Release Day Blitz + Giveaway - Sweet Temptations by Wendy Higgins

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Sweet Temptations
(The Sweet Trilogy #4)
Author: Wendy Higgins
Release Date: September 8, 2015
Publisher: Harper Teen

Bad boy Kaidan Rowe has never wanted for anything—money, popularity, musical talent…hot girls—but seducing them is part of his duty as a Nephilim, slave to the demon Dukes. As the son of the Duke of Lust, Kaidan has learned his father’s ways, becoming a master of passion, a manipulator of chemistry. Disobeying his father would mean certain death. Thankfully for Kaidan, he’s good at his job. And he enjoys it.

Until he meets Anna Whitt—sweet, smart, feisty, and inexplicably good—the one girl seemingly immune to his charms. The daughter of a guardian angel and a fallen one, she has a certain power over him, one that makes him wish for more than he could ever deserve.

Determined to save all the Neph from their dark lives as the influencers of sin, Anna joins forces with Kaidan to overcome the demons’ oppressive ways. In the light of her affections, Kaidan must undergo his toughest test of all, a battle of the heart.

Sensual and swoon worthy, this companion volume to the acclaimed Sweet Evil series from New York Times bestselling author Wendy Higgins, told from the perspective of the irresistibly sexy and mysterious Kaidan Rowe, gives readers revealing insights into his struggle, his intense connection to Anna, and most of all, the true emotions that drive him.

You can read an excerpt of this book by clicking the link here.

Giveaway

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About the author: 

Wendy Higgins is the USA Today and NYT bestselling author of the Sweet Evil series from HarperTeen and her independently published Irish fantasy, See Me. She is a former high school English teacher who now writes full time, and lives on the Eastern Shore of Virginia with her veterinarian husband, daughter, son, and doggie Rue.
Wendy earned a bachelor's in Creative Writing from George Mason University and a master's in Curriculum and Instruction from Radford. Writing Young Adult (YA) stories gives her the opportunity to delve into the ambiguities of those pivotal, daunting, and exciting years before adulthood.

Author Links: Website /  Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Pinterest / Tumblr / Instagram 

Blog Tour Stop: Review + Giveaway: The Remedy by Suzanne Young

The Remedy
(The Program #0.5)
Author: Suzanne Young
Release Date: April 21, 2015
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Source: Edelweiss
Review by: Jenn

Can one girl take on so many identities without losing her own? Find out in this riveting companion to The Program and the New York Times bestselling The Treatment.
In a world before The Program…
Quinlan McKee is a closer. Since the age of seven, Quinn has held the responsibility of providing closure to grieving families with a special skill—she can “become” anyone.
Recommended by grief counselors, Quinn is hired by families to take on the short-term role of a deceased loved one between the ages of fifteen and twenty. She’s not an exact copy, of course, but she wears their clothes and changes her hair, studies them through pictures and videos, and soon, Quinn can act like them, smell like them, and be them for all intents and purposes. But to do her job successfully, she can’t get attached.
Now seventeen, Quinn is deft at recreating herself, sometimes confusing her own past with those of the people she’s portrayed. When she’s given her longest assignment, playing the role of Catalina Barnes, Quinn begins to bond with the deceased girl’s boyfriend. But that’s only the beginning of the complications, especially when Quinn finds out the truth about Catalina’s death. And the epidemic it could start.

Rating: 5 stars out of 5 stars

*I received an eARC of this title from the publisher for this blog tour. However, it did not influence this review in any way.*

I'm not sure how Suzanne Young does this but she managed to create another story that absolutely tore at my emotions. Every time I finish one of her stories, I always end up crying, conflicted, and in an absolute daze. I can't help but continue thinking about the story long after I finish it. The same happened with The Remedy. 

The Remedy follows Quinlan McKee as a closer. What it means is that she provides closure to grieving families playing the role of the deceased. The Remedy is the prequel to Suzanne's The Program which is also one of my favorite books.  So knowing what The Program is about, I was very curious to see how this story would play out. I wanted to know how we get to The Program. And like always, Suzanne did not disappoint.

