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Friday, August 31, 2012

Back to the Books Giveaway Hop {INT}

 
 
My Prize is ONE Kindle e-copy of:
 
Crash (Crash, #1)
 

The giveaway is international as long as you can except Kindle e-books as gifts.

The winner has 48 hours to respond or the prize will be given to someone else.
 
 
 



Current Giveaway




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It's International!

*[Cover Reveal] Tirade by Cambria Hebert

 
 
Summary:
 
Betrayal burns. Death hurts and the clock ticks…
Minutes and hours stretch into days. How long can Sam survive being confined in Hell? I have a plan… a plan with a lot of holes. I need someone who can make up for my weaknesses, someone who possesses the power that I lack. Riley is supposed to be off limits. He’s dangerous, he’s mean and he’s not to be trusted. But I do.
Beelzebub is on a tirade, bent on revenge. I took what he wants and sent him into the flames. I will wear the scars of his punishments forever. But scars don’t scare me anymore.
On my way to free Sam I find my true path, a secret place and new allies. But in Hell nothing is easy… and everything is cruel. The only thing left to do is survive.
Summary & Photo provided by Cambria Hebert
 Genre: YA paranormal
 Publisher: Cambria Hebert
 Release date: November 30, 2012
 Format: Ebook and Paperback
 
 
 

 
 
 

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Wildflower Hill by Kimberley Freeman

Wildflower Hill
 
 
Summary:
 
SPANNING THREE GENERATIONS AND HALF THE WORLD, WILDFLOWER HILL IS A SWEEPING, ROMANTIC, AND COMPELLING STORY OF TWO WOMEN WHO SHARE A LEGACY OF SECRETS, HEARTBREAK, COURAGE, AND LOVE. Emma, a prima ballerina in London, is at a crossroads after an injured knee ruins her career. Forced to rest and take stock of her life, she finds that she’s mistaken fame and achievement for love and fulfillment. Returning home to Australia, she learns of her grandmother Beattie’s death and a strange inheritance: a sheep station in isolated rural Australia. Certain she has been saddled with an irritating burden, Emma prepares to leave for Wildflower Hill to sell the estate.

Beattie also found herself at a crossroads as a young woman, but she was pregnant and unwed. She eventually found success—but only after following an unconventional path that was often dangerous and heartbreaking. Beattie knew the lessons she learned in life would be important to Emma one day, and she wanted to make sure Emma’s heart remained open to love, no matter what life brought. She knew the magic of the Australian wilderness would show Emma the way.

Wildflower Hill is a compelling, atmospheric, and romantic novel about taking risks, starting again, and believing in yourself. It’s about finding out what you really want and discovering that the answer might be not at all what you’d expect.
Summary & Photo taken from Goodreads.com
Length: 544 pages (Paperback)
Source: Bought
Publication Date: August 23rd 2011 by Touchstone
 
So when I found this book in one of the used bookstores I've always visiting for $2.95 in mint condition I had to by it and  I had  even completely forgotten that it had been on my Goodreads TBR shelf for almost 6 months.

I really had no intention of reading it the other day but I've been having a problem with focusing on my books so I picked it up on a whim and before I knew it I was 100 pages in and then of course life got in the way just as the book was really starting to go somewhere. By the time I was able to pick it up again it was around 10 p.m.. I finished it by 2 a.m. I just couldn't put it down.

The book was actually a lot different than I thought it would be. I knew going into it just by reading the summary that the book was a sort of family saga but I wasn't expecting it to be quite like this one and I mean that in the best of ways.

I became very attached to Beattie's (Emma's grandmother) character. In fact she turned out to be my favourite character over all in the book. Her resilience, determination and spirit were what made me love her character so much. Despite the twisted life that fate handed her she was able to rise above it.

I loved how the book too us from the streets of Glasgow to halfway across the world in Tasmania on Beattie's journey. The evolution of her character throughout the book seemed so real. She went from being a victim of circumstance to taking charge of her life even when she had to face the cruelest of heartbreaks. Throughout the novel I felt as if I were there along side Beattie watching her grow and change, deal with happiness and extreme sadness and every time something horrible happened to her I would sort of feel my own heart breaking with hers.

