January 30, 2013

FLAWED Blog Tour - Character Interview + Giveaway


Hey there lovelies!
I'm super duper honored and thrilled to be a part of the Flawed Blog Tour!
1) I love this book.
2) I love this book!
& 3) I LOVE THIS BOOK, so hard!!
For my stop, I interviewed the wonderful Sam Donovan and Sarah O'Brien!
But also, there's two giveaways to enter too, so don't forget to check those out as well :)
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Flawed by Kate Avelynn
Publisher: Entangled Publishing
Publication Date: November 22, 2012 (ebook)
Sarah O’Brien is alive because of the pact she and her brother made twelve years ago—James will protect her from their violent father if she promises to never leave him. For years, she’s watched James destroy his life to save hers. If all he asks for in return is her affection, she’ll give it freely.

Until, with a tiny kiss and a broken mind, he asks for more than she can give.

Sam Donavon has been James’s best friend—and the boy Sarah’s had a crush on—for as long as she can remember. As their forbidden relationship deepens, Sarah knows she’s in trouble. Quiet, serious Sam has decided he’s going to save her. Neither of them realize James is far more unstable than her father ever was, or that he’s not about to let Sarah forget her half of the pact…



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About the Author: 
Kate Avelynn lives in Central Oregon with her husband, whom she fell in love with at eighteen after realizing he shared her obsession with music, sports, and psychoanalysis. When not devouring books, holding down her editing gig, or attempting to coax life out of the weed patch she calls a “garden,” Kate writes dark, young adult romance that blends first love, betrayal, and danger. FLAWED is her debut novel.

Connect with Kate:

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Sarah & Sam for life <3
My interview with these two wonderful characters.

+ Hey Sarah and Sam! Thanks so much for stopping by Words, Pages, and Books. It’s a complete honor to have the both of you!
Sarah: Thank you. *smiles and squeezes Sam’s hand*
Sam: Yeah, thanks for inviting us, Jessirae.

So let’s get started..

+ Can you describe each other in three words?
Sarah: Intense. Responsible. Sweet.
Sam: Beautiful. Loyal. Caring. Sexy. 
Sarah: *blushes* That’s four words, Mr. UCLA.
Sam:  What can I say? Three wasn’t enough. 

+ I definitely agree with that! What do you like the most about each other?
Sarah: His eyes. His smile. How I feel when I’m with him—like I can be anything I want to be. 
Sam: Definitely the way she looks at me. She could never say it and I’d still know she loves me.

+ Sam, if you could take Sarah anywhere, where would it be and why? What about you, Sarah?
Sam: I want to take her to Disneyland pretty bad. My dad always said you haven’t lived unless you’ve been on a rollercoaster. Plus, I really think she’ll like Southern California. With all that sunshine, there’s hardly any moss. *grins at Sarah*
Sarah: Ugh, let’s not talk about moss. Hmm. If I could take Sam anywhere, it’d probably be back up to Mack Lake. Except, this time we’d be alone. With our own two-person tent. And a campfire to keep us warm if we wanted to sleep under the stars instead…
Sam: *clears throat* Um, can I change my answer? Because that sounds really good. 

+ Mack Lake would be perfect! What’s the silliest thing you’ve ever done?
Sarah: *grins* Sam and I got into a food fight at his house once. He was trying to teach me how to make chocolate pudding so I’d stop buying James the gross premade stuff from the store, but the whisk got away from me—
Sam: You threw it at me. 
Sarah: You deserved it! You smeared chocolate all over my cheek. 
Sam: Because I was planning to kiss it off of you. 
Sarah: Wait. You were going to…kiss the chocolate off me? 
Sam: Yes, that was the plan. But instead, we spent the next three hours washing chocolate out of my mom’s flower arrangements, scrubbing chocolate out of the rug, wiping chocolate off of the wallpaper…
Sarah: …maybe we should try to make another box? I never did get to see how the pudding turned out, and it would be great if I didn’t have to buy James the other kind anymore… *blushes*
Sam: *gives her a heated look* How’s tomorrow sound?

