Book Nerds Across America

35 days are left until the release of Independence.  The final book of the Significance series by Shelly Crane.

We are on Book 2: Accordance.

Here are the highlights from Chapter 16:

Maggie: What are we making?
Caleb: My aunt left a quiche recipe here.  It's so good, you'll forget about everything else.
===
So, Dad, have you drank the Kool-Aid too? ---Bish
===

Here are the highlights from Chapter 17:

I wish I knew how.  Like, if I could find a genie to teach me to surf in like, a minute. ---Maggie
===
Beck: Ooooh! It got in my hair!
Maggie: It's just seaweed!
Beck: I don't see you with seaweed in your hair!
===
Maggie: Blackmail, really?
Caleb: Whatever it takes.
===
You guys are sweeter than a sugar rush, Mags. ---Beck
===
Zeke: Caleb, what are you wearing, man?  I thought we said-
Caleb: You said.  Number one, I don't own any leather.  Number two, you'll never get me in any.
===
I never thought I'd say this, but stay with Kyle. ---Caleb
===


Until tomorrow...................

Today is Day 2 of the Wicked Fate Blog Tour!

Be sure to head over to Ever and Ever Sight.  They will be having an excerpt of Wicked Fate today!

What happens when happily ever after... isn’t? Delilah is a bit of a loner who prefers spending her time in the school library with her head in a book—one book in particular. Between the Lines may be a fairy tale, but it feels real. Prince Oliver is brave, adventurous, and loving. He really speaks to Delilah.  And then one day Oliver actually speaks to her. Turns out, Oliver is more than a one-dimensional storybook prince. He’s a restless teen who feels trapped by his literary existence and hates that his entire life is predetermined. He’s sure there’s more for him out there in the real world, and Delilah might just be his key to freedom. Delilah and Oliver work together to attempt to get Oliver out of his book, a challenging task that forces them to examine their perceptions of fate, the world, and their places in it. And as their attraction to each other grows along the way, a romance blossoms that is anything but a fairy tale. (from Goodreads)

Flo's Review

So this is a book I picked up on a whim while perusing the YA section at my library. I just thought the concept was unique and fun. And that's basically what the book turned out to be. A light, fun read that I looked forward to picking up again and again. It took a fantasy situation and made it very realistic. Like, of course your Mom is going to send you to a shrink if she thinks you are talking to yourself and over obsessed with a book. And I admire Jules, Delilah's BFF, because when Delilah told Jules her tale and asked her if she believed what was happening Jules said, "No, but you do." And that was enough. 

The story rotated between three points of view -- Delilah's, Oliver's, and the fairy tale. I thought it was nicely played to intersperse the fairy tale throughout the story, instead of perhaps putting it all up front or not including it at all. My favorite parts of the story were Oliver's, because I really enjoyed learning about the fairy tale characters real personalities when they were not acting out the story. Throughout the book there are different images and illustrations which help give the story a fairy tale feel. Good touch. I'm not sure I love the ending, but the story was good enough that it doesn't marr my overall reaction to the book. I am also kind of in awe that Jodi and Samantha sat down and wrote this whole thing together. Dang.

Quick Summary: This is a cute, fun read if you're looking for one. 

Goodreads Description:


They had a pact. 
Leave the world behind much as they had lived it.
No one would miss them. No harm, no foul.
Their personal demons would be left behind once and for all. 
It was the only thing they could count on. 
It was all she had.

Madison Hanson has spent the last four years being a "shadow." Her parents ignore her. The students at her school stopped talking to her years ago, and the majority of her teachers forget she's even there. In her desperate yearning to leave her invisible life behind, Madison makes a pact with her only friend, James Garrison, to end their lives as inconspicuously as they live them. No fuss, no muss. No one would miss her and she would miss no one. Their plan is set, and it's all she can count on. That is, until fellow student, Mitch Peterson, beats them to the punch. Everything Madison believed in is shaken to the core when she watches the aftermath of Mitch's death unfold. By taking his own life, Mitch unwittingly saves hers. What a selfish prick. 

She is now left with the daunting task of living. Trying to bury her demons once and for all, and finally trusting someone with her fragile existence. 

Living is hell.
Death would have been so much easier.