From the first page until the last, I was hooked. If I wasn't reading, I was thinking about when I would get the chance to read. When I was reading, I couldn't help but think about what was going to happen next. Basically, I couldn't help but think about this book nonstop because it was so good and you couldn't be anything but sucked into the story. There were so many times I felt like I was in Quinlan's shoes so I felt her confusion and her need to connect with someone to feel tethered to this world. I do admit that there were some instances that I didn't agree with her actions, specifically when she starting blurring the lines of reality with her job as a closer. Of course, that would be because I know my own reality and that is something Quinn doesn't have the luxury of knowing. I loved how everything came to fruition and even knowing that it would end up in heartbreak for Quinn.

There were so many twists and turns and unanswered questions that weren't addressed and I'm extremely excited that we're getting another book in this series. I can only imagine what is going to happen next. I mean, I know what happens "next" because of The Program, but I'm curious to see how we get there. I'll admit that even though I know the story of The Program and The Treatment, I can't help but hope for a happy ending for Quinn.

If you loved The Program and The Treatment, you won't want to miss out on this story. It has new characters but you'll get attached to them and the story. And if you haven't read this series? What are you waiting for? Get on it. You'll love it, I promise.

Giveaway

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About the author:

Suzanne Young is the New York Times bestselling author of The Program series. Originally from Utica, New York, Suzanne moved to Arizona to pursue her dream of not freezing to death. She is a novelist and an English teacher, but not always in that order.
Suzanne is the author of THE PROGRAM, THE TREATMENT, THE REMEDY, and HOTEL RUBY. She was also on an episode of House Hunters where she talked about her love of grass and trees (while living in the desert).

Author's links: Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook / Pinterest / Instagram

Blog Schedule:

Week One:

4/13/2015‐ Once Upon a Twilight ‐ Interview 

4/14/2015‐ Books and Swoons‐ Review 

4/15/2015‐ Fictitious Delicious‐ Guest Post 

4/16/2015‐ My Reading Room‐ Review 

4/17/2015‐ Fiktshun‐ Interview

Week Two:

4/20/2015‐ Me, My Shelf and I‐ Review 

4/21/2015‐ Bad Bird Reads‐ Guest Post

4/22/2015‐ Novel Novice‐ Review

4/23/2015‐ Adventures of a Book Junkie‐ Interview 

4/24/2015‐Magical Urban Fantasy Reads‐Review 

Blog Tour hosted by: Rockstar Book Tours

Blog Tour Stop: Review - If Only by A.J. Pine

If Only by A.J. Pine
Release Date: March 24, 2014
Publisher: Entangled Embrace
Source: Rockstar Book Tours and A.J. Pine
Reviewed by: Nahomi
Links: Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Goodreads

*I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*

My rating: 4 stars out of 5 stars

Synopsis:
Sometimes it takes crossing an ocean to figure out where you belong.

It's been two years since twenty-year-old Jordan had a boyfriend—which means it's been forever since she, well, you know. But now she’s off to spend her junior year in Aberdeen, Scotland, the perfect place to stop waiting for Mr. Right and just enjoy Mr. Right Now.

Sexy, sweet (and possible player) Griffin may be her perfect, no-strings-attached match. He’s fun, gorgeous, and makes her laugh. So why can’t she stop thinking about Noah who, minutes after being trapped together outside the train’s loo, kisses Jordan like she’s never been kissed before? Never mind his impossible blue eyes, his weathered, annotated copy of The Great Gatsby (total English-major porn)…oh, and his girlfriend.

Jordan knows everything this year has an expiration date. Aberdeen is supposed to be about fun rather than waiting for life to happen. But E. M. Forster, Shakespeare, and mistletoe on Valentine’s Day make her reconsider what love is and how far she’s willing to go for the right guy.