+ OMG, you guys are too cute! Can you each share one memory of each other that really stuck out to you?
Sarah: The first time I saw Sam will probably always stick out to me. James had climbed the really tall cedar tree at our elementary school and was too scared to climb back down. Not that he’d admit he was scared or anything, but he climbed too high and the branches where he was were too thin for any of the teachers to climb up and get him. They were about to call the fire department when all of a sudden, the new boy takes off his coat and starts climbing the tree. He made it all the way up to where James was in, like, half the time and just sat there with him, talking. Like the wind making the tree creak wasn’t scary or half the school wasn’t standing at the bottom watching him. And then the next thing everyone knew, the boy was climbing down and James was following him. Everyone rushed over to James when he finally made it to the ground, even me, but the new boy just faded into the crowd and disappeared. *turns to Sam* What did you say to get him to come down? He never told me. 
Sam: I, uh… *rubs the back of his neck* I might have told him his sister looked cold standing at the bottom of the tree without a coat on, and if he didn’t climb down and walk her home, I was going to give her my coat and walk her home myself.
Sarah: And the first thing he did when he got down was give me his coat. Oh my god, Sam! No wonder he never let me anywhere near you.
Sam: I was ten. I wasn’t exactly thinking long term. My favorite memory of you, though. Hmm. My favorite memory—before we got together, I should say—is probably the day Alex kissed you in the shed. 
Sarah: *gasps* You knew? I didn’t think anyone saw!
Sam: I had a feeling Alex was up to something, so I made an excuse to run outside. But before I figured out where you guys went, you threw open the shed door and stomped out wearing what had to be the scariest expression I’ve ever seen on a girl’s face. I didn’t find out what had happened until after, but he told me you’d kicked him in the shin. I also knew I wanted to be the next guy to kiss you. 
Sarah: *shocked laughter* Why? You wanted me to kick you, too?
Sam: No, because I knew I’d have a shot with you if you didn’t.

+ Those are wonderful memories! Speaking of James... I love him, possibly as much as you guys do. What do you think is the best and worst  thing about him?
Sam: I think how devoted he is to Sarah is the best thing about him. The worst thing is not trusting anyone enough to let them in. Things wouldn’t be this bad if he let someone in.
Sarah: He’d kill himself if it meant saving me. It’s the best and worst thing about him.

+ *sigh* Couldn't have said it better. Can you tell us one thing about yourselves that we don’t already know?
Sarah: Sometimes I think about enrolling in a self-defense class. The one time I mentioned it to James, he said he’d rather teach me how to fight. But there’s no way I can hit my brother, you know?
Sam: I’ll take you to sign up tomorrow, if you want. 
Sarah: Yeah, okay. Thanks.
Sam: Something you don’t already know about me. Hmm. Well… *gives Sarah a sheepish look* …I know it’s probably too soon and Sarah’s totally going to freak out, but I’m thinking about getting another tattoo. Something that has her name tangled up with mine. 
Sarah: Sam…
Sam: *kisses Sarah*

+ Sheez, can you guys get any more sweeter?! I love you guys! So.. do you guys have any regrets? Anything you’d like to change at all?
Sarah: That I didn’t tell Sam how I felt a while ago instead of waiting for him to notice me.
Sam: Same. If I could go back in time, I’d have asked her to Homecoming her freshman year and spent the whole night proving I was the guy for her. 
Sarah: James would’ve killed you.
Sam: He would’ve tried. Doesn’t matter.

That’s it! Thanks so much Sam and Sarah! It’s been a pleasure to have you on my blog! You guys are the best. Please tell Kate that I absolutely adore her and can't wait for her next book! :)

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The Giveaway!

And now for the prizes! Kate is giving away a small book charm on a bracelet and a dog tag to one lucky commenter. The book charm is one of the popular charms made by Sophie’s Beads. All you have to do is leave a comment about your favorite contemporary YA romance couple, along with your email address. Today’s giveaway is only open to US residents, but keep an eye out for International giveaways scheduled throughout the tour.

Kate is also running an Ultimate FLAWED Fan Pack contest via the Rafflecopter listing below. Enter daily for a chance to win some really cool stuff!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

January 28, 2013

REVIEW: Stolen Nights by Rebecca Maizel

Title: Stolen Nights (Vampire Queen #2)
Author: Rebecca Maizel
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Publication Date: January 29, 2013
Format: egalley* 303 pages
Rating: 5/5
Get it: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Lenah Beaudonte should be dead. But having sacrificed herself to save another, she finds herself awakening with strange powers that are neither vampire nor human—and a new enemy on her trail. In her vampire life, Lenah had thought that being human was all she ever wanted; but the human heart suffers pain, heartbreak and loss.