However, on the other hand of the spectrum is Emma. Beatti's prima ballerina granddaughter. I wasn't exceptionally fond of her character because Emma is one of those women who has to have everything about them. You know the type, those who when life finally catches up to them and they have to be like the rest of us mortal women turns inward and just whines. Yep, that's Emma. The thing is though eventually Emma gets past a lot of her selfish tendencies and she turns a new leaf and suddenly...when you're reading her parts of the book you start to like her a little more because  you can see a bit of the gumption that aided her grandmother so much in her life shine through in her.

As you can probably guess I really loved this book. I haven't read a book that makes my heart physically ache for the characters in some time. It was wonderful that Kimberley Freeman had such talent that she was able to draw me into the book in such a way that it was as if I was experiencing every ounce of emotion in her book. I for one cannot wait to add more books by this author to my collection.

If you're looking for a novel to transport you to a different time and place this is the one for you. The way that the author was able to construct such an authentic tale of life in Tasmania in the early 1930's for Beattie's part of the novel was amazing and the fact that the book switched from hers to Emma's point of view so seamlessly made this an amazingly moving read. If you want something that makes you think, make your heartbreak and then build it back up again I highly suggest trying this novel. It's one that I will never forget and one that I plan on reading over and over again. If you love historical fiction please give this a try. The author is so talented I can't imagine anyone not loving this book.


To visit Kimberley's Website CLICK HERE
To "Follow" Kimberley on Twitter CLICK HERE
To purchase the book via ChaptersIndigo CLICK HERE
To purchase the book via The Book Depository CLICK HERE
To purchase the book via Barnes & Noble CLICK HERE
To purchase the book via Amazon CLICK HERE 
 
 


 
 
Awesome, I loved it!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
 
 

 

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Waiting On Wednesday #26

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine and is where we can talk about books we are looking forward to being released!

Here are my picks for the week:
 
 
Rogue Rider (Lords of Deliverance, #4)
 
Summary:
 
The prophecies were there but no one listened. Until now. They are the Lords of Deliverance and they have the power to ward off Doomsday . . . or let it ride.

Jillian Cardiff came to this remote mountain town to forget the demon attack that almost killed her. Instead, she rescues - and falls for - a gorgeous stranger who has no memory of anything other than his name. Handsome, charming and protective, Reseph seems like the kind of man that Jillian can trust. But with hints of a troubling history of his own, he's also the kind of man that can be very dangerous . . .

Reseph may not know his background, or why he mysteriously appeared in Jillian's life, but he knows he wants to stay. Yet when Jillian's neighbours are killed and demon hunters arrive on the scene, Reseph fears that he's putting Jillian in danger. And once it's revealed that Reseph is also Pestilence, the Horseman responsible for ravaging the world with death and destruction, he and Jillian must face the greatest challenge of all: can they forget the horrors of a chilling past to save the future they both desire?
Summary & Photo taken from Goodreads.com
Length: 384 pages
Publication Date: December 6th 2012
 
Why I'm Waiting:
 
Even though I've only read the first book in the series and this is the fourth one I really enjoy the author's writing style. I can't wait to read this one!
 
 
Shades of Earth (Across the Universe, #3)
 
Summary:
 
The final book in the trilogy by New York Times bestselling author Beth Revis!

Amy and Elder have finally left the oppressive walls of the spaceship Godspeed behind. They're ready to start life afresh--to build a home--on Centauri-Earth, the planet that Amy has traveled 25 trillion miles across the universe to experience. But this new Earth isn't the paradise that Amy had been hoping for. Amy and Elder must race to uncover who--or what--else is out there if they are to have any hope of saving their struggling colony and building a future together. But as each new discovery brings more danger, Amy and Elder will have to look inward to the very fabric of what makes them human on this, their most harrowing journey yet. Because if the colony collapses? Then everything they have sacrificed--friends, family, life on Earth--will have been meaningless.
Summary & Photo taken from Goodreads.com
Length: 400 pages
Publication Date: January 15th 2013
 
Why I'm Waiting:
 
I loved Across the Universe and even though I won't be reading A Million Suns until next month I cannot wait for this one to come out so I can see more of Amy and Elder!
 
 
 
Current Giveaway

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Now, what are YOU waiting for this Wednesday?
 

