Featured

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Waiting on Wednesday | Under the Lights by Shannon Stacey

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights an upcoming book release that I'm looking forward to. This week I'm sharing with you the first book in the Boys of Fall series, Under the Lights by Shannon Stacey. This book is set to be released on May 26th, 2015. 


They were the golden boys of fall: Stewart Mills High School’s legendary championship winning football team. Fourteen years later, they’re back to relive their glory, save the team—and find themselves again…

Chase Sanders’s life has taken a lot of crazy turns lately. But returning to his hometown to help his old coach keep his high school football team afloat might be the craziest thing to happen to him yet. That is, until he starts falling for the last person he should—Coach’s gorgeous daughter…

Kelly McDonnell learned the hard way that cocky, charming men are nothing but trouble, so she knows Chase is bad news. Still, she can’t resist his smile—or the rest of him. But when his loyalty to her father conflicts with their growing attraction, any hope for a relationship might be blocked before it can even begin…

***

Why am I looking forward to reading Under the Lights? I haven't read very many football sports romances and that is what first drew my attention to this book. I also like the sound of the story, how his "loyalty to her father" may prevent them for being together. I want to know how they will overcome the obstacles potentially keeping them apart.


You can preorder Under the Lights for $7.99 on Amazon!

Saturday, May 16, 2015

Giveaway Winner | White Raven


The Winner of an eBook copy of White Raven by J.L. Weil is...

MEGHNA JAIN

Congrats, Meghna!
Thank you to everyone else who entered!

YOU ARE ALL AWESOME!!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, May 15, 2015

TAG | Would You Rather - Book Edition


I saw this tag on The Bookavid and I just had to do it too! Be sure to head over there and check out Jen's post!


1.) ...only read trilogies for the rest of your life or stand-alone novels?

- I'd rather read stand-alone novels for the rest of my life. In the ratio of book series to stand alones, I usually like the stand alones more, so I'd rather not have a long list of unfinished series in my lifetime of reading.

2. ...only read novels by female or by male authors for the rest of your life?

- Female! Most of the books I read are written by female authors and I connect better with a female author's writing.

3. ...only buy books in book stores or at one online store for the rest of your life?

- This one's hard. I don't go to book stores that often, so I'd say online retailers.

4. ...have all your favorite novels made into movies or TV shows?

- TV show, because the world and characters can be expanded more than they can be in movies. TV shows can go on for a while, whereas once a movie is out it's over and nothing changes.

5. ...only be able to read five pages a day for the rest of your life or have to read five novels a week?

- Five novels a week. I'd probably die if I could only read five pages a day.

6. ...earn enough money to pay your bills as a professional book reviewer or author?

- Book reviewer. My writing ability isn't good enough to be an author, besides I think I'd enjoy reading more than writing and being a reviewer you do both. Writing reviews is so much easier.

7. ...have to be only able to reread your favorite twenty books for the rest of your life or only be able to read novels you haven't read before?

- Unread novels. I'd get bored if I had to read the same books over and over, no matter how much I liked them.

8. ...be a book seller or a librarian?

- Book seller. My dream is to own my own book store.

9. ...be only able to read books from your favorite genre for the rest of your life or only be able to read books from every genre BUT your favorite?

- Books from my favorite genre. If I had to read everything but my favorite, I might end up living a life of reading non-fiction. No thanks.


THAT'S IT!

If you'd like to do this TAG, I'd love to see your answers! Please add your link to the list below.

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Reader Recommends | Main Characters with Baggage

Reader Recommends is a fun meme hosted by Ramblings on Readings where we recommend 3-5 books (or more!) based on certain given topics. This is a great way to see what other readers are enjoying in your favorite genres, or maybe find a new favorite series!

This Week's Topic: Main Characters with Baggage

Not the kind you take on an airplane. Baggage of the emotional variety is our driving force today; the main character has some terrible event in their past that affects their present life and relationships.



Darkfever (Fever#1) by Karen Marie Moning
Emotional Baggage: Sister's mysterious death


Shiver (Wolves of Mercy Falls #1) by Maggie Stiefvater
Emotional Baggage: Wolf attack


Sing Me to Sleep by Angela Morrison
Emotional Baggage: Bullying
Warning: You'll need a box of tissues.


