Saturday, November 30, 2013

Twelve Days of New Adult Giveaway Hop!

A giveaway hop! My first specifically New Adult one to participate in, too. Which makes me SOOOOO EXCIIIIIIIITED about this. Like, even more excited than normal. Eeeep!

The fact that I've been loving the crap out of New Adult makes this so hard to choose what book to giveaway, but I'm about to go on a huge kick with this author's books, so I'm going to let the winner choose any book they want by...

Molly McAdams 
From Ashes Taking Chances (Taking Chances, #1) Forgiving Lies (Forgiving Lies, #1)

**You can choose Stealing Harper or Needing Her, too, but be aware that those are only digital, and that Needing Her would be a preorder!**

Details:
- One winner will be randomly chosen to receive their choice of a Molly McAdams book 
- This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL!
- My giveaway policy applies, as always
- Enter through the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!



Hop on, lovely people!



♥Jessica(:

Friday, November 22, 2013

Review: Apollyon by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Apollyon (Covenant, #4)Apollyon by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Release Date: April 4, 2013
Format: ARC, 343 pages
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Series: Covenant #4
Source: Publisher in exchange for an honest review

Description from Goodreads:
Fate isn’t something to mess with… and now, neither is Alex.

Alex has always feared two things: losing herself in the Awakening and being placed on the Elixir. But love has always been stronger than Fate, and Aiden St. Delphi is willing to make war on the gods—and Alex herself—to bring her back.

The gods have killed thousands and could destroy entire cities in their quest to stop Seth from taking Alex’s power and becoming the all-powerful God Killer. But breaking Alex’s connection to Seth isn’t the only problem. There are a few pesky little loopholes in the whole “an Apollyon can’t be killed” theory, and the only person who might know how to stop the destruction has been dead for centuries.

Finding their way past the barriers that guard the Underworld, searching for one soul among countless millions, and then somehow returning will be hard enough. Alex might be able to keep Seth from becoming the God Killer… or she might become the God Killer herself.


I pretty much died waiting for this book. Elixir did help hold me over, but still. I DIED. Luckily, this book is worth dying for.

These characters...they just keep growing. Alex has grown SO MUCH throughout these books. It makes me happy just to think about. She's still snarky and amusing, but she's not really annoying to me anymore. Aiden's still Aiden, perfectly swoon-worthy. And Seth...as this series goes on, I miss the old Seth more and more. I do love him. So much. But he doesn't act like he did when I started loving him, and I hope so hard that he redeems himself. Even if he doesn't, I'll still be on his team. It will just hurt me a lot. BUT, on the bright side, I did feel that when we saw him in this one that he showed potential for not breaking my heart in Sentinel. So there's that.

Oh, and Apollo. Ha, Apollo. He needs a bell.

The plot of this one...I think the biggest thing I need to say is that it didn't take nearly as long as I thought it would for Alex to break Seth's hold and go back to being ALEX. That was something I worried about, because how can anything that makes me happy happen when she's trying to kill everyone? Well. Everyone except Seth. So Alex breaks the hold in less time than I thought she would--not telling you EXACTLY how long it takes, though. 

After Alex goes back to being herself, we jump into ADVENTURE things. Or something like that. We go somewhere and we do some stuff, and I know I'm not making it sound fun but it was legit I-cannot-put-this-book-down material. As Jen writes. I loved it.

The romance in this one was sweetness. I'm not even on Team Aiden, but I know he and Alex need to be together. They're so wonderful together and I adore reading about them. 

The end to this book actually wasn't that terrible for my heart. I mean, compared to Deity, this one's easy. We're left with closure for the next book. Yes, I want to read that book like I want to eat some brownies right now. But I can live while I wait. Ya know?

Overall, Jennifer L. Armentrout has lived up to her awesome sauce status with this fourth installment in the Covenant series. I loved this book from beginning to end and am so excited to get into Sentinel! Definitely jump into this book if you've read the first three. Honestly, I can't even fathom why you're waiting. READ IT. Do yourself a favor. It's fantastic!

