The Bad Boy Bargain by Kendra C. Highley Review + BLOG TOUR

The Bad Boy Bargain by Kendra C. Highley

I would first like to thank Chapter by Chapter Blog Tours for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely loved this novel, and for so many reasons. The main character, Faith, and the potential love interest, Kyle, are polar opposites, and that makes it all the more fun to read. Faith is such an elegant character, filled with kindness and this form of raw passion for what she loves to do - ballet. Kyle is haunted by something from his past and hides his true self from everyone in his life until Faith comes along and changes his life forever, and vise versa. The way that the plot came together was written so beautifully, it felt very natural for these events to be occurring, as well as the other characters in the novel helping our main characters come to a certain realization. A romantic contemporary that explores the essence of love in the teenage, The Bad Boy Bargain shows teens how much of who you are aids to finding a partner that you will truly be blessed to have. I highly recommend this novel to fans of To All the Boys I've Loved Before by Jenny Han.

The Bad Boy Bargain by Kendra C. Highley

Publication Date: November 14, 2016

Publisher: Entangled Teen Crush

Baseball player Kyle Sawyer has many labels: bad boy, delinquent, ladies’ man, fearless outfielder… Only one of them is actually true. But then sweet ballet dancer Faith Gladwell asks him to help wreck her reputation, and everything goes sideways.

Faith knows a thing or two about love, and what she had with her cheating jerk of an ex wasn’t it. When he starts spreading rumors about her being an Ice Queen, Faith decides it’s time to let a little bad into her life.

Lucky for her, Kyle Sawyer—dark, dangerous, totally swoonworthy Kyle Sawyer—is landscaping her backyard over Spring Break. Shirtless. And if she can convince him to play along, “dating” Kyle will silence the rumors.

But Faith’s plan threatens to expose Sawyer’s biggest secret of all…and that’s a risk he’s not willing to take.

Disclaimer: This book contains drop-the- book-and- fan-yourself kisses…and touches. Fall in love with a bad boy at your own risk.

Kendra C. Highley lives in north Texas with her husband and two children. She also serves as staff to four self-important and high-powered cats. This, according to the cats, is her most important job. She believes in everyday magic, extraordinary love stories, and the restorative powers of dark chocolate.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | Pinterest

Giveaway Information: Contest ends November 11, 2016

 $25 Amazon gift card, a paperback copy of Defying Gravity, and bookmarks from Finding Perfect, Defying Gravity, and The Bad Boy Bargain (US ONLY)

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The Art of Rebellion by Brenda Joyce Leahy Review + BLOG TOUR

The Art of Rebellion by Brenda Joyce Leahy Review

I would first like to thank Chapter by Chapter Blog Tours for providing me with a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review and including me in the blog tour for this novel! This novel takes place in Paris, 1900 and follows the story of a young girl named Gabrielle as she takes her life into her own hands and makes a name for herself in the City of Lights. I would have to say that this is not the regular type of novel that I read, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed the tale of Gabrielle and the people that she encountered. The writing is absolutely beautiful, Brenda does such an amazing job creating this historical world that we are exposed to throughout the novel. The French phrases and words that are thrown into the dialogue and descriptions really allowed myself as a reader to immerse myself into the story and understand the time that the novel took place. As a person who truly appreciates the French culture and language, it really struck a place in my heart as well as in my brain. There were so many interesting people that our main character was introduced to as we dove further into the story, and I began to enjoy their presence the more that they were written into Gabrielle's life. I highly recommend this novel to fans of historical fiction novels as well as any type of literature that focuses around Paris and the Parisian lifestyle in the 1900s.

The Art of Rebellion by Brenda Joyce Leahy

Publication Date: June 15, 2016

Publisher: Rebelight Publishing

Art is Gabrielle's passion, but her parents have other plans for her future-marriage to a man three times her age who holds nothing but disdain for art. Gabrielle is determined to escape life as the baron's trophy wife and the confinement of traditional roles. She flees her privileged home in the French countryside for Paris and the grandmother who understands her passion. When she cannot locate her grandmother, Gabrielle is left on her own in the City of Lights. The art world of Paris, 1900, brims with excitement, opportunity, and risk. Should Gabrielle trust her new friends, or will they take advantage of her hopes and dreams?