Mary's Review:

Do you remember the first book that changed your life?  Do you remember the first time you read a book and I felt every emotion that the characters did? For me that book was Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret by Judy Blume.  Go ahead and laugh, people do, but it was the book that turned me into a Book Nerd.  Then there was Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen, when I got older.  Now, I read a lot of books and I love a lot of them.  However, there are just a few that live up to the standards of those two books for me.

When I read Tiffany King for the first time it was, Wishing For Someday Soon.  I don't even have words to describe how outstanding, moving, wonderful or gripping that book was.  I didn't think she could ever top that.

I was wrong.  Tiffany King just proved to me that she will be forever in my heart.  Tiffany King written an incredible book that will, without a doubt, move you.

Best Part of Book: Tiffany King is the best part book.  She lays a story that grips you from the beginning of page 1. Meet Madison a girl with a troubled past whose parents don't care about her.  She and her best friend, James, make a pact (like no other).  They are suicide buddies.  Now, if that doesn't grab you, Dean will!  Madison is just going through the motions and ends up being tutored by Dean.  He tried to be a friend to her, but Madison doesn't even like to be touched, let alone have another male friend.  Especially, one that cares about her feelings.  Through the story we find out Madison's heart wrenching back story.  (Yes I cried A LOT). I just wanted to reach through my Kindle, hold her and tell her it was going to be okay. This is a story that you have to read because my words will do it no justice.

Not so great about the book: NOT ONE THING IS WRONG WITH THIS BOOK!  Tiffany wrote a masterpiece and I will tell every single person that I know about it.  Even if I have to shout it from the rooftops.

This book will be released on Nov. 23, 2012.  I suggest that everyone get it!!!

36 days are left until the release of Independence.  The final book of the Significance series by Shelly Crane.

We are on Book 2: Accordance.

Here are the highlights from Chapter 14:

It doesn't matter what I want/  It's what's best and what's the safest for everyone. --Caleb
===
Life is about risk. ---Maggie
===
Maggie: I don't know if I'll be about to control it, Caleb.  I feel like such a freak, I'm all over the place.
Caleb: A hot freak
===
I totally loved it when he lost control and I drove him crazy. ---Maggie
===
I thought you were suppose to be the responsible one. ---Caleb
===

Here are the highlights from Chapter 15:

I love you.  I just want you to know that.  I have always appreciated you looking after me.  You are my brother.  ---Maggie
===
I'm not a good person, Maggie.---Bish
===
Caleb is my protector now.  He's in my mind, my body, my ... soul. ---Maggie
===


Until tomorrow..............

Tabatha Vargo's first novel is Wicked Fate.  I was very honored to be one of beta readers for this book and even more honored to be hosting this blog tour for her.

Wicked Fate will be release on November 30th.  Here is the book blurb:


What if you lived in fear of yourself?

For Mage McPherson being afraid of herself is just the norm. Thanks to that fear, being a loner in a small town never bothered the mysterious Mage. Once she received her secret abilities, she figured being alone was the safest way to be. That all changes during her sophomore year at Summerville High when Adam, her equally mysterious secret crush, starts to notice her.

Afraid that she might harm Adam, Mage must learn to either control or deny herself. With Adam by her side she's more powerful than she’s ever been, but is she powerful enough to defeat her worst nightmare? She learns a hard lesson about love and magic when her destiny comes to collect.

39 days are left until the release of Independence.  The final book of the Significance series by Shelly Crane.

We are on Book 2: Accordance

Here are the highlights from Chapter 6:

I'm sorry.  I  mean it.  I'm so sorry.  I was so caught up in the novelty of it all that I forgot that you were still mine to look after.  Forgive me. ---Caleb
===
I need you at my side, Caleb, not at my feet. ---Maggie
===
I'm sorry, Maggie.  I'm just so tired of playing second string. --Kyle
===
No more apologies. But you can't run out on me like that, Maggie.  I was in agony worrying about you. --Caleb
===
There's a picture of you two in the dictionary under 'get a room' ---Kyle
===

Here are the highlights from Chapter 7:

Maggie: Caleb, I need you.
Caleb: What do you need?
Maggie: You.
Caleb: Does this require a human sacrifice?
Maggie: No. You remember I told you how I needed you at my side?  I do, always.  I can't do any of this without you.
===