Chasing Brooklyn by Lisa Schroeder
Emotional Baggage: Death of boyfriend and friend, haunting


The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer (Mara Dyer #1) by Michelle Hodkin
Emotional Baggage: Lone survivor of an accident that killed her friends, 
people around her are dying, intense flashbacks and nightmares


Reality Boy by A.S. King
Emotional Baggage: Childhood abuse by sibling, 
made worse by a reality TV show, no one did anything to stop it


Next Week’s Topic: Best Girl in a Prom Dress Books

You see the covers everywhere: it’s a current trend for YA books to feature a gorgeous girl in an equally gorgeous prom dress on the cover. But which books are actually worth picking up? Find out next week!

Giveaway Winner | Since Drew


The Winner of an eBook copy of Since Drew by J. Nathan is...

LAUREN STEWART

Congrats, Lauren!
Thank you to everyone else who entered!

YOU ARE ALL AWESOME!!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Tour | The Celtic Wolves Series by Jan DeLima‏ | Giveaway




CELTIC MOON (Celtic Wolves #1)
by Jan DeLima
Published: September 24th, 2013
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Purchase: Amazon | B&N
Like father, like son...

Sophie Thibodeau has been on the run from the father of her son for more than fifteen years. Now her son, Joshua, is changing, and her greatest fears are about to be realized. He's going to end up being just like his father----a man who can change into a wolf.

Dylan Black has been hunting for Sophie since the night she ran from him----an obsession he cannot afford in the midst of an impending war. Dylan controls Rhuddin Village, an isolated town in Maine where he lives with an ancient Celtic tribe. One of the few of his clan who can still shift into a wolf, he must protect his people from the Guardians, vicious warriors who seek to destroy them.

When Sophie and Dylan come together for the sake of their son, their reunion reignites the fierce passion they once shared. For the first time in years, Dylan's lost family is within his grasp. But will he lose them all over again? Are Joshua and Sophie strong enough to fight alongside Dylan in battle? Nothing less than the fate of his tribe depends on it...


 An Excerpt from Celtic Moon:

“I’m going for a run,” Dylan said dryly, taking off toward the woods. His people had wronged Sophie. He was convinced of that now. And still she had come home to him, of her own free will—for their son.

His wolf clawed at his spine for release. Its fury, its need—its desire for the woman who’d had the courage to return for their child was no longer controllable.

The wolf wanted out.

Having her near and within reach was akin to pain.

Perhaps it was a good thing Sophie hadn’t invited him to stay, Dylan thought as he entered the forest, ripping off clothes as he walked. For if she had, he wasn’t sure if he could have controlled his hunger.

It had been too long.


SUMMER MOON (Celtic Wolves #2)
by Jan DeLima
Published: September 30th, 2014
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Purchase: Amazon | B&N
She won't be ruled again...

Rosa Alban has been obedient her entire life. But when her alpha husband dies, she seizes the opportunity to flee the oppressive Guardians—the rulers of the secret shapeshifter world. Her flight instantly brands her as a pack traitor, and she has no choice but to seek protection from a neighboring tribe by marrying one of their sons.

Known as the Beast of Merin, Luc Black loyally plays the part of unwanted son and devoted brother. He realizes marrying Rosa will strengthen his tribe’s territory, but he has no intention of loving ever again. Still, he’s unprepared for the intense physical need the wild she-wolf awakens in him.

When the Guardians hone in on Rosa, Luc must fight to protect his new bride. And as war descends, the unlikely allies discover their destinies are irrevocably entwined…


An Excerpt from Summer Moon:

Luc wrapped the knitted blanket around Rosa and draped it like a shawl. Fisting his hands around the corners, he pulled her forward, like a fish caught in a weir. Before she could guess his intent, she found herself on his lap, cocooned in heat and hot male skin, with her legs dangled over his knees.

“Now, is this so bad?” he taunted while tucking her head under his chin.

“I suppose not.” Pondering where to place her hands, she ended up curling them in her lap, while her shoulder rested in the crook between his arm and chest.

In truth, it was hypnotic setting on him like this—dangerously so, like the hush before a storm. The rise and fall of his torso as he breathed lulled like a male siren, along with the weight of his arms and the lure of his skin against her cheek. The most exquisite scent of forest and man wove around her senses. More tempting, underneath it all lay the hint of musk, of potent wolf waiting in the shadows to protect her if the human failed.

All her tension ebbed like a babe in caring arms. Away from Guardians and wrapped in strength; she’d not felt this safe since childhood. How sad that she’d found peace with a virtual stranger. And how easily she could become addicted.

Oh, yes . . . this was dangerous. “How long do we have to stay like this?”

“Shhhh . . .” His throat moved as he swallowed while his hands trailed up her thighs and under her sweater, but only to knead the muscles of her lower back.