With her new powers growing and the dark force of the Nex after her soul, Lenah faces a choice: between the mortal love of gorgeous Justin, whose passion fed her human soul, and taking a different path to become the mistress of her own destiny, wherever that may lead...

My Review
After reading Infinite Days and falling in love with what Rebecca Maizel first created, I was super excited to start Stolen Nights and get swept up with all the characters I love so much. Not even one chapter in, Maizel had me hooked faster than an addict. To be straightforward, Stolen Nights was way better than its predecessor and I loved every single moment of it.

Stolen Nights picks up after a few days from the ending to Infinite Days with Lenah surviving the ritual she did on her former coven member, Vicken. She wants to start over with Justin, but instead trouble arises with another vampire threatening Lena’s life and an unexpected return from someone of her past. In this second novel, even more growth happens to Lenah’s character. The evil vampire that she used to be is no longer apparent, but left is a woman full of strength, courage and endless determination. While Lenah did have her times of self-doubt, selfishness and weaknesses, I believe she really overcame all the obstacles put in her way. She really realized, accepted, and faced the consequences of her actions from Infinite Days and chose to fix them and make things right. Though it pained me, Lenah’s decisions and sacrifices made her a better person, a better human being, and one amazing character. 

The lack of connection I felt with Lenah and Justin is now explained from reading Stolen Nights. That connection, chemistry, and emotions I wanted from them came in full force between Lenah and someone else. This character and Lenah made my skin tingle and my heart stop. The sexual tension between them was off the charts! I ached so much because I wanted them to be together more than anything. They were absolutely perfect for each other and because they couldn’t be together due certain circumstances this left me reeling and desperately wishing for a solution. Their love transcends time and place; it was something I felt to the very core of me. 

I loved the secondary characters so much more in this one. They really helped in shaping up Lenah’s character. Tracy, as much as I hated her in Infinite Days, I ended up warming up to her. She was totally different from the snobby girl I first met. I really liked how she stood out, stepped up and became a real friend to Lenah. Vicken was the best of them all. All the despair and danger of this book was really countered by Vicken’s humor. That boy made me smile and grin to no end. He could’ve eased the tension and the dark parts of this book from a mile away. I adored him so much.

Even though I didn’t have to wait between both novels, the writing felt familiar, like coming home to a place I’ve missed so much. I love how there was no gap between book one and book two. Maizel’s writing flows just the same as the previous one, if not better. I love how it just goes straight into the action without hesitation. There’s so much more at stake in Stolen Nights; so much danger and death that really kept me engrossed and made my heart race. Everything I loved in Infinite Days was back, but Maizel gave so much more. More magic and elemental power was explored. There was even new parts in the book that I wanted to know more about like the Aeris and the Hollow Ones that were great additions to the story. I especially loved the mystery, revenge, and need for power in Odette’s character because her evil ways gave more excitement and rocked the unstable foundation of Lenah’s life. My most favorite part was all about the meaning of true love, soul mates and ultimate sacrifices that gave way for an ending that was bittersweet, heart-wrenching and one that left me in tears. 

Overall, Stolen Nights was everything and anything I hoped it would be. This book was more than just about vampires and magic, but of fixing mistakes, owning up to consequences, sacrificing one’s happiness for the greater good to keep the balance and of thinking about other’s before yourself. I loved this book so much, I can’t wait for the next one to come already!

*Thanks to St. Martin's Press for sending a copy for review.

Favorite Quotes:
"Commitment to love is a choice deep within the soul." Location 205.

"Like the whitest shores on a beach as far as the eye can see. You want that ocean. You see that ocean. But you can never go back in. Ever." Location 213.

"Time does not tick on for the dead. After we die, we cannot keep it. It is the master of the living. For the dead, for the vampire, time is a hornet's nest. Dangerous, best to be avoided-- always humming in your ear." Location 316.

"It's true," I said, my voice faint. "I had other distractions, but it was always you who held the power. I loved you, so it didn't matter." Location 819.