Here are the highlights from Chapter 8:

Jen: Have y'all been having fun here? We always loved it here when we came during the summer.
Bish: Oh yeah.  Caleb and Maggie have been all over each other.  Maggie is acting like a freaking psycho, running off in the Jeep for hours, not caring about who's worried about her and then lying to my face about it all.  Kyle is the only sane one in the lot of them.
===
The wind was blowing especially hard and I picked up some sand and let it blow away through my fingers, like my life. ---Maggie
===
I love him and I'm not gonna reject him or your family or your ways.  I've seen it.  ---Maggie
===
Rachel: He's pretty smart, my son.
Maggie: He's pretty...everything.  I don't know what I'd do without him now.
==
All will be as it should be, Maggie.  We can't out run destiny. ---Rachel
===


So, what do think about Maggie and the chances in her life?

Until tomorrow..................

Goodreads description: 


On the rink she’s tough, she’s a leader, she’s fast and she’s the epitome of a rebellious girl. But Nellie’s been hurt, only once, but it was enough to make her look at life through different eyes and off the rink she’s a timid girl who loves with no pretenses.
A long time ago Owen Black was betrayed by the girl he thought he loved and the guy he called his best friend. The anguish set off a domino effect of negativity in his life and he never has fully recovered. He meets Nellie Forrester and thinks he can let it go for her. 
But how can you love someone when the wounds from your past are still wide open?

Mary's Review:

So, I know that y'all have seen my previous post of Lila Felix's other books, Emerge and Perchance, and how much I loved them.When she contacted me about this book I jumped at the chance.  However, there is a problem with this book that got me so upset at Lila.  I mean really upset!  Let me explain:  In Emerge she gave us Carlos and in Perchance she gave us Cooper.  Now, I was hoping to "downsize" my Fictional Boyfriend list.  Well, HOLY STARS Lila did not help with this goal of mine.  Because she wrote this amazing story and introduced me to Owen!! I swear Lila has such talented for writing amazing fictional boyfriend.

Best part of the book:  I love the whole story.  This is a very different read but with a great love story.  On the outside Nellie looks tough, with her blue hair, piercings and being a roller derby player.  However, she is not that girl at all.  She is sweet, kind and loves her friends.  The one thing that is missing is a boyfriend.  ENTER OWEN!! Oh, sexy, yummy OWEN!! I just love a fictional man with tattoos and  so sweet.  Owen  and Nellie both have a a lot of sadness in their past but still are both so kind. You can really tell they love and care for each other.  There are times when the past is too much.

Not so great part of the book:  *stomps foot* *crosses arms* *pouts* LILA MADE ME CRY! Right in the middle of my office at work.  I couldn't stop the tears!  Lila put a twist in the story I didn't see coming and I just busted into tears.  Just another reason why I should be upset with her! (I'm not really upset with her!  She is an awesome person)

IN ALL SERIOUSNESS:  This is a fantastic read and Lila Felix is such an talented and amazing story.  You will love this book and I cannot wait to see what she does next!

You can purchase the book here --->>> Love and Skate

40 days are left until the release of Independence.  The final book of the Significance series by Shelly Crane.

We are on Book 2: Accordance

Here are the highlights from Chapter 4:

Maggie: Caleb, I've never done this before.  It's so cold and the water's deep and there could be something in there.
Caleb: Well, I hope there's something in there.  It is the ocean,
====
I could taste the salt from the seawater on our lips, but as he deepened the kiss, it was all Caleb.  And I missed him. --Maggie
====
Ok, this chapter is hard because I don't want to spoil it .... 

Here are the highlights from Chapter 5:

Greed, Pride, Ignorance, Complacency, Redemption.  The fate of all rest in the hands of all. --Maggie
===
Maggie: What? Kyle, what are you doing?
Kyle: You have no idea, do you?  You have no idea what you are.
===
Caleb: Maggie, stop.  Where are you going?
Maggie: Away.
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I know I messed up, but I can't fix it until she talks to me now can I? ---Caleb
===

So, what did you think???? Until tomorrow.............

Thank you Good Choice Reading for hosting this Blog Tour.