As if she weren’t becoming a puddle of goo already.

Before long, her eyes grew heavy, drifted closed. Had he been waiting for this moment of surrender, she wondered drowsily, when her guard had dissolved enough to welcome his gentle game? And did she care? For this was far more pleasant than any others she’d been forced to play.

He shifted to the side and moved his shoulder, leaned a bit, and her head rolled back, only to be caught by the soft pressure of his mouth on hers. So tender she didn’t even open her eyes. Were a man’s lips supposed to be this soft? Like with other carnal acts, she had little experience with kissing, sadly enough.

Having known only violence or indifference, her perceptions reeled. Indeed, if this was passion, then she didn’t know how to respond. But she was curious enough to try. She would admit that to herself, and even to him if he asked . . . She was so hungry to know what others whispered about in giggly tones. How many stories had she heard, from Tesni and others, of their forbidden trysts and naughty secrets, only to feel like a bystander to their private joy?

“Open your mouth, Rosa.” The order came on a husky whisper against her lips.


AUTUMN MOON (Celtic Wolves #3)
by Jan DeLima
Expected Publication: September 29th, 2015
Genres: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
Pre-Order Purchase: Amazon | B&N
Read the Prequel!
The heart of a warrior, the soul of a wolf, and the desires of a man…

For centuries, Cormack has lived between worlds—a man trapped in the body of a wolf, shunned by humans and shifters alike. Only one person has ever welcomed his company: Elen, a kindred outcast who is feared by others of her ancient Celtic race for her strange healing abilities.

Cormack has always valued Elen’s kindness and understanding, but after a desperate act of friendship causes Elen to free him from his curse, he realizes he wants more. He wants all of her—completely and forever.Except before Cormack can win Elen’s heart, Pendaran, the evil leader of the Guardians, captures her, determined to manipulate her incredible power to aid him in his twisted war against the shapeshifting tribes.

Now Cormack must use all of his skills as a warrior and a wolf to save the woman he loves—before Pendaran’s vile schemes destroy them all…


An Excerpt from Autumn Moon:

Too wired to sleep, Elen opened the wine and poured a glass, sipping quietly as she walked over to the bed. Cormack slept above the coverlet and on his back, with one arm raised over his head, while the other rested by his side. His hair was still damp from his shower, and he wore jeans but no shirt, as if he’d just rested his head and sleep claimed him first.

His chest rose and fell with even breaths. She was not one to marvel over physical attributes, but this was Cormack, and his body was meant for pleasure, like a goddess had molded him for her personal divine gratification. His frame was large, and toned, with wide shoulders and a firm chest that tapered down to his hips. His hardened stomach would provide the perfect friction were she to ride him just like this.

And as that image flooded her mind, another, more wicked one, followed. It was greedy, and selfish, but all her niceness had been used up for the day. He looked peaceful, and innocent, but the man was practically immortal after all. Their kind did not die from lack of sleep. They might go mad, of course, but that took a few weeks. And had he not said, do with me as you will?

She needed to touch him. That was all. Well, no, she wanted more, but for now that would do. Taking a sip of her wine, she gently set the glass on an end table by the bed, and gave into temptation. Starting by his heart, she brushed lightly across his chest, tracing down the indent between, and lingering on the valleys and curves of his muscles. Flattening her hand over his stomach, she felt the soft hair that began just above the waistband of his jeans and disappeared below. She had never seen him in this restful state, at least not in his human form, and took in her ravenous fill.

Her hand lingered over the button of his jeans. She swallowed, wanting… Oh, how she wanted. It burned like molten earth, fed by a need that had been denied for too long. Even now she felt her body moisten and swell just from imagining what waited beyond that closure, and how it would feel inside her.

Or how it would taste.

She thumbed the button. A quick flick was all it would take.

A sound made her jolt, an intake of breath perhaps, followed by a sudden rise under her hands. She snapped her eyes to his face.

Cormack was awake.

And watching her.

A fire raged within his cerulean gaze. “Kill me now if you stop, Elen, because then I’ll know I’m well and truly cursed and I cannot be tortured anymore.”


Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Jan DeLima is the author of the Celtic Wolves novels, including Summer Moon and Celtic Moon. She lives in Maine with her husband and their two sons. Unlike many authors, Jan didn’t pen stories at an early age, but she has always been a dedicated reader. She loves stories and storytelling. It wasn’t until after her children entered school that she began writing. Raised in a military family, she lived in different countries such as Thailand and Germany, but home base has always been Maine.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

NEW RELEASE | Breaking Noah by Missy Johnson & Ashley Suzanne | Giveaway




BREAKING NOAH
by Missy Johnson & Ashley Suzanne
Published: May 12th, 2015
Genres: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Buy on: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes
What happens when you start falling for your worst enemy? Fans of Abbi Glines and Monica Murphy will relish this addictive novel of smoking-hot seduction—and revenge gone so wrong, it’s right.

I wasn’t always this jaded. I had a clear head, things I wanted out of life, and a concise plan on how to get there. For being only twenty-one, I pretty much had it all figured out. Until the day my cousin died.

I spent months going over all the details surrounding her death, trying to figure out how I missed the signs, and the only thing I could come up with was she would still be alive if it wasn’t for one person: her professor. So I transferred to his college, enrolled in his class, and set my new plan in motion.

First I’ll seduce him. Then I’ll ruin him. I’ve just got to stay strong and not let his charm and my emotions get the best of me. Because someone has to pay for her death. If it’s the last thing I do, I’m going to break Noah.




Missy Johnson

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Missy Johnson is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who lives in a small town in Victoria, Australia, with her husband and her confused pets (a dog who thinks that she is a cat, a cat who thinks he is a dog . . . you get the picture). When she’s not writing, she can usually be found looking for something to read.

Ashley Suzanne

Author Links: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Ashley Suzanne has been writing for as long as she can remember. As a youngster, she was always creating stories and talking to her imaginary friends. Thankfully, her parents also carried this love of fiction, and helped her grow into the bestselling author she is today. When Ashley isn’t coming up with her next story, you’ll most likely find her on the couch, telling her husband all about her new book boyfriend, or spending quality time with her two gremlins . . . er, adorable children.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, May 11, 2015

Cover Reveal | In Your Heart by Micalea Smeltzer | Giveaway

IN YOUR HEART (Willow Creek #3)
by Micalea Smeltzer
Expected Publication: June 16th, 2015
Genres: New Adult, Contemporary, Romance
I thought I had found love.
I thought I had found my forever.
I’d never been more wrong in all my life.

Sadie Westbrook’s seemingly perfect life comes to a screeching halt when she catches her fiancé in bed with another woman. Suddenly, everything she believed in is tested and there’s only one person she can turn to—the guy who has been by her side ever since their best friend’s fell in love and became inseparable.

Ezra Collins—the bassist for the band Willow Creek—has only ever had one weakness, and her name is Sadie. When he receives a frantic call he rushes to her aid, helping to pick up the pieces of her crumbling life—even if that means letting Sadie live with him.

The close proximity tests the limits of their friendship and as the lines between friends and lovers blur they’ll have to decide if falling in love with your best friend is worth the risk of losing them.




I looked up at the sky and the birds flying above us. “I feel like I don’t know who I am anymore. I spent two years with a guy that stripped me of my identity. I feel like all I have of myself is my store and the rest I’m left questioning. I tried so hard to please him, to make him happy, and in the end I made myself miserable. I was just so desperate for it to work out that I overlooked how toxic our relationship was. How stupid is that?”

“You’re human,” he replied. “We have this inane desire to belong to something that is greater than we are on our own. That desire is so strong that we can fool ourselves into believing things that aren’t true.”

“So, I’m not crazy?” I cracked a smile.

“Definitely not crazy.”

His smile was comforting and I reminded myself for the hundredth time that everything would be okay.

I rested my head on his shoulder and a moment later his head rested on top of mine.

A smile touched my lips.

I’d missed this—having someone that understood me completely, even when I didn’t know myself.



Last to Know (Willow Creek #1) - Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes
Never Too Late (Willow Creek #2) - Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | iTunes



Micalea Smeltzer is a bestselling Young and New Adult author from Winchester, Virginia. She’s always working on her next book, and when she has spare time she loves to read and spend time with her family.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Saturday, May 9, 2015

Movie Review | Fifty Shades of Grey [R-Rated Version] | I Was Expecting More

The DVD for Fifty Shades of Grey was released yesterday, May 8th 2015, and I borrowed it from my friend Aaron.

I want to make clear that I watched the Rated R DVD version of the movie, not the Blu-Ray or Theatrical version, so I've probably seen a more tame version of the movie than most people probably have.

To be honest, I really wish I could watch the Theatrical version so that I can see the alternate ending and the teaser for Fifty Shades Darker, but I don't have a Blu-Ray player.

