Friday, August 30, 2013

I Rize Blog Tour: Review

Posted by Nina L. on 12:00 PM in



Welcome to my stop for I Rize blog tour!


Author: S. T. Anthony
Release date: July 23rd 2013
Publisher: Self-Published
Series: N/A
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Tour organized by: Reading Addiction Virtual Blog Tours
Purchase: Amazon
Add to your library: Goodreads

From a poetic point of view, Miss Nora’s classroom is my Garden of Eden. Everything is so perfect and peaceful during those fifty minutes that I am in her class each day. 

Then the stupid bell has to ring and ruin everything. 

That annoying, ringing bell taints my ears from evil lurking the halls. The ringing of the bell tempts me to take one step out for the next class. 

And when I do, all hell breaks loose. 

When evil walks the halls of Valley High, Adny’s life is put to the ultimate test. Three weeks before senior graduation, she leaves a series of videos behind for her best friend to relive the days leading up to the moment that would impact everyone who crossed her path. 

Adny’s family and close friends search within themselves and the outside world for not only who would hurt her, but why. The search would be one they won't regret, but one they'd hope to forget. (via Goodreads)

I was so excited to read this novel. Not just because of the poetic words but also for the heavy drama aura of the blurb. It sounded so emotional and heart-wrenching.

The way the truth was revealed as to what happened to Adny was such a painful journey. True, it was short. But that doesn't make it any less sad and painful. The people around Adny had all participated as to what happened to her. Though not every one of them knew they were part of it. Some were just spectators, merely ignorant of the truth. Some were practically itching for it to happen. 

I never really knew Adny in such a deep way. Sure, she was in the videos. Yeah, I pity her. She's been through so much bullying and stuff. But that didn't make me feel her that much. Also, I didn't really feel any of the characters in such a deep way. It was like I was a spectator myself. You know how you hear news when someone dies because of abuse or the likes? You'll get sad for the person but after awhile, you don't care anymore. Not even about how that did happen. I just knew what happened to Adny and yes it's sad. But that's that. Even if it was a painful journey in discovering the truth, I just didn't feel them. 

The things that were done to Adny were practically normal teenage angst. It wasn't nice. It was really bad and just utterly evil. Especially done by such young people. 

Despite the fact that I didn't get to feel Adny or any of the characters, I still enjoyed reading this. It wasn't really that emotional that I thought. But it was emotional in the right gear. I liked it since the story really has a great message to everyone. That everything we do actually have an impact to everyone else's life. So don't ever be ignorant of others!

I Rize is a nice contemporary read about young people trying to know fit in the world, about how our actions absolutely affect other people around us and how we should all be responsible of the freedom given to us.


  About the Author 

I have had a crazy imagination since the old kindergarten days and excited to finally put it down on paper. I am currently in college and loving every moment so far. My love to pursue medicine and to write is my passion in life!

I am also true blood obsessed and my eyes will be glued to the TV every Sunday. I am super excited to be releasing my first self published book called I RIZE.
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Thursday, August 29, 2013

The Silent Swan Blog Tour: Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Posted by Nina L. on 12:00 PM in



Welcome to my stop for The Silent Swan Blog Tour!
I have a review and excerpt for you! Also there's a giveaway! 

Author: Lex Keating
Release date: August 26th 2013
Publisher: AltWit Press
Series: N/A
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary
Tour organized by: Itching For Books
Purchase: Amazon
Add to your library: Goodreads

Once upon a time – better known as “now” - Gabriel Pritz reigns as king of his high school. Easy grades, perfect baseball season, a pretty date for prom—he's coasting into a golden future. Until his parents demand he cook dinner once a week. Caught between kitchen fires and ballpark withdrawal, Gabe is thrown into Tam Swann's orbit. Hostile, friendless, and stubborn, she's exactly the sort of person he'd prefer to avoid.Tam's sphere of influence expands beyond Gabe's sad domestic skills, rapidly invading everything from his favorite game to parts of his soul he didn't know existed. It's uncomfortable, it's hard work, it's...making him a better man. And that's just what she does to people she doesn't like. The better he gets to know her, the more he has to face the truth: this sharp, heart-breaking outcast is worth fighting for. How many families, fairy tales, and felons will he go through to ride to the rescue of the bravest person he's ever met? (via Goodreads)

Review

This was long. Really long. But it was entertaining enough so I was able to get past the length.

