E-ARC Review: Not A Drop To Drink

E-ARC Review: Not A Drop To Drink

Posted by Nina L. on 12:00 PM in 2-star, E-ARC, Mandy McGinnis, review,

Author: Mindy McGinnis

Release date: September 24th 2013

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Series: N/A

Age Group: Young Adult

Genre: Post-Apocalyptic

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository

Add to your library: Goodreads

Regret was for people with nothing to defend, people who had no water. 

Lynn knows every threat to her pond: drought, a snowless winter, coyotes, and, most importantly, people looking for a drink. She makes sure anyone who comes near the pond leaves thirsty, or doesn't leave at all.

Confident in her own abilities, Lynn has no use for the world beyond the nearby fields and forest. Having a life means dedicating it to survival, and the constant work of gathering wood and water. Having a pond requires the fortitude to protect it, something Mother taught her well during their quiet hours on the rooftop, rifles in hand.

But wisps of smoke on the horizon mean one thing: strangers. The mysterious footprints by the pond, nighttime threats, and gunshots make it all too clear Lynn has exactly what they want, and they won’t stop until they get it….

With evocative, spare language and incredible drama, danger, and romance, debut author Mindy McGinnis depicts one girl’s journey in a barren world not so different than our own. (via Goodreads)

I received an e-copy of this from Katherine Tegen Books (HarperCollins Children) through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

I was so excited to read this since I love Dystopia/Post-Apocalyptic novels. I was freaking sure I'd like this just by the blurb. It sounded so unique and interesting. I hate not liking books but at least I didn't hate this one either. 

It took me 30% of the book to get the hang of it. There were a lot of times that I thought of just not finishing it. But as I've said, I'm really interested in this one so I did my best to finish it. I honestly don't like the writing style, no offense to the author. As much as I've read a lot of rage reviews, I just can't seem to like it. I'm obviously part of the minority here since a lot of readers and bloggers enjoyed this. I felt dragged in a way. Like I was being pulled literally by the story as it went on.  Other than the writing style, I felt that the whole Post-Apocalyptic thing to be so confusing. I can't seem to grasp its idea in a whole. Yes, I get parts of it but not as a whole. It wasn't that strong enough for me.

Maybe the characters were the saving grace for me here. Lynn pretty much showed how she really was brought up by her Mother. She was that independent girl who can pull the trigger as easy enough. She had those characteristics of a person molded to be a survivor. I just hate how she grew up without much emotions. But hey, that's why Eli came, right? I'd be honest that having a little romance sparked up my reading experience a little. It was fun to read about how Lynn was feeling some emotions and how she came on terms with it. Especially with her relationship with Stebbs, Eli and Lucy.

I may not have like Not A Drop To Drink but it doesn't mean I dislike it. It was an okay read for me all over. I guess it wasn't just really for me. And I do believe that other readers will actually enjoy this!

  About the Author

I'm a YA librarian and author, represented by Adriann Ranta of Wolf Literary. My YA debut, NOT A DROP TO DRINK, is a survival tale set in a world with limited fresh water. It will be available from Katherine Tegen / Harper Collins, September 24, 2013.

I'm an avid blogger, posting six days a week to my personal blog, Writer, Writer Pants on Fire, which features interviews with agents, established authors, and debut authors. Learn how they landed their agents, what the submission process is really like, and how it feels when you see your cover for the first time. I also do query critiques every Saturday on the Saturday Slash for those who are brave enough to volunteer.

I also contribute to the group blogs From the Write Angle, Book Pregnant, Friday the Thirteeners, The Lucky 13s, The League of Extraordinary Writers and am a member of the Class of 2k13.

 Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

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E-ARC Review: Grasping at Eternity

E-ARC Review: Grasping at Eternity

Posted by Nina L. on 12:00 PM in 4-star, E-ARC, fantasy, Karen Amanda Hooper, review, YA,

Author: Karen Amanda Hooper

Release date: May 25th 2012

Publisher: Starry Sky Publishing

Series: The Kindrily # 1

Age Group: Young Adult

Genre: Fantasy

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes and Noble |The Book Depository

Add to your library: Goodreads

Leave it to Maryah Woodsen to break the one rule that will screw up eternity: Never erase your memories. 

Before entering this life, Maryah did the unthinkable—she erased. Now, at seventeen years old, she’s clueless that her new adoptive family has known her for centuries, that they are perpetually reincarnated souls, and that they have supernatural abilities. Oh, and she's supposed to love (not despise) Nathan, the green-eyed daredevil who saved her life.