Katie Kacvinsky's novels, Awaken, First Comes Love, and now Second Chance are some of my favorite books.  She is an amazing writer with a huge amount of talent!!



When First Comes Love came out we all assumed that it was going to be a stand alone book.  Well, thank goodness Katie didn't do that to us! When she announced that Second Chance was coming out I think I actually screamed!

Second Chance is an emotional ride for Dylan and Gray as they work through their personality differences.  Dylan and Gray really love each other but they are so different from each other.  I think that is the one thing that I loved the most.  Katie really knows how to keep a girl wanting more.  She writes from both point of views and that just completes the story perfectly.



I am so excited that Katie has already said that there will be a third book, because I need more of Dylan and Gray.  Also, I cannot wait to see how this story is completed.

Thanks Katie for a great book and story.

For more information about Katie Kacvinsky, you can check out her website.

Goodreads description: 


Ava St. Clair simply wants to finish up the last few months of her senior year while having some fun with her friends. That is, until she finds Gabe Castille battered and bloody on her doorstep. She has no idea just how much her world is about to change because while she has always believed in Heaven and angels, she’s never given explicit thought to their counterparts. 

Gabe’s entire life has consisted of lies, misery and a family he loathes but is unable to escape. When he is ordered to integrate himself into Ava’s life, he doesn’t dare question the reason. He doesn’t expect to find Ava tolerable, let alone likeable. The last thing he expects is to fall in love with her.

When he realizes he is in control of Ava's fate, he needs to make a choice. Will she find safety with him or will he be the one to deliver her into the hands of pure evil?

Amity Hope has quickly becomes one of my favorite authors!! She is currently working on a new book  called: CRUSHED.  I am very excited about this.

Blurb:


Reece knew how ridiculous it was to think that he was going to end up with the girl he dated in high school. It’s not exactly the 50’s or even the 80’s anymore. But he had foolishly thought that he and Cleo had a chance. They’d spent a whole lot of junior year talking about their future. They’d clicked in a way that went far deeper than he ever thought possible. They’d grown close over things that were far more intense than issues people their age usually had to face. So, ridiculous or not, he had thought he and Cleo would be forever.

But then without warning, the minute school got out for the summer, she’d ripped his heart out and tossed it back to him.

So obviously, he had been wrong. And now that summer vacation is over and senior year is starting, he’s not sure how he’s going to be able to deal with seeing her every day. Now that she’s so over him.

Or…maybe she’s not?

Because what Reece doesn’t know is that Cleo has a secret. If it had been up to her? She would never have let him go.

Now for the cover:

41 days are left until the release of Independence.  The final book of the Significance series by Shelly Crane.

We are on Chapter 2.  Here are the highlights:

Ah, Maggie, you look so gorgeous. ---Caleb
=====
You are really soft and sweet smelling for someone who claimed to have been tortured.  ---Caleb
====
Caleb can't be comfortable like that.  And I never pegged you as the clingy girlfriend. ---Bish
====

Onto Chapter 3.  Here are the highlights:

I just wish you'd trust me to handle whatever it is that you're keeping from me. ---Bish
====
Maggie: So what's so unconventional about him?
Caleb: Well...picture Russell Brand and Jonah Hill have a baby
=====
Kyle, please. I want to be your friend but you can't do this.  I'm sorry.  I wish I could help but I can't and Caleb isn't going to like this.  Let go.  ---Maggie
=====
Kyle: What's your problem?
Maggie: Nothing.
Kyle: That's right, nothing.  You don't get a say in what I do, Maggie.  I could take the whole party home to screw and you couldn't say one word to me about it!
Caleb: Hey! You need to calm down.  You don't talk to her like that. Go. Go to the house, whatever, I don't care, but go before you say something stupid and I have to do something about it.
====

So, do you think Bish is figuring Maggie and Caleb's relationship?  What is up with Kyle's attitude?

I have been on vacations since Oct. 25th.  I had not check my email or much of anything while on vacation.

When I was checking them today I saw several emails, tweets and facebook messages that the countdown was not posting.

I AM SO SO SO SORRY!!  I had everything set up to automatically post and for some reason they did not.  Now, they are not even set up in Blogger like they normally would be.