 It's so cliche to have the perfect guy falling for the poor little girl. What set this novel apart was the development of the relationships. It was so evident as to how Gabe's feelings towards Tam grew. From that awkward first meeting to the sweet-couple moment. It was seen how he was able to know her from scratch. I enjoyed how Gabe saw through Tam and really saw her for who she was. Especially how he was so determined to let her know he was serious about her. Even the relationship of Tam with Gabe's family grew in a happier state. 

 What made me like this novel was the way Tam fought for her brothers. I cannot actually think that someone can do that. But with Tam, she made it seem easy though I know that's not the case. She's so strong, admirable and dependent. She doesn't let herself owe something to someone. Not without a favor in return. What happened to her family was so sad but how she managed to lived her life was really amazing. And to think that she was fighting for her six younger siblings. I did not really understand most of the law. It was complicated but I get the point of it. So thank goodness, I'm saved. 

 As much as I enjoyed the novel, I felt some odd things. Like how come I never knew what happened to Kerry? I mean, I know what happened but I was waiting for a follow-up. Also, I didn't feel the love between Tam and Gabe. I know Gabe really liked her. I also know that Tam was doing her best to avoid him because of the circumstances around her. But still, there wasn't a spark! Then I realized that maybe this wasn't actually a contemporary romance novel! Maybe it was about family and all. Though the blurb didn't make it right for me either. I was sort of expecting something heavy drama. Like Gabe will actually be really fighting for Tam. Not that he didn't. But it wasn't so much of a fight. Last was the ending. I felt like it was sort of rushed or something. BUT WHATEVER!!! I enjoyed reading it! Yes, despite those things, I enjoyed reading it. It was worth the shot because it just is!

 The Silent Swan is a good contemporary novel. It'll make you see how family will always be the most important thing no matter what. Blood or no blood. 


EXCERPT

But the sad fact was-he brought a knife to a gun fight.
Gabe had imagined they might talk about the best game ever, maybe bond a little over how his mom came through for her brothers. Nada. Tam Swann didn't make eye contact, didn't speak unless asked a direct question. It was like she was punishing him.
Except he didn't care. Not that much, anyway.
Still, he at least made an effort to talk to her.
Why the crackpot, not the stove? Single syllable answer.
Did everything have to be canned? Monosyllabes, again.
What was with all the salads? She just handed him a knife and cutting board.
Fed up, he wondered if this all had something to do with her recent court-supervised visit. And shouldn't she be more grateful he'd talked his mom into rescinding that order and delivered her brother? "Mishka got to your meeting okay, right?"
She blinked at him. "Uh-huh."
"What?" Gabe said, spreading his hands. Tomato sauce dripped on the floor. "He wanted to be there. Is that a problem?"
She jumped down and wiped up the sauce with a napkin. " I think it was evil to the point of e-vile," she said without apology.
Excuse me?
"Who do you think you are," he snarled. "I offer to help you, you come into my house and talk trash like it's-"
"You did not drive him to that meeting because you care about him." Somehow, she managed to sound scornful and bored at the same time. "You want him loyal."
"I never said-"
"Don't start." She didn't even look interested in the argument, and here he wanted to sprain her larynx. "I know team sports. Just because it was a kind thing to do doesn't mean you did it to be kind."
She knew nothing. Gabe hissed.
"You gave to play it to know it."
Tam only shook her head. What kind of selfish monster of a girl insulted him without regard for the damage he could do to her math grades?
Girl wouldn't talk for the rest of the day. Like he was the leper, here.
As if.
His brothers gave the chili two thumbs up, so the effort wasn't a total loss. Gabe just wanted to get busy with the rest of his life. game, girl, government. He wasn't complicated.

 About the Author 
Lex Keating has been engaged in a passionate affair with books ever since the Velveteen Rabbit wanted to be real. She graduated from a liberal arts college with a BA in literature, and currently resides near Charleston, South Carolina, in a swamp full of barbarians and all their cats. She has been a teacher, a paralegal, a computer programmer, and a hospice caregiver. She currently divides her time between studying old fairy tales and making up new ones.


