance they come to realize we are all a little Damned.

MARY'S REVIEW

This novella was different.  Not "bad-different" but "good-different".

Best Part of the Book: This is a action packed novella.There seems to be every magical creature in this book.  I loved it.  It was fast paced (but did not seem rushed) .  I love Alex and Lea!  I love the plot and the purpose of trying to end the curse and not end the curse.  I can't go into to much detail because I don't want to spoil it for anyone.  This novella starts out with how the curse began with Aison and Cierra and progressively goes down the line.  For this to be such a short novella, I think Dawn White did an amazing JOB!!

Not so great about book:  It ended too fast!  Actually, it ended so fast that I email Dawn White because I thought something was wrong with the copy I got.  However, she assured me that it was the full copy!

Now I HAVE to read Book 2: Wingless and Forsaken

If you want to purchase this book you can here:

Goodreads description:


How can love mend a heart full of hate?

Small town girl, Molly Bennett, moves to Los Angeles where she becomes an outsider while attending Beverly Hills High School. It seems life cannot be any more dreadful. Then one day after school, something magical happens. On a secluded hike in the Hollywood Hills, Molly chases her disobedient mutt and only friend into a hidden cavern. She stumbles upon a strange glimmering gateway that transports her to Arkana, a planet that is the cradle of an advanced human race. There, teenagers navigate amazing flying vehicles, compete in perilous games for glory, and possess supernatural powers. While Molly tries to wrap her mind around this unbelievable discovery, she meets the alluring and mysterious Victor Sorren. He is a Sentinel Apprentice, whose hatred toward people from Earth is beyond understanding. Yet every time Victor unpredictably saves Molly's life, his heart draws closer to hers, no matter how much he tries to fight against it. It further complicates things that their growing friendship is strictly forbidden. Earth people are prohibited in Arkana, yet Molly continues to cross through the portal to Arkana to see Victor. Torn between their double lives, they go down a dangerous path, from where there is no return and multiple endings.

Would you fight to be with the one you truly love? What cost would you be willing to sacrifice for that love?

Fields of Elysium is a suspenseful romantic tale full of forbidden secrets, unimaginable danger, deception, and the never-ending fight for true love.

MARY'S REVIEW:

I was given this book by the author for review.  At this time, I would like to thank the author for the book. I did enjoy the book.  It was very creative in the description of Arkana and the characters are enjoyable.

Best Part of the Book: I enjoy the story line of this book.  Molly just moved to LA from NJ and was not quite fitting in yet.  She was taking a hike and found a "worm hole" and it sent her to a WHOLE other world.   In this world Molly meets, Weston.  I think of him as of "the boy next door".  However, its his friend Victor that really catches Molly's eye.  Victor's goal in life is to go to the Sentinel and fight the Terrakas (which as the "Earthlings").  You can see right off the struggle and connection with Molly and Victor, but they are from two different worlds.

Not so great about the book:  Like I said before, I liked the book, but its last 40% of the book that was "strange".  There is Victor's whole family tree that got thrown into the mix.  Then Molly's ex-boyfriend, Adam, that came out of nowhere.  Plus, I was expecting more "action".  I am going to assume that there will be a second book, because the ending .... well, it just ends.

Overall, the book is good and I will read Book 2 (if there is one).

If you want to purchase the book, you can here:

Jessica Gibson can be described as an amazing person and author.  Her series Boston Witches is one of my faves.  The second book: Chasing the Witch is outstanding!!


After the events of Mark of the Witch, Jilly at last begins to breathe easier though her powers are still growing. But can she harness them in time to confront a new chain of events that threatens to change everything?

Caroline has finally accepted her life as a witch, but when a stranger comes into her life she's forced to question her family loyalty.

The sisters are thrown together to protect a young girl from the enemy determined to hunt her down. Can they save her -- and themselves?




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