I am going to fix this! Starting tomorrow (Nov. 7th) I will post 2-3 Chapters each day until we are caught back up!!

Again, I am so sorry to Shelly and the Fans.

---Mary

Goodreads description: 


Shay could be the key to ending a war that humans don't know exist. Of a race of beings that aren't real, or are they?

Shay Tafford's childhood has been fatherless, filled instead with memories of speaking to the dead. She is forced to hide her unique ability from those living around her. That's why it's been comforting to have Jeremy, a child ghost, as her confidante. But recently he's been absent, perhaps lost as her father is. When Shay meets Hugh, the guy she's had a crush on for weeks, and finds he can speak to ghosts too she's just starting to find a normalcy in her life.
But as Hugh reveals the truth to Shay, about who she really is and about what it is she can do, he erases all chances she had at a normal existence. Turns out talking to ghosts is just scratching the surface of her genetically engineered gifts. Shay learns she may be part of an age old prophecy that could save the entire race of cryptids. But can she?

Mary's Review:

WHAT!?! I thought that I had read every type of paranormal book and I also thought no one could give me anymore surprises......well, I WAS WRONG!  Talk about a good book!! Brina Courtney knows how to write paranormal!

Best part of book: I think Shay is the best part of the book.  True, she is the main character and everything is based around her; however, that isn't always the case in books.  I loved Shay because Brina writes her in such a way that I can honestly feel what she is going through.  The lost of her father, the fact that her dear friend is a ghost, the fact that she is crushing on a guy and the fact that her life is about to turn upside down!  I loved it!  I honestly could not put this book down.

Not so great about book:  This was easy for me ... the ending! Why?!?! Because I need to know MORE!  Thank the stars above Book 2 is already out!! Look our Brina Courtney, you have a new fan =)

You can purchase Reveal here---->>>Reveal (YA SciFi Romance) (Cryptid Tales)

Goodreads description: 


GENRE: ADULT CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE 
Please be advised that this book is NOT suitable for Young Adult readers due to language and explicit sexual situations. 

Hale Simmons dreams of climbing out of her impoverished life, going to college, and getting herself a titanium crash helmet, so she can eventually bust through the Plexiglas ceiling of her crappy life. But for now, she’s just a 18-year-old girl with a flimsy hope, barely getting by with her alcoholic father, Jerry.
But for Hale, ‘crappy’ suddenly takes a nosedive, when Jerry becomes the sole witness to a horrible accident. It is an event which means to effect everyone, especially Hale, who wasn’t even involved.
While the depth of the accident has just begun to unfold, Otto Maree, a prominent business man and old family friend, stands to lose everything because of it. Otto is desperate for Hale’s father to stay quiet about what occurred the night the two men met for a drink. Out of mutual moments of desperation, the two fathers forge a deal. Jerry is desperate to gain financial stability for both himself and Hale, and Otto Maree is more than willing to pay to keep his secret just that. 
But deals like this need to be made of the strongest vows and bound with the most faithful of loyalties. Otto proposes a marriage between Hale and his playboy-son, Oscar, in order to assure that the secret remains ‘in the family’. The mystery surrounding the accident continues to grow and Hale struggles against her own mysterious feelings that begin to develop for Oscar, who turns out to less of a playboy, but just as fiercely loyal and dedicated as his father. 
As the pressure around her continues to escalate, Hale realizes that she’s got to decide if this arranged marriage is really just a big mistake or an amazing twist of fate that has been waiting around for this particular accident to happen.

Mary's Review:

I love Misty! She has quickly become one of my favorite authors and a dear friend!  When I learned that she was writing this book, I jumped up and down.  Why?! Well, for one this is a different story for Misty.  Two, it sounds interesting.  Three, I love the COVER!! haha!

Best part of book:  Hale and Oscar are the best characters! Hale, 18, young with an alcoholic father and is just trying to get by.  Then her whole life is turned upside down when her dad comes home with some guy he knows and proclaims that she is getting married.  *shakes head* WHAT!??!?!?!  This is 2012 not 1712! I think (in fact I know) I would have reacted just like Hale did!! Enter: Oscar!  (Hello, new fictional boyfriend)  Oscar was not what I was expecting.  From the book description you see "play-boy" and Oscar is so much more.  (Man, Misty knows how to make a girl swoon).  The thing I love most about him is that he truly cares about Hale's feelings in this situation that they are in.  I love every part of this book.