Nathan is convinced his family’s plan to spark Maryah's memory is hopeless, but his love for her is undying. After spending (and remembering) so many lifetimes together, being around an empty version of his soulmate is heart shattering. He hates acting like a stalker, but has no choice because the evil outcast who murdered Maryah in their last lifetime is still after her. 

While Maryah’s hunter inches closer, she and Nathan make assumptions and hide secrets that rip them further apart. Maryah has to believe in the magic within her, Nathan must have faith in the power of their love, and both need to grasp onto the truth before they lose each other forever—and discover just how lonely eternity can be. X-MEN meets MY NAME IS MEMORY in Karen Amanda Hooper’s latest young adult release. (via Goodreads)

I received an e-copy of this from Starry Sky Publishing through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Reading 'X-MEN meets MY NAME IS MEMORY' in the blurb made me so excited for this. I haven't read My Name Is Memory but I know the main plot of the book (it's somehow like Fallen by Lauren Kate). So imagine superpowers plus soul mates? It's pretty weird but you know, cool and awesome.

I'd be honest that I was afraid to read this despite my excitement. I got a bit bored reading some books with the same idea. Female character cannot remember their love. Male character doing his best to stay away or to make her remember. What set this apart was the X-MEN touch and the way the story unfolded. 

The connection between Maryah and Nathan was undeniable. For me, anyway. I don't know with you guys. But I felt that there was some hidden electric string between the two of them. Yes, it was something like that. Sounds funny but whatever! It was especially funny when Maryah realized who Nathan was. For the first few chapters, he was just in her dreams then she learned that he was real. Talk about funny! Her dreams gave me an idea as to what her superpower is. Of all superpowers mentioned, I liked hers and Nathan's the best. Her gift is so powerful in a way. It can either destroy or make her. It was also written in a way that I was able to feel how creepy it is somehow. While Nathan's gift is so convenient and just really helpful. And one of my ultimate wishes! HAHA.

Maryah's gift was actually a big help for her to remember things. Though she didn't know it at first, she immediately put the pieces together once she actually learned the first few bits of it. The way things were revealed to her wasn't that much surprising or dragging. It worked for her well. I didn't feel awkward about it or anything. I didn't think that it shouldn't have happened that way or something. For me, it was really appropriate in all places.

I'm so excited to know more about their Kindrily. Their history was a lot to take in. I'm waiting for more in the next book. And more action too since there's got to be a war or something as much as I understand it. Of course, I want to know why Maryah decided to erase her memories!!!

Grasping at Eternity is a cool fantasy read about superpowers, soul mates, and Elements. It has the right amount of romance and mystery.

  About the Author

I was born and bred in Baltimore, frolicked and froze in Colorado for a couple of years and I'm currently sunning and splashing around Florida with my two sweet and adorable dogs. I'm addicted to coffee, chocolate and complicated happily-ever-afters. 

If a book is on my Read list then I enjoyed it (3-5 stars). I only rate 5 star books (those I loved so much I will read again and/or because they are by authors I know personally and adore) because I usually don't do reviews and I'd feel bad giving an author 3 or 4 stars without explaining why. 

Feel free to friend me. I love meeting other book lovers and I like seeing what people are reading!

 Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

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E-ARC Review: Takedown

E-ARC Review: Takedown

Posted by Nina L. on 12:00 PM in 4-star, Allison van Diepen, E-ARC, review, YA,

Author: Allison van Diepen

Release date: September 3rd 2013

Publisher: Simon Pulse

Series: N/A

Age Group: Young Adult

Genre: Contemporary

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes and Noble |The Book Depository

Add to your library: Goodreads

A teen infiltrates a drug ring to settle a vendetta in this fast-paced novel from the author of Street Pharm and Snitch.

Darren took the fall for Diamond Tony, the notorious head of the city’s drug cartel. Two years later, Darren’s finally out of juvie—and determined to get even.

Working as an informant for the police, Darren infiltrates Diamond Tony’s operation. But falling for sweet, innocent Jessica was not part of that plan. She’s a distraction—and a liability. She’s also everything Darren dreamed about while he was locked up, and with her, he has the promise of a fresh start.

When a deadly turf war breaks out between Diamond Tony and the Bloods, Darren gets caught in the crossfire. The cops think he’s playing both sides, and any mistake could be his last. Darren has to stay on his game if he’s going to protect Jessica—and if he’s going to stay alive. (via Goodreads)

I received an e-copy of this from Simon Pulse through Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.

I immediately got hooked just from the first few pages of this book. I was able to immensely lost myself in the story until the end. It was pretty short so I read it in one sitting. But its length wasn't a hindrance for me not to enjoy it. Everything about this novel is compelling. The writing, the characters, and even the plot. 