Link to Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30764899-the- art-of- rebellion

Brenda Joyce Leahy has travelled to France five times but finds there’s always more explorations awaiting her. She loves historical fiction and thinks she was born a century too late but can’t imagine her life without computers or cell phones. So, perhaps, she arrived in the world at just the right moment to tell this story.

She grew up on a farm near Taber, Alberta but now lives with her family near the Rocky Mountains in Calgary, Alberta. After over 20 years practicing law, she has returned to her first love of writing fiction. She is a member of several writing organizations, including the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI): her profile there is http://www.scbwi.org/members-public/brenda- johnson-2. The Art of Rebellion is also profiled on the Humber School of Writers’ website at http://creativearts.humber.ca/programs/school-writers/published- books. Brenda is also a member of the Historical Novel Society: http://www.historicalnovelsociety.org, and leads a YA/MG writers’ critique group in Calgary.

The Art of Rebellion is her first Young Adult novel, published by Rebelight Publishing, spring 2016.

Website | Twitter

Giveaway Information: Contest ends September 30, 2016

 Two (2) winners will received a physical copy of The Art of Rebellion by Brenda Joyce Leahy (US/Canada)

 Five (5) winners will receive a digital copy of The Art of Rebellion by Brenda Joyce Leahy (INT)

Link to Rafflecopter Giveaway: 

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c08c9e8e588/?

Bleeding Hearts by Dana Louise Provo Review + BLOG TOUR

Bleeding Hearts by Dana Louise Provo I would first like to thank Chapter by Chapter blog tours for including me in their blog tour for this novel and sending me a copy for an honest review. First off, this book was absolutely amazing in every way, shape, and form. The premise of the book is so interesting and unique compared to what is out in bookstores today, that it had drawn me right into the story. I didn't know what to expect from this book, but it has blown me away and is one of the best novels that I have read this year. When I began to read the book, I had not expected to receive it in the form of flashbacks and present state, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that this method really brings the story together, and we get to experience the repercussions of the events that play out throughout the novel and reminisce in the past. Cami, Issac, and Carson are such complex characters in their own way, they each have an essence that brings something to the table that no other character can. The bonds that are formed throughout the story are so realistic that it seems as though this story is jumping off the page and becoming a reality. The plot thickened every chapter and the author was able to bring the story to life in such a way that it pulls the reader in and has them sitting on the edge of their seat. I am so excited to see that this was just the first book in a series, and cannot wait until I can read more of her work. I highly recommend this book to fans of thriller novels such as Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn and Survive the Night by Danielle Vega. Dana Provo has always loved books and reads everything from young adult fantasy to adult historical romances. When she’s not reading or writing her next novel, Dana can be found riding her horses and getting ready for competition. Dana lives with her husband and two house plants in Richmond, Virginia.

Catalyst Moon: Incursion by Lauren L. Garcia Review

Catalyst Moon: Incursion by Lauren L. Garcia

I would first like to thank tumblr user "chrissylvania" for recommending this book to me and sending me a link to read it. Thank you! I would also like to thank Leo from Inkitt for sending me a physical copy of the book as well! This was such an amazing read - the characters were all unique in their own way, and their development was written very smoothly and realistic. As soon as you begin reading the book, you are immediately thrown into the action and plot line, and are introduced to the main characters that you will be seeing throughout the book. There was never a dull moment while I was reading this book - there was always some sort of action, situation, or confrontation - making this the perfect read for those who love to be on the edge of their seats reading a book that is constantly moving at a fast pace. You will fall in love with the characters and root for their success throughout the entire book, hoping for the best, as any reader would. There is a dash of romance in the book, but it does not overtake the entire plot, which is refreshing to see, and allows the readers to become invested in the plot, rather than the romance alone. Also, huge plus - no love triangle!! - this was such a nice aspect of the book because it took away the constant struggle of choosing who Kali, the main character, would end up with. I highly recommend this book to fans of Blackmoon Beginnings by Kaitlyn Hoyt and The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa, both include a fantasy aspect and romance that will draw the reader in until the very end. Please check this book out, and support Lauren L. Garcia and her fantastic writing!