Not so great about book:  I wish there was an epilogue or maybe a little bit longer ending.  I would have like to see the lives of Oscar and Hale after everything happened to them,  Maybe Misty has some more stories in that pretty head of hers and will release more ..... maybe I could bribe her with cookies (hhhhmmmm)

You can purchase it here--->>>Hale Maree


Personal note to Misty Provencher:

 Dear Misty,

I love your style of writing and the stories in your head.  I think you are a fantastic person both inside and out!  Thank you for including me in your acknowledgement page! You are a special person and I love you for it!!  I cannot wait to read more from you and will always be here to help if need be!!

Love Book Nerd Mary!

Ok, I have been on vacation and this post is a little late. Sorry, Lila (LOVE YA!!)

The ever talented Lila Felix is at it again with another book!!

Title;  Love and Skate

Blurb: (from Goodreads) On the rink she’s tough, she’s a leader, she’s fast and she’s the epitome of a rebellious girl. But Nellie’s been hurt, only once, but it was enough to make her look at life through different eyes and off the rink she’s a timid girl who loves with no pretenses.
A long time ago Owen Black was betrayed by the girl he thought he loved and the guy he called his best friend. The anguish set off a domino effect of negativity in his life and he never has fully recovered. He meets Nellie Forrester and thinks he can let it go for her. 
But how can you love someone when the wounds from your past are still wide open?

Now the cover:

Goodreads description: 


Living with her erratic mother has always been a struggle for seventeen-year-old Margot. Though she loves her mother, she tries to be the exact opposite of her flighty and disorganized parent. When they move to Northern Michigan near a grandmother and uncle she’s never known, her mother’s depression begins to border on crazy, which makes Margot crazy.

Her escape comes in the form of a boy named Ethan. At first, he’s just looking for a new girlfriend — someone different from all the girls he’s dated in their small town — and Margot’s just interested in the distraction he provides. But within weeks against her mother’s rule about not dating, Margot’s comparing the need to breath with Ethan. 

Then the combination of a killer wolf in the woods and her grandmother’s revelations about their family has Margot pushing Ethan away. Because if the unbelievable is true, Margot will become that wolf in the woods...

Mary's Review:

First, I need to thank Jean for the book for me to review.  She has quickly become one of my favorite authors and I am loving this book just as much as I have the others.

Best part of book:  Talk about a different take on werewolves!! Jean has one of the most creative minds that I have read in a long time.  I love her writing style, her imagination and her love of the characters.  Even, if its a bad character you can still see how much she cares about them and I love that!  This book was SO GOOD!  I mean, REALLY GOOD! Margot thinks her mother is crazy.  They are always on the move and her mother is also acting strange.  Now, Margot will do anything for her mom but she doesn't know how much more she can take.  Then one night her mother and her are on the move again and stop at a rest stop.  It is there that Margot's uncle appears and take them to her grandmother.  Margot, had no clue about this family and she didn't understand why they wanted to help now.  On top of that, Margot is almost 18 and is ready to head to college and be away from all the madness.  Then Ethan comes into Margot's life.  I love the way the meet! It is a little crazy and strange but it fitting for the story.  I love that Ethan is there for Margot, even when she doesn't want him to be.  Of course the twist of the story is when Margot's mother "loses it" and the truth about Margot's family comes to light.  CRAZY!!  It is so cool how Jean does this story and how is all molds together! JUST LOVE IT!!

Not so great about the book: I would not change one thing in this book!! NOT ONE THING!!  Jean has wrote a great book and I think that everyone should read it!!

You can purchase the book here ---->>>>Under a Blood Moon

Goodreads description:


Jessie's moved from New York to North Carolina one week after school lets out for summer break. Being a teen in a retirement area, is one more thing to add to her 'this sucks' list. It's bad enough to have to move, but even worse her alcoholic father left them as he went on a quest to be an artist in Greece.