If Only is one of those books that makes you feel glad you took the time to read and enjoy it. What really got me to read this story in the first place was the synopsis. I have always wanted to study abroad, but was unable to, so I jumped at the chance to read about Jordan Brook's experience abroad. There were several aspects I really enjoyed about this book and only one little thing that was annoying, but I will talk about that more towards the end of the review. For now I would like to focus on all of the good, and there is plenty of that!

 I really fell in love with these characters and their experiences; although sometimes Jordan comes across as really intense and a bit dramatic. She is really easy to identify with. She tends to over think situations, and is also a total book nerd which I can relate to as well. Jordan to me felt like a kindred spirit, in the sense that I felt like I understood where she's coming from during her journey to start living her life. Noah and Griffin the "love" interests are HOTT and kind of the complete opposites of each other. They were both are equally nice Noah is dark and a little more serious, where Griffin is light, fun and free. The chemistry between these three characters is palpable especially between Jordan and Noah.

Noah oh sweet swoony Noah, he makes my heart go pitter patter with every time he talks and is awkward or messes something up. I love all of the friends Jordan makes on her journey. Elaina and Duncan are awesome in their own right and could probably have their own book that is just how great they are. Griffin is another character that I would love to read more about.

The book references and different locations throughout the story really made this story more interesting. I like the pacing and the story line and thought, overall that this was really a great story and experience. I had mentioned earlier that there was something that was annoying to me and it kept me from giving this book a higher rating. On occasion especially towards the beginning I felt like the drama was to overwhelming for me. Also Jordans lack of communication with Noah was frustrating. Other than that I am truly happy that I read this book! Well done Ms. Pine, on a lovely story.

P.S.  There were some quotes I just had to share, because they are too good to keep to myself.

"There is a little known truth that a two-year dry spell can earn a girl her virginity back. I myself was unaware of this fascinating nugget of wisdom until Sam, my roommate and best friend, so graciously bestowed it upon me." ~Jordan p. 1
~B&S~

"I’m suddenly aware that my lack of success in the male/female relationship department might have something to do with my preference for boys made from words. My book boyfriends have been plentiful over the years. And George Emerson, he’s near the top of the list." ~Jordan p.94
~B&S~

"She’s your friend, and she’s protecting you. I’m pretty sure I’m the one in trouble, or at least I get the sense that I will be if I mess this up.”She looks him up and down. “He is smart. I like that. But I will kill him while he’s sleeping if he hurts you. That may sound brutal, but he is bigger than me and would probably fight back if he was awake. So, I do it in the sleep.”
~Noah & Elaina p. 190
~B&S~

The Giveaway

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About the Author:

AJ writes stories to break readers’ hearts, but don’t worry—she’ll mend those hearts with a happily ever after…maybe. The first book she wrote was YA, but now she’s two-timing her first love Pine4BWwith NA. She’s always in the middle of reading two to three books, adores online shopping (everything from groceries to shoes), and she still loves vampires, whether it’s Eric Northman or the Salvatore brothers. When she’s not writing, AJ is sneaking off to her day job as a high school English teacher or hanging with her husband and kids in the Chicago burbs.

Author Links: Website / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads

 Blog Tour hosted by: Rockstar Book Tours 

You can follow the rest of this Blog Tour: 

3/31/2014- Allodoxophobia: TheFear of Opinions- Review

3/31/2014- Bibliojunkies- Excerpt

4/1/2014- LeAnn'sBook Reviews- Review

4/1/2014- Step Into Fiction- Excerpt

4/2/2014- ThePhantom Paragrapher- Review

4/2/2014- Michelle4Laughs:It's in the Details- Excerpt

4/3/2014- Books and Swoons- Review

4/3/2014- Creating Serenity- Guest Post

4/4/2014- Kindle and Me- Review

4/4/2014- BurningImpossibly Bright- Guest Post

Book Blast - Soul Taken by Katlyn Duncan

I am thrilled to be able to participate in the book blast for Katlyn Duncan’s SOUL TAKEN which released this week on June 4th!

To help spread the word about this awesome first book in the author’s new series The Life After, I have a GUEST POST from Katlyn in which she shares Top 10 Fun Facts About SOUL TAKEN.