Monday, August 27, 2012

It's Monday! What are you reading? #28



It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a meme hosted by Book Journey and is a great way for others to find out what you are planning to read this week and, best of all, see what others are reading.


Last week I read and finished:
 
 
Currently Reading:
 
 
World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War The 101 Dalmatians The Unforgiven: The Crave (The Unholy Trinity Chronicles)
 
 

This Week I Plan To Start Reading:
 

Collide (Collide, #1) The Bachelor Farmers
 


What are YOU reading this week?



 
 
 

Saturday, August 25, 2012

*[Cover Reveal] Blood Doll by Georgia Cates


 
Summary:
 
Solomon Alexander has faced huge obstacles during his existence, but they’re nothing in comparison to the one he’s about to hit head on. As leader of The Savannah Compound, part of Sol’s new position in the Coven of Landra is to guide the transition of fledgelings, newly turned vampires. It’s his job to save the unsavable. Being a Landra is what he’s done for over a century and he’s damn good at it, but everything he knows, practices and teaches is threatened when he is forced to drink from Avery Ferrand, a Blood Jewel.

The Blood Jewel is enshrouded with mystery, but one fact is known. There’s never been blood more desirable or addicting than Avery’s and there are consequences for any vampire that drinks it...including Solomon Alexander. Although he adamantly denies his need to feed from her, Avery suspects he’s lying but she has secrets of her own about the night he drank from her. She wanted him to and now she finds herself being drawn to Solomon in a way she shouldn't. As Avery’s desire to be closer to Solomon grows, she finds herself considering something more dangerous than being found by the dangerous covens hunting her...asking Solomon if she can become his Blood Doll.
Summary & Photo provided by SupaGurl Tours


Author Bio:


    Georgia resides in rural Mississippi with her wonderful husband, Jeff, and their two beautiful daughters. She spent thirteen years as a labor and delivery nurse before she decided to pursue her dream of becoming an author.

Blood of Anteros, Book One in The Vampire Agápe Series, was her first novel and it was released in September 2011. She decided to briefly step away from the paranormal genre to try her hand at a young adult contemporary romance when she wrote Going Under, but returned to the paranormal romance platform to complete the second book in The Vampire Agápe Series, Blood Jewel.

Her current works in progress are Shallow (A Going Under Novel) which will release on September 27th and Blood Doll (The Vampire Agápe Series #3), to be released in January 2013.


Georgia Cates Links:

    Georgia Cates Blog
Georgia Cates on Facebook
Georgia Cates on Twitter
Shallow on Goodreads
 

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Before the Darkness (Refuge Inc. #1) by Leslie Lee Sanders

Before the Darkness (Refuge Inc., #1)

 
Summary:
 
After an asteroid strikes Earth, a series of violent earthquakes destroy secluded Phoenix and leave survivor Elliot struggling to stay focused in the bleak aftermath. And then he meets fellow survivor Adam. Together, the two search for reliable shelter and other survivors while distant murky clouds fast approach. Their hunt for shelter leads them down an alternate path when they find spray painted symbols directing them to a mysterious place: Refuge Inc.

As ominous clouds slowly shut off all light to their devastated world, they are forced to come to terms with their pasts and their growing attraction for each other.

Neither thought their pasts and personal crises would affect their ability to endure the horrors they're forced to live through. Neither thought they would be drawn so close to one another in the aftermath of an unimaginable catastrophe. By working together, can they continue to survive? Or will the mystery of Refuge Inc. cause diverse expectations and lead them to decisions that further threaten their lives?

Warning: Contains explicit male-male sexual practices, graphic language, some violence and descriptions of death.

Bonus content: Includes the original (deleted) scene from Chapter Twelve: Lying for Gain.
Summary & Photo taken from Goodreads.com
Length: 139 pages (E-book)
Source: ARC
Publication Date: June 28th 2012 by Createspace
 
 
I'm not quite sure what I was expecting from this book when I got the notification that it was up for review through one of the blog tour company's I host. I think I was just pretty darn excited to have a chance to review it without of it being part of an official blog tour since I've been burning myself out with hosting different tours lately.
 
I haven't read all that many M/M romances but it's not because I don't like them but more because the chance to read them doesn't come up as often as I would like to so I wasn't sure how this one would shape up to be especially given that its post apocalyptic.
 