"Lenah," he said, drawing my eyes to his. "I stay because there is an extraordinary difference between thinking of you and seeing you in the mortal flesh. I stay for the one moment you smile throughout the day. Or to watch you run your hand through your hair. Because I must, must' " --his breath was short-- "must be near you, in any way I can." Location 847.
-All quotes taken from eARC and are subject to change from the finished copy.

January 25, 2013

REVIEW: Infinite Days by Rebecca Maizel

Title: Infinite Days (Vampire Queen #1)
Author: Rebecca Maizel
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Publication Date: August 3, 2010 (New Cover 2012)
Format: Paperback 336 pages
Rating: 4.5/5
Get it: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
“Throughout all my histories, I found no one I loved more than you... no one.”

Those were some of Rhode’s last words to me. The last time he would pronounce his love. The last time I would see his face.

It was the first time in 592 years I could take a breath. Lay in the sun. Taste.

Rhode sacrificed himself so I, Lenah Beaudonte, could be human again. So I could stop the blood lust.

I never expected to fall in love with someone else that wasn’t Rhode.

But Justin was... daring. Exciting. More beautiful than I could dream.

I never expected to be sixteen again... then again, I never expected my past to come back and haunt me...

My thoughts, feelings, and reactions
Just when I thought I was getting tired with vampire novels, I stumble upon Infinite Days and basically rediscover why I enjoy vampire books all over again! Infinite Days showed me a whole new world full of magic, danger, and devoted romance that I found refreshing and riveting. 

Infinite Days starts off strong with a lead in that totally grabbed my attention. Rebecca Maizel did a wonderful job of enrapturing me from the beginning and kept me within the clutches of the novel as I got to know more of Lenah’s story. Maizel created a different kind of vampire, one that was still within the realms of what we know of vampires today, but added in the element of dark magic and the pain and torment of being a vampire. This world she created allowed for vampires to walk among human life as the most powerful beings for centuries. She made these vampires evil, irrational, and without care for human life, but she made them so I was able to feel some semblance of sympathy for the constant pain they felt. I loved how connected vampires were to magic; using it to gain more power. It was very interesting aspect to read about. 

Lenah spends most of her time in this novel adjusting to her new human life, moving on from her vampire life, and trying to be safe from the danger she left behind. I absolutely loved reading all about Lenah’s adjustment from being a powerful vampire queen to becoming a normal 16 year old. She had a lot to reconcile with; a lot to learn about the new modern world she lived in. Throughout Lena’s time as a human, she makes comparisons of her vampire self and reading these flashbacks were my favorite parts. I loved that Maizel allowed me to get to know the vampire Lenah and the human Lenah throughout the whole book because I got to see her character come full circle and watch it develop further on. As a vampire, Lenah was vicious, ruthless and heartless. She was frightening, cunning and dripping with power. As she got used to being human, she retained her confidence, elegance, and bravery, but she also became compassionate, loving, and caring. She was fascinated with the people and things of the modern world and in turn, this made me fascinated by her. Even through all her past faults, Lenah was capable of change. She thought of others before herself. She learned to love and be loved back and to protect those that meant dear to her. Lenah’s growth throughout the book had me awestruck and left me admiring her to no end. 

The romance in this book was quite prominent, but not the center of attention. To be honest, I didn’t feel like Justin and Lenah had much of a strong connection or enough chemistry to really be invested in their relationship. However, I did like the way their relationship developed and I eventually warmed up to them. I could see why Lenah loved Justin’s happiness, his care-free adventurous and, live-life-to-the-fullest personality. It was different from anything she had ever known. His energy was contagious, and swept Lenah up. Justin didn’t judge her, but accepted her and showed her to live again. If you were to ask me, I really loved Lenah’s friendship with Tony. He was adorable and loved Lenah to bits. I could feel how much he truly cared for Lenah. I thought their friendship was a lot stronger and had much more potential to be something more. 

Maizel’s writing in Infinite Days was absolutely magnificent. It was perfect for Lenah’s voice and within the time period she lived then and it blended well for the modern world too. Maizel allowed Lenah’s voice to really consume the book and just make it, so her. I believed that this was Lenah telling her story as if it truly happened. The novel flowed nicely and had me turning page after page. I loved how Maizel was able to tie in magic elements to vampirism. It gave this book a unique twist and an intricate plot line that I adored so much. Her ability to make me love certain characters quickly was breath-taking and the way she had me at the edge of my seat from the looming danger was ultimately exciting. 