  Facebook | Goodreads  


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Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Wavecrossed Blog Tour: Review

Posted by Nina L. on 12:00 PM in


Welcome to my stop for the Wavecrossed Blog Tour!
Author: Andrea Colt
Release date: August 22nd 2013
Publisher: Self-Published
Series: N/A
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Createspace
Add to your library: Goodreads

A young-adult paranormal novel about selkies, tasers, kissing and secrets.

To Cassandra Kelleher, trust is a dirty word.

A teenage selkie who grew up on land, all she wants is to free her family from the man who stole their sealskins long ago. With her twin brother Brennan losing hope and her window of opportunity disappearing like the beach at high tide, she’ll try anything.

Before long, however, Cassandra can’t tell whether her biggest threat is the man holding her family captive, a classmate who’s discovered her secret, or her own paranoia. Battling broken friendships and alarming romantic entanglements, Cassandra finds that trust could be the key to winning her family’s freedom … or losing her own. (via Goodreads)
It was my first time to read about selkies! It didn't take me long before I get the hang of it. Especially with how they change their form and stuff. It was an easy read to know about selkies and to know about Cassandra's family. It was a smooth read for me. Its pacing was nice all throughout, never fast or slow. 

It wasn't hard to feel for Cassandra. She loved her family so much so she's willing to give in to anything. I admire her courage all along. Although sometimes, I felt like she was being too stubborn. To the point that she wouldn't think of the consequences of her actions. She could have acted better because they were given the second chance already, right? So I expected her to be more careful and deliberate in her decisions. But that wasn't the case. Instead of solving their problem, she was actually digging their graves. Good thing, she wasn't the only one who loved their family. I also couldn't blame her that she can't trust other people outside her family. Who knows what someone will try to do with them, anyway?

Oh yeah, I enjoyed the relationship of Cass and Brennan. They were pretty close with each other as twins. Their true nature must be a big factor. They really had each other's back even if they don't agree with each other. 

The reason why Cassandra's family was bound to Ashlyn's family was quite blurred. For me. Not the paranormal stuff. But their connections way way back. I know Ashlyn's roots were mentioned but the direct reason as to how Cassandra's parents knew Ashlyn's Dad was missing. Or did I miss it? Please tell me how they knew one another! I might have missed it.

I enjoyed the paranormal stuff more than I thought I would. It was fascinating, entertaining and scary all the same time. The story ended pretty much resolved. But I'd love to see more of Cassandra's family out in the water! 

Wavecrossed is an entertaining paranormal read. You'll enjoy the selkies' interaction with the human world. There's also a bit of romance for the twins! You'll see how one's love for his/her family in both the good and bad sides.



  About the Author 


Andrea Colt grew up reading and squabbling with her identical twin. She lives in Alexandria, Virginia with her husband, a fridge full of cheese, and two feline muses. Visit andreacolt.com to get to know her better.
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Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Review: Love Among Pigeons

Posted by Nina L. on 12:00 PM in


Love Among Pigeons
Author: Abria Mattina
Release date: August 23rd 2013
Publisher: Self-Published
Series: N/A
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Purchase: Amazon 
Add to your library: Goodreads


In this companion novella to Wake, Frank invites the Kirk family home to Smiths Falls for Thanksgiving weekend. Holidays are always a trial for the family that lost their daughter and sister, but Frank is hopeful that this Thanksgiving will be the exception. He has some happy news to share. If only he wasn't so reluctant to talk about it.(via Goodreads)
I received an e-copy of this from the author in exchange for an honest review.

I'm so thankful to Abria for letting me review Wake. It is absolutely one of my favorites! I was so curious about Frank and Doug back then. Now here's Love Among Pigeons to fill in my thoughts!

 Love Among Pigeons is just a novella. But it wasn't a hindrance for me to feel  how Frank and Doug's relationship grew. It wasn't very detailed unlike with Willa and Jem's. Yet it is enough for me. It captured the most important moments of Frank and Doug's relationship. How they started, how they were able to come to terms with their sexuality and how they were able to stay together for such a long time even without telling other people.