I was however surprised by the mount of care the author put into describing the setting and telling the reader how the world ended. The fact that there was an actual plot to the novel made me like it even more because it wasn't all about sex. That to me would have killed the book so I was really happy I had more to go on than just sexy time between Elliot and Adam.
 
I really liked that the book did have some action, what with the earthquake tremors and nuclear type storm clouds rolling in from the impact of the asteroid that hits earth and overall the book was written pretty well.
 
There was only one aspect of the novel that I didn't care too much for and that was Elliot and Adam getting "involved" pretty quickly. I'm not much of a fan of "Insta-Love" or "Insta-Lust" so that part of the novel wasn't my favourite and I wish the characters had gotten to know each other better.
 
Overall though I liked the concept for the novel. The plot and characters could have been a little stronger but it was still an enjoyable read, and for the first book in a new series it was pretty good. I can't wait to see which direction the next book takes!
 
I would recommend this one to anyone who loves M/M romance as a quick read.
 
* I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my free and honest review. I was in no way compensated for my review and all thoughts and opinions expressed in my review are my own.
 

 
To "Like" Leslie on Facebook CLICK HERE
To "Follow" Leslie on Twitter CLICK HERE
To become a "Fan" of Leslie on Goodreads CLICK HERE
To visit Leslie's Website CLICK HERE
To purchase the book via Amazon CLICK HERE
 
★ ★ ★ 1/2
 
 




 


 





 

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Feed Your Reader Giveaway Hop {INT}

 
 
 
 
My Prize is ONE Kindle e-copy of:
 
Perfect Chemistry (Perfect Chemistry, #1)
 


The giveaway is international as long as you can except Kindle e-books as gifts.

The winner has 48 hours to respond or the prize will be given to someone else.

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Current Giveaway


Don't forget to enter my 1,100 follower giveaway by clicking the button!

It's International!

Waiting On Wednesday #25

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine and is where we can talk about books we are looking forward to being released!

Here are my picks for the week:


Frost Burned (Mercedes Thompson, #7)

Summary:

Shapeshifter Mercy Thompson's life is calming down, at least enough that she can focus on mundane matters like Black Friday sales. But on her return, Mercy is unable to contact her mate, Alpha Adam Hauptman, or the other members of their pack. All she knows is that Adam is angry and in pain. With the werewolves fighting a political battle to gain acceptance from the public, Mercy fears Adam's disappearance may be related - and that he and the pack are in serious danger. Outclassed and on her own, Mercy may be forced to seek assistance from the most unlikely of allies: the vampire seethe.
Summary & Photo taken from Goodreads.com
Length: 352 pages
Expected Publication Date: March 5th 2013 by Orbit

Why I'm Waiting:

Um...hello? It's a new Mercy Thompson book. I MUST HAVES IT!
I tell you this is one that I'm going to be preordering. I love this series and I can't wait til the release on March 5th.


The Gathering Dark

Summary:

A mysterious teen boy knows the secrets of Keira’s dangerous hallucinations in this gripping romantic fantasy from the author of Claire de Lune.Keira’s hallucinating. First it’s a door hovering above the road; then it’s a tree in her living room. But with her parents fighting and her best friend not speaking to her, Keira can’t tell anyone about her breakdown.
Until she meets Walker. They have an electric connection, and somehow he can see the same shadowy images plaguing Keira.
But trusting Walker may be more dangerous than Keira could have ever imagined. The more she confides in him, the more intense—and frightening—her visions become. Because Walker is not what he appears to be. And neither are her visions.
Summary & Photo taken from Goodreads.com
Length: 352 pages
Expected Publication Date: February 12th 2013 by Simon Pulse

Why I'm Waiting:

I think the cover is absolutely gorgeous and I'm kind of in love with it. I've heard great things about Claire De Lune but I still have to read that one so I'm hoping this is as good as it sounds. My only concern is that there will be a dreaded case of insta love between Walker and Keira. But I'm excited to read it none the less.

Current Giveaway

Don't forget to enter my 1,100 follower giveaway by clicking the button!
It's International!

Now, what are YOU waiting for this Wednesday?