Overall, Infinite Days was an original, dark, and involved novel with a different take on vampires that I fell so hard for. I couldn’t get enough of Lenah!

January 23, 2013

REVIEW: Crewel by Gennifer Albin

Title: Crewel
Author: Gennifer Albin
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)
Publication Date: October 16, 2012
Format: egalley* 368 pages
Rating: 4/5
Get it: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository
Enter a tangled world of secrets and intrigue where a girl is in charge of other’s destinies, but not her own.

Sixteen-year-old Adelice Lewys has always been special. When her parents discover her gift—the ability to weave the very fabric of reality—they train her to hide it. For good reason, they don’t want her to become a Spinster — one of the elite, beautiful, and deadly women who determine what people eat, where they live, how many children they have, and even when they die.

Thrust into the opulent Western Coventry, Adelice will be tried, tested and tempted as she navigates the deadly politics at play behind its walls.  Now caught in a web of lies and forbidden romance, she must unravel the sinister truth behind her own unspeakable power.  Her world is hanging by a thread, and Adelice, alone, can decide to save it — or destroy it.

My thoughts, feelings, and reactions
Crewel was not lacking in creativity. In fact, it was brimming with originality. Gennifer Albin put together a book with ingenious world building and stunningly illustrious writing. What I expected out of Crewel was beyond anything I ever imagined and more. 


In Arras, everything is controlled by the Guild; who you marry, when and how many kids you can have, what you eat, what your future job will be is all decided for you. Men are superior to woman, families with children are segregated between female and male, and young girls with special abilities are taken to be Spinsters who control the fabric of life in Arras. The world that Gennifer Albin created and built from the bottom up was really brought to life in Crewel. It felt surreal, nearly dream-like, but it also felt substantial and essential in the way Albin described the inner workings of it all. It was described in great detail, explained to the extent of allowing yourself to be placed within just like Adelice. I didn’t just read about Arras, I felt like I was living and breathing in it. Albin gets down to the very core of this world with the Spinsters, the Guild, and all the officials that control Arras. Not only do we know how this world works, but we also learn why and how it came to be. There is so many elements to this world that make it work, grow and thrive. It’s not only fascinating, it’s intricate and complex. While Albin gives us a lot to start with, she still allows room for interest and yearning to know more. 

Main character and spunky, sharp-tongued Adelice Lewys was the star of this novel. She may have been frightened by the her new surroundings, but I felt and saw the fire within her and her will to fight for what she believed was right. She was definitely a little innocent and naive about a lot, but Adelice was intelligent and she cared. Although she listened, followed, and went along with her training and learning, she still knew her place, knew what she wanted and she never lost herself to the privileges that was given to her as an Eligible. Adelice cared deeply about her family and the friends she made within the Western Coventry. I seriously admired Adelice’s feisty personality and how she was sassy and just a handful to many people’s eyes. Even though her big mouth and quiet defiance got her in trouble time to time, Adelice never gave up. She was a rebel at heart who was courageous and clever all the way. The best thing about Adelice is the fact she didn’t let the power she knew had go over her head. Her compassion and kindness gave way to a character who was true and good from the bottom of her heart. 

I love the connection Adelice had with both Erik and Jost. Albin made it so I was able to fall for both characters so easily. It didn’t really matter who Adelice would pick, because I felt either one would be a suitable for her. They both had great chemistry together. Eric was the comic relief during all the intense and serious parts of Crewel. At first he seemed like an arrogant pretty boy, but underneath was someone who was so funny and charming. Jost, on the other hand, was rough around the edges in the beginning. But Jost was a cool and witty guy. He watched out for Adelice and gave her advice even when she thought she didn’t need it. He saw how different she was compared to all the other Eligibles. Erik and Jost were different in some ways, but also the same in others. I believe that both cared for Adelice in their own way. In the end, I loved both of them and I bet other readers will definitely have a hard time choosing between the two. 


Crewel had some predictable moments, in which I somehow knew how things were going to go, but there were still plenty of times where I was surprised by the twists that Albin placed within the story. I really enjoyed Albin’s clean and delightful writing. It was detailed and very thought-provoking. I thought the pacing of the whole book was great overall. Some parts were a little slow at times, but I wasn’t bored. In fact, I enjoyed finding out more seeing how the story would unravel. I loved how thorough the world building was and how developed the characters were.