 I also enjoyed how the other characters were present. Of course, Willa and Jem were present! God, I love those two. No words can describe how much I admire their relationship. They pretty much define love in the most unconditional way. I also like how Elise was growing up here and how Kipp was so concerned about her! So cute! I'm happy as to how Willa's family was able to surpass their sadness, guilt and anger. Somehow with Wake, I was actually rooting for Willa's family to reconcile with one another and just be a family again. But I guess the timing wasn't right yet. But here, the timing was so so so great. I guess, no matter what really happens, family will always be family. I actually hated Willa's parents before but I was able to see through them here. They were great parents, really. Especially when coming to terms about Frank's secret.

 Love Among Pigeons is a great novella. You'll love the characters even more despite the length of the story. It will make you feel how unconditional love is always present especially in our families. And you'll want a Thanksgiving right at the moment.



  About the Author 
Abria Mattina
Abria Mattina works in marketing and book production. She holds a Certificate in Publishing from the New York University Summer Publishing Institute and a degree in English Literature and Psychology from the University of Ottawa. When she isn’t writing she enjoys travelling, eclectic books, blogging, and baking. She lives with her fiance, Daniel.

 Her debut novel, WAKE, is about the struggle to redefine life after experiencing cancer and caring for an ill loved one.

 * Currently available for interviews, promo spots, contests, and reviews. Just ask.

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Monday, August 26, 2013

All In Book Blitz & Giveaway

Posted by Nina L. on 12:00 PM in




Welcome to All In Book Blitz!


 Author: Martha Brown
Release date: June 7th 2013
Publisher: Self-Published
Series: N/A
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Paranormal
Tour organized by: Itching for Books Tours
Purchase: Amazon
Add to your library: Goodreads

On the picturesque island of Martha's Vineyard, there are two kinds of residents. Locals and Stays.
Local boy, Lane McCarthy, plans on spending his summer working at the country club to save money for college in the fall, while summer stay, Ashley Whitmore, and her elite group of friends are only there to play.
As the summer heat goes up on the island, so does the ante, when both Lane and Ashley must decide what they’re willing to wager in order to follow their dreams… and their hearts.
With stakes as high as the surf, and hopes as high as the midday sun, will they risk everything and go all in? (via Goodreads)


 EXCERPT

Ashley
 When we step outside of the ice cream parlor, Lane reaches over and wraps his hand around mine, making me feel warm all over, despite the cool breeze coming off the ocean.
We walk down the boardwalk hand in hand, our arms swinging between us, and I can’t stop my blush each time I catch Lane staring at me, and then giggle each time he catches me sneaking a glance at him too. Both of us with silly grins on our faces.
As we turn the corner, at the edge of the boardwalk, right in front of us is a perfectly preserved turn of the century carousel.
I gasp at its beauty. How have I never been here before? Although, a community carousel is the last place that my parents would ever think to bring us. A ride on a schooner is more their speed.
The carousel is covered in small bulbous lights that cast a warm glow over the richly colored horses, each with a different face and intricate carvings on their saddles. The sounds of children and parents laughing intertwine with the carnival style music coming from the ride, and I can’t stop myself from hopping up and down on the tips of my toes like a child.
Lane chuckles, gripping my hand tightly, as we watch the ornate horses spin around and around and up and down until he points at a big brass ring when it spins by. “If you can grab the ring the ride’s free. Come on.” He gives me a smile and like a couple of kids we run along the side of the carousel until we both grab hold of the ring and hoist ourselves up and onto the ride, laughing and out of breath.
I move to a stationary white horse wearing a deep red saddle and without saying a word Lane lifts me up, in one swift motion, and sets me down so I’m face to face with him riding sidesaddle. He grips the horse’s gold post with one hand, and I can’t help but admire his sinewy arms, lean and strong.
“You are so beautiful,” he says, looking into my eyes as he brushes his thumb against my cheek with his other hand. His sincerity takes my breath away.
I wrap my arms around his neck drawing him closer until he’s standing between my legs. His soft smile fades into a smolder as he leans forward, causing my breath to hitch with the anticipation of his lips on mine.
I close my eyes as he closes the short distance between us achingly slow. My heart skips a beat when I finally feel the warmth of his lips press against mine. He tastes like ice cream and smells like summertime, and I suddenly wonder if the swirling I feel is from the ride or from his kiss.
He pulls away slightly before wrapping his hand around the base of my neck and pulling me into his lips again, making me certain of one thing.
I’m swirling, and it’s definitely from his kisses.