Things begin to look up when she is reintroduced to Caleb, the dorky boy that saved her life one summer at the beach. Caleb is no longer scrawny and nerdy, he is now tall, dark and handsome. Caleb is a Light Tamer. Now, Jessie and Caleb must learn how to control the light...before they lose each other forever.

Jessie and Amber become fast friends. Amber is a no frills girl, her snarky comments and sassy attitude will raise a few eyebrows and have you laughing out loud. Amber is rough around the edges, a light tamer with only two years left to find the one she is bound to. Her father's surfing accident left her dad paralyzed and her brother dead. 

This paranormal romance will keep you on the edge of your seat with humor, romance, and determination. Fall head over heels for Caleb and Jessie

Mary's review:

First I need to thank my two author friends Quinn Loftis and Tiffany King for recommending this book to me.  I love these 2 ladies so much and I suggest you read all of their books.

Best part of book: Hello Caleb, Jessie and Amber!! I love all 3 of these characters! Jessie is a New Yorker that heads to North Carolina with her mother to live with her grandmother.  (By the way, I love Ms. Gayle, aka Grandma).  Jessie's grandmother is the one that "reintroduces" Caleb to Jessie.  They were "friends" when they were kids but grew apart with Caleb's family moved to Virginia.  Now, Caleb's mother passed away and his family moved back to North Carolina.  Caleb is the one that explains to Jessie about being a Light Tamer.  Then comes Amber!  I love this girl.  She tries to be all "rough with a I-Don't-Care attitude"  but that is not really her.  She is the opposite of Jessie and that is why they are such good friends.  Now, Caleb and Jessie have a "special" relationship and they (along with other Light Tamers) need to control their light to take care of the Dark Ones.

Not so great about book: Ok, I really did enjoy this book, but there was a part of the book that I didn't like.  It was towards the end and I felt like it was unnecessary.  I wasn't really sure where the author was going with this twist but I did not care for it.  Also, I felt that towards the end was rushed. I felt that the author just "wanted it over".  Don't get me wrong the book is great and I will be waiting the arrival of Book 2! (which I don't know at this time when that will be) but those were my only flaws.

You can purchase the book here ---->>>>>The Light Tamer (The Light Tamer Trilogy)

Goodreads description: 


One moment can change your life.
One moment to find love.
One moment to lose it.

Mary's Review:

I have been a friend of Brina Courtney's Facebook page.  It's sad to say that I had not read any of her books (I KNOW BAD BOOK NERD).  However, I was able to get time and read this book.  OMG! Let me tell you about this book:

It is a very quick read because it is a short story.  However, I normally don't read a lot of short stories because I feel you never get enough out of them.  WELL, Brina Courtney throw that theory of mine into the water!  I LOVED THIS STORY!

The story is about Hannah and Chase.  They have known each other since they were kids and started dating in their later teenage years.  Chase is very protective of Hannah and Hannah loves Chase with all her heart.  Now, with this being a short story I really cannot go into a lot of details because I do NOT want to spoil it for you.  But here is what you should know:

It was moving, toughing, loving and very inspiring!! Briana Courtney is an amazing writer.  I will be reading more of her work now.

If you want to purchase the book...CLICK HERE ---->>>>>Their Promise (YA Contemporary Romance)

Goodreads description:


What would you sacrifice to save the one’s you love? To save the one who holds your heart? To save the world?

Kenley Grayson is all too familiar with these questions.

After Earth is thrust into its first intergalactic war with an unknown race called the Bringers, our military forces begin to suffer heavy losses. Desperate for a solution, the Allied Federation issues a worldwide draft for every able seventeen year old to enlist. As Kenley turns seventeen, she finds herself thrown into the very war that took her older brother’s life.

This year’s draft is a little different than in the past though. A new program, known as the Magnus Project, has been introduced, and only the best and brightest qualify. Kenley is amongst a select few whom are chosen to join this elite group of soldiers, and as a part of this project, undergoes a modification procedure that leaves her and her peers endowed with powers beyond their wildest dreams.

As Earth continues in its struggle against the Bringers, Kenley is transported to a high-tech training facility, the Magnus Academy, to prepare for the major battle that lies ahead. It’s here that she meets the California heartthrob, and son of a legendary war hero, Landon Shaw. As unexpected feelings toward Landon begin to develop, Kenley wonders if this is the right time or place for romance to bloom, especially when those feelings start to interfere with her training.