The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan Review

The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

I have always been a fan of Rick Riordan's novels, ever since I picked up Percy Jackson and the Olympians in fourth grade. It only took me nearly two months to finish this book, but I've finally made it through the finish line. I don't know what it was about this book, but I kept getting distracted by other things while reading it, causing me to forget that the book was even a thing that I could open and read. I really enjoyed all the characters - especially Magnus, with his supreme sass and shifty remarks. There were no specific problems with any of the characters that didn't benefit their development or the plot line itself. Oh, and all the Game of Thrones references thrown into the mix - thanks Rick :) But I wasn't as blown away by this series as much as I was when I read Percy Jackson and the Olympians; take it, that was about eight years ago, but I can still remember all the feelings that were brought up with reading those emotional rollercoasters *ahem* books. The world for me was a little hard to get in to, maybe because I wasn't really passionate about reading the book when I first started it, but as I read on, I was roped in as I always am with Rick's books, and had powered through the first third of the book without even realizing it. You definitely need to be in the mood to read a Rick Riordan book, and can't just wake up one day and be like "Oh jeez, I guess I'll read this book today and see how it goes." No. Don't do that. I beg of you, please do not do that. It will take away from the book because you will feel as if you are pushing yourself to read this. *rant over* Overall, this was such an interesting story and I can really commemorate Rick on his world building and attention to detail throughout the book. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is already a fan of Rick Riordan's writing as well as fans of The 100 by Kass Morgan and City of Bones by Cassandra Clare. I will definitely be finishing this series and will be reading The Trials of Apollo series by Rick as well. Once you're hooked on Riordan, there's no turning back ;)

Caraval by Stephanie Garber ARC Review

Caraval By Stephanie Garber

Wow. This is definitely one of the best if not the best book that I have read in 2016. I honestly am at a loss for words after finishing this novel. I received an ARC copy of Caraval from BEA this year, and I finally decided to sit down and read it, and I am so glad that I made that decision. I managed to fly threw this enticing novel in just two days, and I could not put it down. The writing was absolutely exquisite, it pulls the reader in as the words are woven into an elegant story full of risks and romance. The world of Caraval is something that you won't find anywhere else in the YA genre - the constant struggle to determine what is true and what is an illusion causes the reader to solve the puzzle alongside the characters that we come to adore and root for. Our main characters are thrown into each others lives and have to band together in order to survive Caraval and win the game before time runs out and what Scarlett wants the most is taken from her without wasting a moment. I absolutely fell in love with the characters in this novel, they were so different than any other character that I have been exposed to, and they each were their own person that had their own goals, and didn't always depend on the other in order to accomplish the goals that they were trying to achieve throughout the story. The twists and turns that are present in the novel are even more full of illusions that I had ever expected, and I was completely mesmerized by how the author was able to weave this world so delicately that everything fell into place just as it should have. This novel is truly made of something that can not be found anywhere else, and I highly recommend it to fans of The Wrath and The Dawn by Renée Ahdieh and Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. Caraval will be available for purchase on January 31, 2017 and will be available for pre-order as well.

Oh, and just one more thing...

The Transfer by Veronica Roth Review

The Transfer by Veronica Roth

This is the first of four short novellas by Veronica Roth that center around Four from the Divergent series. Each of the novellas are available for individual download as ebooks, or can be purchased as a collection bind up, Four, in hardback. Okay, so I have no serious problems with this novella, but I can't seem to really connect with Four as much as I try. I feel as if Four is a character that can either be liked or not, and there is no in between with him. This novella is just one of the many steps I am trying to take in order to find out how I really feel about Four and the way that he acts. Taking into consideration that I read this without having read the last book in the Divergent trilogy, I can't really have the full perspective on Four as I would like to. This novella focuses on how Four decided to transfer from Abnegation to Dauntless, and on the events beforehand that cause him to finally be able to choose on who he wants to be and how he wants to get away from his old life. I really liked being inside the mind of Four because we don't get that in the first two books of the Divergent trilogy, which became a nice change in POV. It really makes you rethink Four as a character and reevaluate why he is the way that he is. I'm glad that I was able to see the reasons why Four chose to be in Dauntless and be able to get a glimpse inside his life before he took his life into his own hands and stopped being afraid of his father. I definitely look forward to reading the rest of the novellas that focus on Four.

“You're the one who has to live with your choice, everyone else will get over it, move on, no matter what you decide. But you never will” 
― Veronica Roth, The Transfer

United by Melissa Landers Release Day Blitz + GIVEAWAY

United, the third installment in the Alienated series by Melissa Landers, is here!

Here's a message from the author:

Hey there, booklovers!