There is also a short EXCERPT included in this post which definitely makes me want to read on to find out just what happens next.

AND there’s also a GIVEAWAY included for an eBook Kindle copy of the book to three winners, so be sure to check it out below!

The cover is amazing, the book sounds incredibly exciting and the author is awesome, so I am more than excited to share a little bit about SOUL TAKEN with my blog’s readers.

***

About the Book

Title: SOUL TAKEN (The Life After #1)
Author: Katlyn Duncan
Publisher: Carina UK
Release date: June 4th
Formats: eBook

After-life just got a lot more complicated

Maggie is a Soul Collector. It’s her job to transport souls from the Living Realm to the After – but during a mission to find a stolen soul, she ends up stuck in a teen mean girl’s body.

Trapped, Maggie’s soul is catapulted into Ally’s life – and the human world she hasn’t experienced for one hundred years. But, as a descendant of the most powerful beings in the After, Maggie must rescue Ally before the girl’s soul dies…

To survive, Maggie must uncover devastating secrets – because with one soul taken by a terrifying enemy, Maggie’s could be next!

GOODREADS | AMAZON | AMAZON UK | CARINA UK

***

About the Author

Katlyn Duncan was born and raised in a small town in western Massachusetts. Her overactive imagination involved invisible friends, wanting to be a Disney Princess and making up her own stories. Her bibliophile mom always encouraged her love of reading and that stayed with her since. Even though she works full time in the medical field Katlyn has always made time for books, whether she is reading or writing them.

Katlyn now lives in southern Connecticut with her husband and adorable Wheaten Terrier and she is thrilled to finally share her stories with the world.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK | GOOGLE+ | GOODREADS

***

Top 10 Fun Facts About SOUL TAKEN

1. The inciting incident came about while I was walking into my local CVS about four years ago. And it took those long four years to get it where it is today.

2. Two of the characters are named after dogs that I've had. One is still alive and she is thrilled to be a part of my story.

3. I based the high school after the one I spent four years of my life in. But it had been rebuilt several years ago, now it only lives on in my memory and in the book.

4. Maggie and I share an affinity for cemeteries.

5. It wasn't pitched as a series, but now I get to linger in this world for two more books.

6. I have a crush on two of my male characters, for very different reasons. (And I hope you will too!)

7. Two of the characters (who will have a much bigger role in Books 2 & 3) were never in the original drafts, they came out of left field and I'm so glad they decided to stay.

8. Gate Seven came from much thought about how I would want my after life paradise to look like.

9. One of my family members plays a small role in the novel. I was a bit nervous to select that scene since it nearly made me cry while writing it, but my editor loved it so much it had to stay.

10. It has an amazing cover!

***

I knelt down again next to Ally and reached out to touch her skin. Even though the sensation was unpleasant, I could feel her pulse as it rapidly declined.

“No,” I moaned. I looked up again to see if any of the Guard could help, but no one was around.

I looked back down at Ally. Her face was paling by the second. My soul started to tingle. I leaned closer to her body, reaching my hand out to touch her face again, when her arm moved toward mine.

I jumped back.

Heather pushed through the crowd. “Did she just move? Did I see her move?” Streaks of black mascara ran down her cheeks.

A ringing sensation tickled my ear and I tuned in to the True Soul’s presence. I looked at each human. The True Soul was close, but who had it? They all seemed equally shocked at the tragedy.

An uncomfortable pressure in my chest drew me closer to her body. My soul slanted toward hers until I was practically on top of her. I helplessly watched my hand morph and stretch toward her body.

“What the—?” I tried to pull back but the strength of whatever was happening had other ideas.

My hand disappeared first, then my arm, then my torso.

But before I could call for help, my world went dark.

***

An eBook Kindle copy of SOUL TAKEN to THREE (3) winners!

• Must be 13 or older to enter
• Must be able to accept Amazon Kindle eBook gifts from the U.S.

Enter in the Rafflecopter below...
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