All in all, Crewel was one crafty and intriguing dystopian novel that I found wanting to explore further on. 

*Thanks to Macmillan for sending a copy for review

January 20, 2013

Cover Reveal: Blurred by Tara Fuller + Giveaway


Whoooosh. Check out the hotness. 
*pets*



Blurred by Tara Fuller (Kissed by Death #2)
Expected Publication Date: July 2, 2013

Book Description:
Cash is haunted by things. Hungry, hollow things. They only leave him alone when Anaya, Heaven’s beautiful reaper, is around. Cash has always been good with girls, but Anaya isn’t like the others. She’s dead. And with his deteriorating health, Cash might soon be as well.

Anaya never breaks the rules, but the night of the fire she recognized part of Cash’s soul—and doomed him to something worse than death. Cash’s soul now resides in an expired body, making him a shadow walker—a rare, coveted being that can walk between worlds. A being creatures of the underworld would do anything to get their hands on.

The lines between life and death are blurring, and Anaya and Cash find themselves falling helplessly over the edge. Trapped in a world where the living don’t belong, can Cash make it out alive?
Pre-order this bad boy: Amazon | B&N | Book Depository

My initial reaction.
O_O!!
DEAR SWEET HEAVEN...
I need this booooook. LIKE A YEAR AGO.
*flails*
That cover... STUNNING! Can I marry it?
Cash, you sure got a sexy arm. *sigh*
And Anaya, can I have that thing on you arm!?
And the summary?
Freaking hell, why must I suffer waiting?!
*rocks back and forth*
SO PRETTY.
*dies* *comes back to life* *stares longingly*
*skips away clutching heart*

In a nutshell.
I love it, duh


More about AMAZINGNESS - Tara <3
Tara Fuller writes novels. Some about grim reapers. Some about witches. All of course are delightfully full of teen angst and kissing. Tara grew up in a one stop light town in Oklahoma where once upon a time she stayed up with a flash light reading RL Stine novels and only dreamed of becoming a writer. She has a slight obsession with music and a shameless addiction for zombie fiction, Mystery Science Theater, and black and white mochas. Tara no longer lives in a one stop light town. Now she lives with her family in a slightly larger town in North  Carolina where they have at least three stoplights.

CONNECT WIF TARA (because she rocks):
Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads



Enter zee Giveaway
*pokes* you know you want to.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Breaking Waves Blog Tour Schedule


Thas right, folks..
The Breaking Waves Blog Tour launches tomorrow!!

Big thank you to Danielle for asking me help her with the tour. It's a huge honor and privilege! 
Also, thanks to Jaz for creating the awesome blog tour banner you see up there. ^^ It's lovely <3

A major thanks goes to all the bloggers who signed up for the tour! I cannot thank you guys enough for your interest, cooperation, and support! *cheers to you guys*

So starting tomorrow, there will be plenty of reviews, some author interviews, guest posts, and more! There's even a giveaway too

If you haven't read Heart Waves (book 1) and/or want to read Breaking Waves too, here is your chance!
See what other bloggers think, get to know the author: Danielle Sibarium, and meet the characters I fell in love with: Reece, Jenna and Tyler <3  

Be sure to check out all the stops on the tour 
so you don't miss out on the fun!

January 21
Bookaholicsxoxo - Review (book 2 only)

January 22

January 23

January 24

January 25

January 28 

January 29 
Paperbook Princess - Review (book 2 only)

January 30 

January 31 

February 1

February 2 

YA Book Diva Reviews - Review (book 2 only) 

February 4

February 5 

February 6 

February 7

February 8 
With A Book - Review (book 2 only)

February 11

February 12 

February 13

February 14

February 15 


February 18 


February 19 


February 20

Forever YA Fiction - Review (book 2 only)

February 21

February 22
Mistysbooknook - Review (book 1&2)




I hope you guys join us, we'd love to hear your thoughts <3

January 19, 2013

Stacking the Shelves #25


Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews where you can share books obtained via the bookstore, the library, online, through trade, borrowed from friends, gifted and/or received for review that you're adding to your shelf.