I’m author Melissa Landers, and I’m thrilled to announce the release of UNITED, the final book in the Alienated trilogy. Our star-crossed lovers Aelyx and Cara have overcome some heavy obstacles to be together—riotous mobs, alien hybrids, and worst of all, high school on two planets. Now to stay together they’ll have to unite their people against a common enemy, a threat more deadly than they ever imagined. (NBD, right?) I’ve written an ending to this trilogy that makes my heart happy, and I hope you’ll love the conclusion as much as I do!

What do reviewers have to say about the series?

“The author’s storyline is out of this world.” –VOYA on Alienated

“The unusual plot and world building are ingenious.” –Library Media Connection on Alienated

“If [the third novel] is as entertaining as this tale, it can’t come soon enough.” –Kirkus Reviews on Invaded

“A fun genre-blending series that will only gain traction as it continues.” –Booklist on Invaded

If you love hot aliens, snarky humans, and wild sci-fi adventure, make sure to pick up a copy of UNITED today. It’s now available in stores and online.

Purchase Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/25XrSct

iBooks: http://apple.co/1sGfH1Z

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/1tqvT7u

Book Depository (free international shipping): http://bit.ly/1XpeAjN

Indie Bound: http://bit.ly/1Uc75wb

To celebrate my book birthday, I’m offering one lucky winner a set of all 3 mini-posters in the Alienated series—signed by me! The giveaway is open internationally.

Best of luck, and happy reading!

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Melissa Landers is a former teacher who left the classroom to pursue other worlds. A proud sci-fi geek, she isn’t afraid to wear her Princess Leia costume in public—just ask her husband and three kids. She lives outside Cincinnati in the small town of Loveland, “Sweetheart of Ohio.” For more information or just to say hello, visit www.melissa-landers.com.

The King Slayer by Virginia Boecker Review

The King Slayer by Virginia Boecker Review

I wish I could give this book 100 stars, it was just such an amazing ending to a duology and I am so satisfied with the ending that the author wrote :) I was so happy to be back in the world of Elizabeth, John, Fifer, and everyone else, and it was such a well written novel as well. It picks right back up after the ending to The Witch Hunter, and dives back into the situation that we were last left off with handling. The book ran very smoothly, and was at such a nice pace that I was able to nearly finish the entire book in a day; the pace really helped the motions of the book flow as well, and added the extra action that the book needed. Virginia Boecker did an amazing job writing the characters and their developments throughout The Witch Hunter, and she definitely did not disappoint in this installment. You are able to feel connected to the characters and understand why they do the things that they do, and get into their thought processes as well. Elizabeth is such an interesting character to read about because she starts off in the series as one of the most hated types of people in the land - a witch hunter - and then slowly is able to change her ways and become one with the people of the city. Each character has their flaws, and they make them who they are and influence how they act in certain situations. I absolutely loved this book, and can probably say that it is one of my favorite reads of 2016, and one of my favorite series that I have read. I highly recommend this series to fans of Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas and Dorothy Must Die by Danielle Paige. Both books involve young girls who are fighting to take over the existing ruling power, and are done so beautifully. “I understand the need for deception. I should; I live a life of it. Distasteful, perhaps. But necessary.”  ― Virginia Boecker, The Witch Hunter

COVER REVEAL: The Promise by C.E. Wilson

   

Hello everyone!

Welcome to the Cover Reveal for

The Promise by C.E. Wilson!

 

What does it mean to be a human?

Lily Larkin is about to find out when on what should have been a day of great happiness, she is diagnosed with a rare and unbelievable disease. She is shrinking, possibly without limit. As her life starts to spin out of control and the world starts to grow around her at an uncontrollable rate she is forced to confront her greatest fear - losing the man whom she loved from the moment she saw him. Can they stay together even though she feels her humanity slipping away? Can she trust him with her secret and, as her disease progresses, her safety and even her life? Can she trust herself? A bittersweet story of love and loss, The Promise is a YA Paranormal Fantasy that will have you questioning the meaning of your own humanity and the weighing of trust against love. What will Lily choose? What would you choose?