Darren is absolutely a reflection of a lot of people in our world right now. What made him stand out was his decision to make a change for the better. It takes a great amount of courage to stand up for what is right and for what is good. I really admire him for what he did especially he was in such a deadly position. He was actually playing with fire. Imagine that he was inside the enemy's den and not to mention that he was putting his family's life in danger. But his determinism to take down Diamond Tony was that evident. Yes, I was able to feel his hatred towards him. Who won't anyway? It's really disgusting to have a number of Diamond Tony in our world!

Just when you know you have your life planned out already, something or more often, someone will come along and change everything. Darren did his best to ignore Jessica. But he cannot deny his feelings for her and he knew that it was the same with her. I actually liked how their romance developed. It was somewhat rushed but not really rushed. Am I making sense? Hmm, it was that realistic for me that's why I felt how true their love was with each other. Even if I say that they're still high schoolers, they seemed to have such a deep connection.

Everything that happened that lead to busting Diamond Tony was pretty scary and realistic. Those moments may not be exactly the same in real life. But they sure do happen in some ways or another. It was scary for the fact that one moment, you're here and the next moment, you're not. There were moments here when I don't know what will happen just like in real life. 

Allison's writing is really captivating. Her words have made their way to my heart and I know I won't be forgetting Darren's story. 

I just want to point out the ending. It was pretty open-ended for me. I still hoped that Darren will choose a life that's best for Jessica and their families.

Takedown is a great contemporary novel that deals with drugs and how it is to live a life inside that business. It's captivating, realistic and scary all at once. You'll get to feel how it really is to be in a drug ring. Of course, there are a lot of lessons to learn.

  About the Author

Allison van Diepen is the author of six teen novels: Street Pharm, Snitch, Raven, The Oracle of Dating, The Oracle Rebounds, and The Vampire Stalker. Her novels have been named ALA Quick Picks for Reluctant Readers and New York City Public Library Books for the Teen Age. 

 Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

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Left Blog Tour: Blurb & Giveaways

Left Blog Tour: Blurb & Giveaways

Posted by Nina L. on 12:00 PM in blog tour, blurb, Giveaway, Itching For Books Tours, T.R. Graves,

Welcome to my stop for Left blog tour!

Author: T.R. Graves

Release date: September 1st 2013

Publisher: Self-Published

Series: Still Standing # 1

Age Group: New Adult

Genre: Contemporary

Tour organized by: Itching For Books

Purchase: Amazon

Add to your library: Goodreads

Blurb:

Your own two feet are all you have when you've been left.

A naive Baylee loves Colt, her boyfriend of four years, more than she ever thought possible. After a little snooping, she's convinced she's well on her way toward hearing an once-in-a-lifetime proposal and starring in the wedding-of-the-year event. Instead, she's blindsided by a very public breakup and the crushing news that Colt is marrying someone else… someone more befitting him and the role his father expects him to take in his law firm.

Baylee may have spent years resenting Ariana, her mother, and her suicide, an intolerable show of weakness in Baylee's opinion, but after Colt leaves her just short of the altar, Baylee sees the world through her mother's eyes. She sympathizes with Ariana's actions and realizes that some things—soul-deep aches—can irreparably damage you and make moving on nearly impossible.

At least that's how she feels until she meets Ryker. With his help, Baylee discovers there is life after Colt, and she prepares to move on by pulling herself up by the bootstraps, holding her head high, and standing on her own two feet. Unfortunately, a new jealous and hateful Colt has his own plans for her, and they are plans no one—especially Baylee—ever saw coming. 

 About the Author 

T. R. Graves, the author of The Warrior Series and The Secrets Series and The Underwater Series, is a 2012 NaNoWriMo Winner. 

She lives along the Texas coast with her husband. Together, they raise T. R.'s beta reading daughter and their football-loving son. Besides being blessed with a supportive family, she counts her career as a registered nurse in not-for-profit hospitals high on her list of fulfilling accomplishments.

Website  | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter 

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Secrets of the Moon Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway

Secrets of the Moon Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway

Posted by Nina L. on 9:00 PM in blog tour, fantasy, Kristy Centeno, Oops I Read A Book Again Blog Tours, review, YA,

Welcome to my stop for Secrets of the Moon blog tour! 

Author: Kristy Centeno

Release date: July 7th 2013

Publisher: Inkspell Publishing

Series: N/A

Age Group: Young Adult

Genre: Urban Fantasy

Tour organized by: Oops I Read A Book Again Blog Tours

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes and Noble 

Add to your library: Goodreads

Teenager Marjorie Emery eluded death. As she struggles to get her life back on track, she believes her efforts are paying off. Yet, when a black dressing, unfriendly, and incredibly handsome hottie walks into her classroom, she’s forced into a tailspin. Marjorie has no idea how much his presence is going to shatter what little tranquility she’s achieved.