Books mentioned:
Fallen Crest High by Tijan
Someone to Love by Addison Moore
Find You in the Dark by A. Meredith Walters
The Valentine's Arrangement by Kelsie Leverich
Rocked Under by Cora Hawkes
Descension by B.C.  Burgess
None of the Regular Rules by Erin Downing
Breaking Waves by Danielle Sibarium
Nobody But Us by Kristin Halbrook

Bloggers Mentioned:
AToMR Book Tours
Giselle @ Xpresso Book Tours
Damaris @ Good Choice Reading

Special thanks to:
B.C. Burgess
Erin Downing
Danielle Sibarium

Tell me what you got this week!

January 17, 2013

Blog Tour: Down to You by M. Leighton Review + Giveaway


Welcome lovelies! I'm super excited to be a part of the Down to You blog tour! I'm here today to share with you my thoughts on the book plus a tour wide giveaway you may want to enter :)

Like I keep saying, don't walk, RUN.. because #Cashbaby will blow you away <3


Title: Down To You (The Bad Boys #1)
Author: M. Leighton
Publication Date: September 23, 2012
Format: Kindle* 215 pages
Rating: 5 freakingmillionbilliontrillion stars
Get it: Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Smashwords
The scorching tale of one girl, two brothers and a love triangle…that’s not.

Olivia Townsend is nothing special. She’s just a girl working her way through college so she can return home to help her father run his business. She’s determined not to be the second woman in his life to abandon him, even if it means putting her own life on hold. To Olivia, it’s clear what she must do. Plain and simple. Black and white. But clear becomes complicated when she meets Cash and Nash Davenport. They’re brothers. Twins. 



Cash is everything she’s always wanted in a guy. He’s a dangerous, sexy bad boy who wants her in his bed at any cost. He turns her insides to mush and, with just one kiss, makes her forget why he’s no good for her. Nash is everything she’s ever needed in a guy. He’s successful, responsible and intensely passionate. But he’s taken. Very taken, by none other than Marissa, Liv’s rich, beautiful cousin. That doesn’t stop Olivia from melting every time he looks at her, though. With just one touch, he makes her forget why they can never be together. 



Black and white turns to shades of gray when Olivia discovers the boys are hiding something, something that should make her run as far and as fast as she can. But it’s too late to run. Olivia’s already involved. And in love. With both of them. Both brothers make her heart tremble. Both brothers set her body on fire. She wants them both. And they want her. How will she ever choose between them?

My Review
ohsweetheavens! Down to You was just completely drop dead incredible! I love going into a book and immediately loving it from the start and just loving it even more the further I read. I had high expectations for Down to You after reading a previous book from the same author, and M. Leighton did not disappoint. I don’t think she could have disappointed me at all. She totally lived up to everything I had hoped for in this book and way way more. Down to You was dynamic, seductive, and oh so satisfying.


Olivia was sweet, endearing, adventurous and hilarious! That girl is off the chain so epically funny and lovely. I wanted her to be my best friend. I loved her so much. Olivia may be shy, but she wasn’t afraid to stick it where it mattered the most. She never backed down and she was up for the challenge. For me, Olivia was all spunk and full of fierce determination. Her quirkiness, her embarrassing moments, her tongue-tied and nervous reactions just made her so cute, friendly and so easy to connect with. Olivia was the type of character you couldn’t help but love. She had spirit. She was chill. She doesn’t try too hard. Olivia brings it. 

Cash is every girl’s dream. He definitely stars in my dreams every night. He’s the perfect guy, the perfect package. Dangerous, sexy, smart, capable, driven, and spectacular in the sack! He may be the bad boy we should stay away from, but his irresistible charm and sex appeal is so palpable, there really is no use in fighting off the feelings up here and down there. Cash, my dear friends, is what we’ve been looking for! 

Nash was the opposite of Cash, but was equally hot in every aspect. He was just as charismatic as Cash, equally kind, but he didn’t have that bad boy aura going on. However, Nash was sweet, easy to be around, flirtatious, and caring. He was oh so mouth-wateringly delicious. I loved his banter with Olivia. They were just too cute. I don’t blame others if they can’t choose between the twins, because dear god in heaven why can’t we just have them both?