The Promise by C.E. Wilson Publication Date: November 16, 2013

Available for Purchase:

Amazon

 

 

C.E. Wilson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, grew up in Millersville, Pennsylvania, and has been living in Pittsburgh since 2009. For the first few years living in Pittsburgh, she was an English teacher. Her first book, "Oath of Servitude," was published in 2012. In 2013, she quit teaching to be a full time author and hasn't looked back since. She loves spending time with her daughter and husband.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

 

 

Life After Juliet by Shannon Lee ALexander Review + BLOG TOUR

Life After Juliet by Shannon Lee Alexander Review

I would first like to thank Chapter by Chapter Blog Tours for providing me with a copy of this novel and choosing me as a host for this tour, and to Entangled Teen publishing as well. This is a companion novel to Love and Other Unknown Variables, and while I have not read that novel, I feel as though the reader does not need to read it in order to understand the plot and the characters in the novel. I absolutely think this book was super cute and definitely something that anyone can enjoy if you like romantic books with a hint of the classic teen angst put in with a touch of sweetness. The characters were so adorable and lovable, and were actually some of the most realistic characters that I have ever read about. You meet Becca, this young girl who has just had one of life's greatest obstacles thrown at her at such a young age. She really learns to overcome her grief while still holding onto what has happened as something that will always be with her in the end. I'm not usually such a big fan for books in this genre, but I have to say that this book made me laugh, cry, and root for the main characters like no other. I highly recommend this book to fans of Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell, and Me Before You by Jojo Moyes. This book will give you all the warm feelings that a rom-com YA should, with the touch of contemporary that ties the entire work together in a perfect package, ready to be opened by the reader.

Book Title: Life After Juliet

Author: Shannon Lee Alexander

Release Date: July 5, 2016

Genre: Contemporary YA

Becca Hanson was never able to make sense of the real world. When her best friend Charlotte died, she gave up on it altogether. Fortunately, Becca can count on her books to escape—to other times, other places, other people...

Until she meets Max Herrera. He’s experienced loss, too, and his gorgeous, dark eyes see Becca the way no one else in school can.

As it turns out, kissing is a lot better in real life than on a page. But love and life are a lot more complicated in the real world...and happy endings aren't always guaranteed.

The companion novel to Love and Other Unknown Variables is an exploration of loss and regret, of kissing and love, and most importantly, a celebration of hope and discovering a life worth living again.

Link to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26114303-life- after-juliet

Link to Tour Schedule: http://www.chapter-by- chapter.com/blog-tour- schedule-life- after-juliet- by-shannon- lee-alexander/

Extra Content: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/brbb3qo8ulv7ahl/AABNBS5BVIINrTavZt65B2Tea?dl=0

Shannon Lee Alexander is a wife and mother (of two kids and one yellow terrier named Harriet Potter). She is passionate about coffee, books, and cancer research. She spent most of her time in high school hiding out in the theater with the drammies and techies. Math still makes her break out in a sweat. She currently lives in Indianapolis with her family.

Author Website: http://www.shannonleealexander.com

Author Twitter: @shanlalexander (https://twitter.com/shanlalexander)

Author Facebook: Shannon L Alexander (https://www.facebook.com/shanlalexander/)

Author Goodreads: Shannon Lee Alexander (https://www.goodreads.com/shannonleealexander)

Newsletter: Sign up here - http://eepurl.com/09Igj

Giveaway Information: Contest ends June 15, 2016

Open internationally, but prize packs ship only to US. International winners will receive Amazon gift cards (listed below).*

 Grand prize: Hyperboles are the best EVER! tote bag, a 4oz. Novelly Yours Antique Books candle, Toe-meo and Juliet Shakespearean socks, Life after Juliet poison and dagger necklace, Velveteen Rabbit note card, signed Life after Juliet bookmark and bookplate*

 1st Runner Up: Hyperboles are the best EVER! tote bag, a 4 oz. Novelly Yours Antique Books candle, Toe-meo and Juliet Shakespearean socks, Life after Juliet dagger earrings, signed Life after Juliet bookmark and bookplate*

 2nd Runner Up: 2oz. Novelly Yours Antique Books candle, Life after Juliet dagger earrings, Velveteen Rabbit note card, signed Life after Juliet bookmark and bookplate*

 3rd Runner Up: 2oz. Novelly Yours Antique Books candle, Life after Juliet dagger earrings, signed Life after Juliet bookmark and bookplate*

*All contests are open internationally, but international winners will receive the following:

 Grand prize: $25 Amazon gift card, signed signed Life after Juliet bookmark and bookplate

 1st Runner Up: $20 Amazon gift card, signed Life after Juliet bookmark and bookplate

 2nd runner up: $15 Amazon gift card, signed Life after Juliet bookmark and bookplate

 3rd runner up: $10 Amazon gift card, signed Life after Juliet bookmark and bookplate

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