Kyran Rousseau’s gloomy nature has a name, one that is potentially fatal under the right circumstances. His family harbors secrets and does everything to protect Kyran. While, he doesn’t want to ruin Marjorie’s normal life, love has a way of changing his plans.Falling for Kyran is the least of Marjorie’s worries. With a faceless threat hunting her and a boyfriend who's as dangerous as he is good looking—how can Marjorie and Kyran keep all hell from breaking loose before it’s too late? (via Goodreads)

It wasn't my first time to read about werewolves. But it was my first time to finish a book about it. I've started Shiver two years ago. But I didn't even get to the half of the story. I just didn't have the energy to read it. So yes, I was always reluctant to read about werewolves! I just feel so awkward with them. Right, weird. But I got up the courage and tried this one. Thank the heavens I did, I actually enjoyed it!

I hope the author won't take offense when I say this but I totally felt like reading Twilight all over again minus the vampires plus more werewolves. I swear. It was all cliche and stuff. But that didn't stop me from enjoying this though. The writing was smooth and all the way good.  The pacing was all right too. So I really didn't feel I should stop or anything. I actually cannot wait for the next book if there will be. By that kind of ending, I can tell there's a next one coming!

Maybe it's the fact that it's the first book I've read and finished about werewolves that I enjoyed this. I got to know more about werewolves, about their history and their nature. But those information weren't much of a surprise to me. I don't know why but maybe it's because werewolves were pretty much present in other paranormal books that some things about them were given away already. Still, it was enjoyable to read about it. 

And hey, how could I not enjoy this with hot Kyran being present? I actually enjoyed Kyran and Marjorie's struggles to be together. It was so sweet, funny and swoony to read about. I really admire Kyran for being such a gentleman. Given their problem, he still managed to do okay. 

Yeah, Cam was hot too. And genuinely sweet! My heart ached for him. I wish I could have gone inside the book and hug him. 

Secrets of the Moon is a good paranormal book about werewolves. You'd be fascinated with all the stuff about werewolves. You'd also get to enjoy some hot guys and swoony romance. 

  About the Author

As a child, she used to lose herself in an imaginary world by the means of a good book. Now that she's all grown up, she get to create her own fictional realms and make them come to life in ways that most readers might not expect.
She's always had a passion for writing but never had the opportunity do so until now. After trying out numerous options she realized that writing was what she loved the most so when she found herself with some free time on her hands, she decided to give it a shot. As it turned out, her very active imagination helped her achieve her goals of creating believable plots with some ordinary, and some not so ordinary characters that helped the stories move along in one way or another.
As she keep moving along in achieving her dreams of becoming a published author, she divide her time in between her four children and her very understanding husband.​

 Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

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Fractured Blog Tour: Blurb & Giveaway

Fractured Blog Tour: Blurb & Giveaway

Posted by Nina L. on 12:00 PM in blog tour, blurb, Fiction Addiction Book Tours, Giveaway, Majanka Verstraete, paranormal, YA,

Welcome to my stop for Fractured blog tour!

Author: Majanka Verstraete

Release date: September 14th 2013

Publisher: InkSpell Publishing

Series: Mirrorland # 1 

Age Group: Young Adult

Genre: Paranormal
Tour organized by: Fiction Addiction Book Tours

Purchase: Amazon |  Barnes and Noble 

Add to your library: Goodreads

Blurb:

When Piper discovers an old antique mirror on the attic of her new home, she has no idea what terror she unlocked.

Eerie shadows lurking in the night and estranged voices crying out for help are only the beginning. As Piper’s world comes crumbling down, she realizes everything that she believed was imaginary, might have been real all along.

Something is very wrong with that mirror. And if she doesn’t find out what, the mirror might end up killing her. 

With some help of old and new friends, Piper tries to get to the bottom of the mystery. One thing is for certain: the mirror preys on the guilty. But what exactly is she guilty of?

  About the Author

Majanka Verstraete is a twenty-two-year old Belgian law school student. Writing is her passion, and has been ever since she learned how to read.

She writes about all things supernatural for children of all ages. She’s tried to write contemporary novels before, but something paranormal always manages to crawl in.

Her debut picture book, Valentina and the Haunted Mansion, released on May 20th, 2013. She has four books coming up in September 2013. The first is another picture book in the Valentina’s Spooky Adventures series, titled Valentina and the Whackadoodle Witch. Then there’s the first two books of her debut chapter book series titled Weirdville, The Doll Maker and House of Horrors. Her debut young adult novel, Fractured, the first book in the Mirrorland series, will release in September as well.

 Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

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Hopeless For You Book Blitz: Excerpt & Giveaway

Hopeless For You Book Blitz: Excerpt & Giveaway

Posted by Nina L. on 12:00 PM in book blitz, excerpt, Giveaway, Hayden Hill,

Welcome to my stop for Hopeless For You book blitz!

Author: Hayden Hill

Release date: September 19th 2013

Publisher: Self-Published

Series:N/A

Age Group: New Adult

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Purchase: Amazon 

Add to your library: Goodreads

"If I am more alive because love burns and chars me, as a fire, given wood or wind, feels new elation, it's that he who lays me low is my salvation, and invigorates the more, the more he scars me."

― Michelangelo

Ash Jensen, a squeaky-clean sophomore at the University of Tennessee, has a trail of baggage a mile long―she buried her fiancé only a year and a half ago. She swore she'd never love again but when she finds herself interned to a yummy Canadian conservation officer that promise is tested big-time. Kade Gyllenhahl sports wild tattoos, a rebellious attitude and a fohawk to die for. He's definitely the wrong man for her and she knows it. 

Kade doesn't have time for a girl like her. She's a pretentious, unreadable princess who lives her life by her parents' rules. Kade knows nothing about her past and he'd prefer to keep it that way. Besides, he'll lose his job if he sleeps with Ash. Now if only he could get his mind off her. 

When the two of them end up alone and isolated on a routine field trip in the woods, things get a little complicated... 

One man afraid of commitment.

One woman afraid to love again.

Two lives.

Two hearts.

One life-changing journey. (via Goodreads)

Excerpt

"You like vodka?" Kade said.

"What?" I glanced at him uncertainly. "That's kind of an odd question. From way out in left field."

"You're half Russian." He was staring at me intensely. "You must like vodka."

"Oh, no." I returned his gaze with equal intensity. Had he felt that tingle when our hands touched, too? Our conversation was all innocent on the outside but I could sense the sexual tension seething on the inside. Neither of us broke eye contact. He wasn't sitting all that far from me. It wouldn't take much to close the gap and wrap my lips around his. "I had vodka once when I was in tenth grade. Almost threw up. Scotch is more my thing."

"Scotch? That's a man's drink."

I shrugged, but didn't break eye contact. "Not really."

"Any preferred brands?" His voice sounded deeper, more sexual. I was starting to lose myself in those eyes.

"I don't know." My voice sounded strange, too. A little breathy. "All kinds of brands. I don't like Jack Daniels, though."

"That's not even scotch. That's whiskey."

"Same thing."

Kade stood up now and edged a little closer. His eyes never left mine. "How can you not like Jack Daniels? That's, like, a Tennessee institution. They make it there, don't they?"

"They do." My heart was beating fast. "But Collier and McKeel is more my thing."

"How do you know so much about all these drinks, anyway?" he said in that deep, slow voice. "The legal age is twenty-one in Tennessee."

I knew my eyes were broadcasting sheer want. He felt it. I'm sure he did, because his eyes fed that want right back at me. "I'm a delinquent."

"You are." He took another step closer. I could hear his breathing now. Deeper. Faster. "Collier and McKeel... remind me to let you try Seagram's 83 sometime. Canadians make the best whiskey. Perfect for a delinquent like you."

"I'm actually more of a wine person. At least I used to be." We were so close now, barely a hand-span away. Those green eyes never left mine, and consumed me.

"Wine? I can see that. I'd peg you as a fan of white. You speak Sauvignon Blanc?" The way he said those French words sounded so sexy.

"I speak champagne," I said huskily. "Dom Perignon makes the most amazing Cristal. White Gold is--" I choked off the words, feeling suddenly like I was drowning, and I turned away from Kade. I couldn't hold back the sudden tears.

After all this time, something so simple as the name of a drink still affected me. I almost hoped Kade would wrap his arms around me and carry me away from the horrors of the past and save me from the guilt, but when I looked at him I saw he'd retreated to the shade again. He was sitting on the log with his arms crossed, facing away from me, staring at the river.

  About the Author 

Hayden Hill is a New Adult Romance author. Her debut novel, Hopeless for You will be released in September 2013.

Writing HOPELESS FOR YOU was an emotional rollercoaster for Hayden. It started out as a rosebud of an idea which grew into this all-consuming tree. She poured everything into the book, heart and soul. It was a labor of love that’s for sure. They say that great art comes from pain. Well then Hopeless For You is her greatest work yet.

Thanks for giving the book a chance!

Website  | Goodreads | Twitter 

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