♥Jessica(:

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Review: A Blaze of Sun by Bella Forrest

A Blaze of Sun (A Shade of Vampire, #5)A Blaze of Sun by Bella Forrest
Release Date: October 28, 2013
Format: eARC
Series: A Shade of Vampire #5
Source: Author in exchange for an honest review

Description from Goodreads:
Welcome back to The Shade...

"Of course you know who I am. I'm a daughter of the darkness just as surely as you are his son..."

Ever since his brief encounter with Emilia at The Shade, Derek's thoughts and dreams have been haunted with images of the mysterious, beautiful brunette. Plagued with guilt, he struggles to understand why he is so drawn to this dark stranger from his past.

When Emilia suddenly appears again on the island, Derek is both terrified and intrigued. But this time, he is determined to involve Sofia and discover who this woman is.

If only Derek and Sofia knew, Emilia is a mystery that should be left undiscovered...


I was on such a SHADE kick when I dove into this one, and let me tell you--this book helped me live through that kick, no problem. Another wonderful installment in what I always say (and always WILL say, because it is so true) one of my favorite vampire series. 

Bella Forrest has written another story I literally could not put down. Seriously, it was at least 4 am on a school night/morning and I was still up reading this book. These characters are great, and I always need to know what's going to happen next with them.

The plot in this one wasn't so much out of left field as the others in the series. Or, actually, I guessed the one thing I didn't want to happen and it ended up happening. Which leads me to the one--literally ONE, one and only--thing I did not like about this book. A certain something happens with Derek that I didn't like and didn't think was necessary. I felt like it was just something added for SOMETHING to happen. Not because the story actually called for it.

I did love absolutely everything else about the story, however. We met some new characters that I did like learning about, and I do like where the series is going for the end in the next book. This time, I actually HOPE what I think is going to happen will happen :)

Oh! And I was so happy for the characters in this book. Well. Some of them. When you read it, you'll know what I mean. I loved it and I'm so happy.

And the ending left me with that happy feeling. As I said, I have high hopes for where this series is going and where it'll  end. 

Overall, this was a nice, solid addition to the SHADE series and, even though I didn't love absolutely everything that happened, I still enjoyed this book and crave the next. For real, WANT. Serious want. If you're a fan of this series, get to reading this one!


♥Jessica(:

Cover Reveal: A Little Too Hot by Lisa Desrochers

A Little Too Hot by Lisa Desrochers 
  Release Date: January 21, 2014
Publisher: William Morrow Impulse
Series: A Little Too Far #3

Blurb: 
From USA Today bestselling author Lisa Desrochers, comes the third book in her sizzling New Adult series.

If you play with fire…

Tossed out of college and cut off by her parents, Samantha West is in pretty dire straits. So when her rocker best friend hooks her up with a job dancing at a gentlemen’s club, who is she to turn it down? Plus, there are rules to dancing at Benny’s: No touching, keep your clothes on at all times, and never get closer than three feet. Unfortunately for Sam, her first private client makes her want to break every single one of them.

Harrison Yates is scorching hot, but he’s got a past that involves being left at the altar not too long ago. Sam is determined to make him forget about his ex, but when she makes her move, it flings her life into a spiral of chaos she never saw coming.
Because Harrison Yates isn’t who he seems to be. And his secret will probably get her killed.





Giveaway: 
a Rafflecopter giveaway 


♥Jessica(: 

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Waiting on Wednesday #22




Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine!

Bitter Sweet Love by Jennifer L. Armentrout 
Bitter Sweet Love (The Dark Elements, #0.5) 
 Release Date: December 1, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Description from Goodreads:
In a sizzling prequel novella to her new series THE DARK ELEMENTS, #1 New York Times bestselling author Jennifer L. Armentrout draws readers into the extraordinary, irresistible world of Wardens and demons.

Dez wasn't just Jasmine's crush. A gargoyle Warden like Jas, he helped her come to terms with her destiny—fending off demons and maintaining balance between good and evil. He was her everything...right until the moment he disappeared without a trace. It didn't help that Jas's father had just announced that she and Dez would one day be mated. Hard not to take that personally.