With the weight of the world on her shoulders, Kenley is constantly reminded of how important she and the rest of the Magnus cadets are to the fate of humanity. She is one of the Modified, Earth’s last line of defense against utter destruction.

Mary's Review:

I won this book from the fantastic author, Tiffany King.  If you don't know her work, then you need to go to her Amazon page RIGHT NOW! Anyway, she had read this book and did a giveaway.  I was very lucky to win the eBook.  I was unable to start it right away because I had other commitments; however, I am so glad that I did read it!!

Best Part of Book:  I am not sure where to begin on this section.  I loved Kenley and Landon so much.  Joey was an awesome best friend and I even loved Galileo (he was a AI computer).  This is a sci-fi type book but it is not too much sci-fi.  You know that there is advancements in the technology but it isn't overwhelming.  Kenley is an amazing character who struggles (at times) with her new powers.  I loved the way CA Kunz writes Kenley because you can tell that she is struggling but wants to make others proud.  I love Joey.  He is funny and a wonderful friend to Kenley.  Landon *swoon-alert* truly cares about Kenley and will do all that he can (without moving too fast) to be there for her.

Not So Great About Book: THE ENDING KILLED ME! I cried and there is a cliffhanger! UGH!! I am not sure when the next book comes out but TRUST ME I am going to be reading it!! CA Kunz does a great job of leaving the reader wanting MORE!!

I would recommend this book to read!! If you want to purchase this book on Amazon...CLICK HERE--->>>>>> The Modified (The Biotics Trilogy, #1)

No, seriously. Michelle and I are the cutest EVER.

You may or may not have heard of a little storm called Sandy? Last Thursday, South Florida got the outer bands of it, which basically means it was rainy and windy like you wouldn't believe! So visualize that, and for fun add in 5 o'clock traffic in one of the worst cities for traffic in the U.S. This lovely scenario I'm having you picture would be the conditions under which I made my way to the Michelle Hodkin signing last week.

Needless to say, I was late. But I did arrive in time to hear these fun tidbits...

About Noah: The idea from Noah started with Michelle trying to think about what kind of guy would fall for Mara? And what kind of guy would she fall for? AND -- the best part -- a little bit of Ethan Hawke from the movie Reality Bites! Yup, I am okay with dating myself to say that that movie is made of awesome.

Michelle also hearts Stephanie Perkins! You know, as in author of Anna and the French Kiss, as in one of my most favorite books ever and that I hooked the other Book Nerds on?!

Could Mara Dyer ever be a movie? Maybe. "But it's a long road from being optioned to 'Coming to a theater near you!'" Michelle explained.

She also talked about the story behind the Mara Dyer trailer, which admittedly I hadn't seen until about 2 seconds ago. In case you're like I was:



Then it was time for the book signing! I had so much fun in line chatting it up with her Mom and some other members of the family -- who are all really cool, by the way! It's so great to see how supportive they are of Michelle. Also, I didn't forget you, readers! I grabbed you some of this fun swag:

I was so honored when Tabatha Vargo asked me to be her beta reader for Wicked Fate and I am even more honored that she has asked me to help reveal the cover of that book!

But before we jump into the amazing cover (and it really is amazing) let me tell you about the book AND THE GIVEAWAY!

Book Blurb:


What if you lived in fear of yourself?

For Mage McPherson being afraid of herself is just the norm. Thanks to that fear, being a loner in a small town never bothered the mysterious Mage. Once she received her secret abilities, she figured being alone was the safest way to be. That all changes during her sophomore year at Summerville High when Adam, her equally mysterious secret crush, starts to notice her.

Afraid that she might harm Adam, Mage must learn to either control or deny herself. With Adam by her side she's more powerful than she’s ever been, but is she powerful enough to defeat her worst nightmare? She learns a hard lesson about love and magic when her destiny comes to collect.

The amazing author of this book is Tabatha Vargo.  She has quickly became one of my favorite authors and a  dear friend!

About the Author:



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 her here (like I do): Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads and her Blog

Now, without further ado, the cover of WICKED FATE:


I hope that everyone can enter!!