Here's their summary of the movie:

The Worldwide phenomenon comes to life in Fifty Shades of Grey, starring Dakota Johnson and Jamie Dornan in the iconic roles of Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey. Ana is an inexperienced college student tasked with interviewing enigmatic billionaire Christian Grey. But what starts as business quickly becomes an unconventional romance. Swept up in Christian's glamorous lifestyle, Ana soons finds another side to him as she discovers his secrets and explores her own dark desires. What results is a thrilling, all-consuming romance as Christian and Ana test the limits they will go to for their relationship.

I think the best way to watch this movie is to either not have read the book, or having read it a while before watching the movie. If you read the book right before watching the movie, all you'll be thinking about is the comparisions between the two. I read the book a while ago, so things weren't that fresh in my mind about what happens, so I was able to enjoy the movie a bit better since I wasn't trying to compare the two.

Even though I enjoyed the movie, I didn't feel as emotionally connected to it as I did with the book. I felt that the movie was emotionally flat. I didn't really feel all that much from the characters. I don't know if it was just me or the actors just really weren't into it all that much and didn't bring the right amount of emotion to their acting.

The prevalent emotion I felt from this movie while watching it was awkwardness. There were so many scenes where the interactions between Ana and Christian felt awkward and maybe a little forced. Honestly, I was laughing during this movie more than anything else.

I'm really glad that the left out Ana's internal dialogue and just let events play out. I was never a fan of some of Ana's inner thoughts in the books, so I'm just relieved that they didn't include a voice over.

When it came to the sex scenes I felt that they weren't as intense as they were in the book. In the book, each sex scene between Ana and Christian had this intense feeling that left me riveted and I just didn't feel it. Especially the punishment scene. That is probably the most intense scene in the book and it broke my heart. I don't think those feelings and actions from the characters were brought over to the movie that well. That's was probably for safety and rating purposes among other stuff.

Now before I say anything about the controversial abuse statements people have been making, I just want to say that everyone is entitled to their own opinion and I respect that, so I expect you all to respect mine, please.

I was expecting the scenes with the bondage and whipping and all that to be a lot worse with all that people were saying about it after the movie came out in theaters. I don't know, maybe it is in the Theatrical version of the movie, but in the R Rated version, I thought those scenes were rather tame compared to how they were in the books. It seemed, I don't know, lighter than I thought it'd be. So from the version I watched, I don't really see the abuse in what they were doing, especially since it was consensual. Now if he were really beating on her, then I could totally understand, but I just didn't see it in this version of the movie.

There is a love story between Ana and Christian, but I don't think the movie focused enough on it. I think the way they made the movie, it focused more on the sex and setting up the sexual relationship between Ana and Christian, instead of the love that begins to develop between them. I think that is one reason why a lot of people think that this series is just about sex. It's not. If they make the other books into movies, I really hope they put more emphasis on their love for each other.

The soundtrack for this movie was spot on, though. It was sensual and really set the mood for the story. I loved the music in Fifty Shades of Grey.

I also really liked all the sets and locations. I thought that they really worked in bringing the world of the book alive. Charlie Tango was cool, too.

If I'm going to be honest, I think it would have been better to leave this series as books. Just as Ana was expecting more from Christian, I was expecting more from this movie. If they make the other books into movies (I've heard conflicting rumors), I hope that they are better that Fifty Shades of Grey. The next books are even more emotional and intense, and I want to see and feel that. So here's to hoping.

I'd probably give Fifty Shade of Grey a 3 out of 5. I liked this movie, but I didn't love it.

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Reader Recommends | Inspired by Mythology or Legend

Reader Recommends is a fun meme hosted by Ramblings on Readings where we recommend 3-5 books (or more!) based on certain given topics. This is a great way to see what other readers are enjoying in your favorite genres, or maybe find a new favorite series!

This Week's Topic: Inspired by Mythology or Legend

Can’t get enough of those offspring devouring Greek gods? Do you go gaga for the likes of Thor and Loki? Now’s your chance to share your favorite books that are based on Mythology or Legends!



The Abandon Trilogy by Meg Cabot
Greek Mythology - Hades & Persephone



 The Elsker Saga by S.T. Bende
Norse Mythology




The Eternal Guardians Series by Elisabeth Naughton
Greek Mythology 

I'm mostly into Greek Mythology, but I really like Norse Mythology too. I'd like to read some books that have Celtic Mythology (maybe I have, I'm not sure). Do you have any great books inspired by myth or legend that you'd recommend to me?
Copyright © 2015 Once Untold
| Distributed By Gooyaabi Templates