Down to You had witty and electrifying writing that will have you laughing out loud so many times. M. Leighton doesn’t just know how to sexify, she knows how to damn straight entertain. The sex scenes are not overtly graphic, but gives you more than enough to get the juices flowing. Leighton surely got me all hot and bothered in more than a few scenes. Before I even finished chapter one, I was begging to be Olivia, really. Leighton doesn’t just write well, she knows how to tell a story. She knows how to make it addicting and exuberant. She makes you beg and plead for more. Don’t even get me started on the mind boggling double-u-tee-effery twists she had going on in this book. Leighton strategically places twists that will leave you jaw-droppingly shocked! You will never see it coming! It was the mother of all twists! Because for seriously, I could not wrap my mind around it at all. Lets just say, I, Jessirae, solemnly swear that I was rendered speechless before the book even ended! 

With a steamy cover and the inside contents that will give off chills and heat all at once, Down to You is the book that will have you aching in places that need relief and have you wishing you never reach the end. This book was volcanic, sensual, and down right orgasmic!

*Thanks to AToMR tours & M. Leighton for providing a copy for review
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Giveaway 
(1) Signed paperback copy of  DOWN TO YOU and UP TO ME, plus DOWN TO YOU Swag Pack! Open to United States and Canada only.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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More from M. Leighton

Up To Me by M. Leighton (The Bad Boys #2)
Publication Date: January 4, 2012
Get it: Amazon | B&N
Happily ever after doesn’t come easy.  But for love, it’s always worth the fight.

Olivia finds bliss unlike any she’s ever known in Cash’s arms.  He sets her skin on fire and melts her heart right inside her chest.  Unfortunately, their happily ever after is short-lived when a shadow from Cash’s past threatens to turn their world upside down.
   Dangerous people from his father’s world have discovered that Cash holds information that could put them away for a very long time.  And they’re willing to do anything—and hurt anybody—to get it back.  Giving it up means Cash must choose between the life of his father and the life of Olivia.

Having nearly overcome her wariness of bad boys, Olivia’s trust is shaken when this new threat arises.  Now she finds that Cash is not only a danger to her heart, but his family has associations that are a danger to her life as well.  She soon discovers that there are some situations in life where trust is a girl’s only option.  And this is one of them.  If she’s to live, she must trust Cash with her life.  But to Olivia, that’s much, much easier than letting go and trusting him with her heart.
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More About the Author:

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author, M. Leighton, is a native of Ohio. She relocated to the warmer climates of the South, where she can be near the water all summer and miss the snow all winter. Possessed of an overactive imagination from early in her childhood, Michelle finally found an acceptable outlet for her fantastical visions: literary fiction. Having written over a dozen novels, these days Michelle enjoys letting her mind wander to more romantic settings with sexy Southern guys, much like the one she married and the ones you'll find in her latest books. When her thoughts aren't roaming in that direction, she'll be riding horses, swimming in ponds and experiencing life on a ranch, all without leaving the cozy comfort of her office.

About Michelle: I love coffee and chocolate, even more so when they are combined. I'm convinced that one day they could be the basis for world peace. I also love the color red and am seriously considering dying my hair.

Connect with Michelle:
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January 16, 2013

Reveal by Brina Courtney Spotlight Post

Reveal by Brina Courtney 
(Cryptid Tales #1)
Life is hard enough for Shay Tafford, growing up without her father, but it's made more difficult due to the fact that she speaks to the dead; and they speak to her. She is in the dark as to why she has had this talent since her father’s disappearance and now her only comfort Jeremy, a child ghost, has also been taken from her.

Everything changes when Shay meets Hugh, a boy she has had a crush on for weeks, and she finds she can confide in him as he shares her gift.  Her dreams of living the normal life she has longed for are dashed when Hugh reveals that talking to ghosts is just scratching the surface of her genetically engineered talents.  But even more disturbing, Hugh discloses Shay may be the answer to an age old prophecy that could save her true kind. Can she rise to the challenge and fulfill her destiny?



Purchase Reveal (for FREE):
Amazon | B&N | Kobo | Smashwords

About the Author:

Brina Courtney is a young adult author obsessed with chocolate, crime shows, and fantasy movies. She's spent the last few years as an elementary teacher and a high school cheering coach. She lives in a small town in Pennsylvania with her husband and two very loud, small dogs. 


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