Tuesday, August 21, 2012

*[Blog Tour Review] Walking With Elephants by Karen S. Bell



Summary:

Bridget Jones meets Erma Bombeck
Suze Hall is at a crossroads. Her nemesis at work, Wanda, has been promoted and now will be her boss. Her husband, Bob, is leaving her and the three kids for a six-month sabbatical down under. To top it off, her best friend, Marcia, is missing in action--playing footsie with some new boyfriend! Adding to this disaster stew, David, the gorgeous hunk who broke her young-girl's heart has coincidentally popped back into her life and has something she desperately needs to keep her job. Walking with Elephants, a lighthearted slice-of-life story, brings to the table the serious work/family issues facing women today. It explores the modern dichotomy of a workplace that is filled with homemakers who still must cook, clean, carpool on nights and weekends, shop for prom dresses, and "create" the holidays-such as Suze. But it also is filled with women who have the same drive as men, have no family responsibilities, and will do what ever it takes to get ahead.

So step into the shoes of Suze Hall and commiserate over workplace politics, titillate your sexual fantasies, ride the wave of a working mother, and fall-down laughing.
Summary & Photo Provided by Goddess Fish Promotions
Length: 210 pages
Source: ARC
Publication Date: December 1st 2011 by KSB Press

This book was a wonderful read, and I really connected with Suze the main character which I wasn't expecting. Since I'm only 22 I didn't think that I would get so attached to Suze since she's a middle aged woman and I'm the age of her children but she was such an awesome, likable character that I read this book in one sitting.

Just like the summary promises this is a light, easy going novel. I loved the plot of the novel because even though it could be a little fantastical sometimes I think the situations that Karen S. Bell wrote about in the book could easily be happening to a real woman. I actually think that that is what I enjoyed the most about the novel. It was so approachable and it was pretty much a "what you see is what you get" type of novel.

Walking With Elephant was a great bedtime read for me and it was one that I couldn't put down. I found myself laughing out loud so often while I was reading I'm surprised my neighbours didn't complain for all the cackling I did when I read it. I especially enjoyed the situations in which Suze's kids were in certain scenes because the conversations remind me of how my mother talks to me.

Overall this was an immensley enjoyable read and one that helped get me out of my mini reading funk. The realistic portrayal of a middle aged woman's life was written wonderfully done. I would recommend this book to everyone who loves chick lit. This is a quick read that it would work well as a weekend read up at the cottage or one that you could read in the backyard.

Author Bio


Walking with Elephants is my first novel, although I am not new to writing. I was a theater critic and celebrity interviewer for a weekly tabloid in Jacksonville, Fl and I earned a Master’s in Mass Communication from Oklahoma State University. For 15 years I worked in Corporate America as a technical editor/editor/writer. I experienced first hand the politics and intrigue that goes with that territory and the balancing act that comes with being a working mother. I salute all those mothers who are the glue that holds their families together while pursuing the nine to five brass ring.



*I recieved a free copy of this book in exchange for my free and honest review. I was not compensated in any way for my review and all thoughts and opinions are mine.

To "Like" Karen on Facebook CLICK HERE
To "Follow" Karen on Twitter CLICK HERE
To visit Karen's Website CLICK HERE
To visit Karen's Blog CLICK HERE
To purchase Walking With Elephants via Amazon CLICK HERE
To purchase Walking With Elephants via Barnes & Noble CLICK HERE
To purchase Walking With Elephants via Smashwords CLICK HERE


Really Liked it!
★ ★ ★ ★









 

1,100 Follower International Giveway




Okay so I'm 6 people away from my 1,100 followers but, lets not be picky okay?

I cannot begin to tell you how much it means to me to hit this number, and how grateful I am to all of my loyal, readers new and old! You make me want to keep improving Turning The Pages and writing better and better reviews.

This giveaway is for all of you, to show my appreciation for how thankful I am to have gotten me here. Thank you! Now, on to the details!

There will be ONE winner.
MUST be 13 years of age or older to enter.
The winner will have 48 Hours to respond to the winning notification or else the prize go to someone else.
The giveaway INTERNATIONAL it is open to anyone who can recieve books from The Book Depository Click Here to see if they ship to you.
The prize is a book (or two depending on price) of up to a total value of $25.00.
The giveaway will be from August 21st 2012 until September 21st 2012


Turning The Pages

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