  About the Author 



Marta Brown grew up in the Pacific Northwest and was a teenager when Doc Martens, Pearl Jam and flannel were the norm and Dylan loved Kelly forever. (Beverly Hills 90210 shout out)
She still lives just outside Seattle, now with her husband and cat, and loves the rain.
When she’s not writing about cute boys, first kisses and the magic and wonder of being seventeen, she’s watching The CW. And she sleeps in. Late.
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Friday, August 23, 2013

E-ARC Review: All Our Yesterdays

Posted by Nina L. on 12:00 PM in
Author: Cristin Terrill
Release date: August 1st 2013
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ)
Series:N/A
Age Group: Young Adult
Genre: Sci-fi /Fantasy
Add to your library: Goodreads

"You have to kill him." Imprisoned in the heart of a secret military base, Em has nothing except the voice of the boy in the cell next door and the list of instructions she finds taped inside the drain.

Only Em can complete the final instruction. She’s tried everything to prevent the creation of a time machine that will tear the world apart. She holds the proof: a list she has never seen before, written in her own hand. Each failed attempt in the past has led her to the same terrible present—imprisoned and tortured by a sadistic man called the doctor while war rages outside. 

Marina has loved her best friend James since the day he moved next door when they were children. A gorgeous, introverted science prodigy from one of America’s most famous families, James finally seems to be seeing Marina in a new way, too. But on one disastrous night, James’s life crumbles apart, and with it, Marina’s hopes for their future. Now someone is trying to kill him. Marina will protect James, no matter what. Even if it means opening her eyes to a truth so terrible that she may not survive it. At least not as the girl she once was. All Our Yesterdays is a wrenching, brilliantly plotted story of fierce love, unthinkable sacrifice, and the infinite implications of our every choice. (via Goodreads)

I received an e-copy of this from Bloomsbury Publishing Plc (UK & ANZ) through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I can't think of reading a time travel related novel before. So I'm pretty sure this is the first. And for a first timer, this wasn't bad. It gave me chills from the very first page till the last. 

 It was mysterious from the beginning. The reason why Em and Finn were in the cells was pretty disturbing, at least, for me. I can't even imagine how some people can do that. But then, we'll never know what someone can do, right? Even if that someone is close to us. The mystery was unveiled in such a way that it wasn't too giving. It made me connect all the pieces together until I was actually reading it already. It was such a nice way to discover the mystery. 

 The time-travel journey though was actually the best part. Sure, Em and Finn just went back to the past to change some things. But that's not all. There were a lot of twists along the way. Some I have guessed alright and one which I didn't see coming. That one I didn't see coming was uncovered in the latter part of the novel. That was literally the most heartbreaking secret because it was!

 The character development was actually smooth. I was able to see how the characters have changed through time. And how, just one moment, everything can change depending on your choice. It's really amazing how one's action can actually affect everything like a domino.

 I'm in awe as to the writing of Cristin. It really was time-traveling back to the past. It was like I was there with Em and Finn when they went back through time. Yes, that great! The only thing I felt weird about was the wars going on between their country and the other countries. I don't know. But I didn't feel that it was really the time machine's fault at hand. Or maybe I just didn't really feel the weight of the time machine's disadvantages. I mean, sure, there are benefits but there are also the downside of that machine. But that's what I didn't really get especially the wars. I wish it was elaborated more. 

 All Our Yesterdays is a great time-travel novel. The mystery, adventure and realizations will leave you in a spellbinding thinking. There's also a touch of romance so you'll enjoy it more! I just can't believe that this has a sequel! The ending seemed like an ending to me.

  About the Author
Cristin TerrillCristin Terrill has a bachelor of the arts degree from Vassar College and a master of the arts degree in Shakespeare Studies from the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-upon-Avon, UK. She currently lives outside Washington, D.C., where she teaches creative writing workshop for kids and teens. ALL OUR YESTERDAYS is her first novel.
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