And now he's back, three years older, ten times hotter, ready to pick up exactly where they left off. But Jas isn't taking that risk again. Dez has seven days to meet all her conditions and earn back her trust. Seven days filled with terrifying danger and sweet temptation. Seven days to win her heart—or shatter it all over again...

Why I can't wait: 
Um. Have you met me? I love JLA. And her books. They are awesome sauce, just like the author. But aside from that, I read a short preview thingy for this, and the teasers Jen posts on her blog, and goodness gracious. This book. Novella. Whatever. Ahhhhh. I neeeeeed it. Plus, I'm lucky enough to have an ARC of White Hot Kiss, and I think I want to read this one before I jump into that one. I think. We'll see how long this restraint lasts. Either way, I CANNOT WAIT. Cannot. It's not possible. Waaaah.

Since that was a novella, I think I should pair it with another novella...

Needing Her by Molly McAdams 
Needing Her 
 Release Date: December 23, 2013
Publisher: William Morrow Impulse

Description from Goodreads:
She’s the Girl Next Door

Maci Price isn’t really into relationships. Having four very protective older brothers has always made having a boyfriend very difficult, anyway. But her friend is set on finding her the perfect guy – and thinks the mysterious Connor Green is the perfect pick.

He’s Her Brother’s Best Friend

Connor Green is trying to find himself again. He loved then lost and it’s time for him to pick up the pieces. His brooding is making his friends crazy, but, Maci Price, who has grown up into a gorgeous and incredibly sexy woman, is about to break the spell.

They’re Made for Each Other

When Maci starts up old pranks to get Connor out of his slump, an all out war leads to a night that will break all their rules, and a relationship they must keep hidden. Together they’re electric. Apart they’re safe. And soon they’ll find they’re exactly what the other needs.

A fabulous, fun, and sexy, New Adult novella from New York Times bestselling author Molly McAdams. If you loved Connor in From Ashes, this is the story for you.

  Why I can't wait: 
I have a bunch of Molly McAdams books sitting on my Kindle right now. I plan on taking the next available stretch of time to read the crap out of them. One of them is From Ashes. That said, I'd love to have this story to go along with a character I'm looking forward to meeting, even if he's not really the love interest in that one. I just really want to read ALL OF THE MOLLY MCADAMS BOOKS as of late. This is one of them. Therefore, I want to read it. Makes sense, yes? ;)

All right, that's it for me this week! What do ya think? What are you waiting on! If you made a post, link me up!

♥Jessica(:  

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Top Ten Books I'd Recommend to My Best Friend

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish! 

Before I get into this, I should probably clarify which best friend I'm talking about. Because two read my blog, so yeah...this one's for my friend Vicki. Because if I were to do this whole post for Perez, it would be me shoving my favorite books at him instead of taking anything he likes into account. At least with Vicki, I know we like a lot of the same things so I can actually recommend stuff. 

Plus, she's always asking me for recs. So two birds with one stone, WOOT!

The Selection by Kiera Cass
The Selection (The Selection, #1) 
I've been telling Vicki she needs to read this book for a while now. It's cute, but not TOO fluffy, and I think she'd love Maxon just like I do. Then again, maybe she'd like Aspen better. Either way, she'd love one of them and have a great time reading this. A prince and a competition to become a princess/soon-to-be-queen! Dude. It's great.

Two Roads by L.M. Augustine  
Two Roads  
She's read Click to Subscribe (which I may or may not have told her to read repeatedly until she took my advice) and enjoyed it. So it makes sense that she'd want to give the next book by that author a shot, eh? It's fabulousness! This one is new adult, but she has been getting into that lately, which makes this book even more perfect. Also, I honestly think she'd appreciate the poetry aspects. 

Slammed by Colleen Hoover 
Slammed (Slammed, #1) 
SPEAKING OF POETRY. Vicki, you need this book in your life. Goodness, there's a poem in here called "Schooled" that I adore and you would love the crap out of. Just like the rest of this book. Will is magnificent and Colleen Hoover works her magic. I don't know how she turns this story into something so beautiful, but she DOES. She does, she does, she does.

How to Ruin a Summer Vacation by Simone Elkeles 
   How to Ruin a Summer Vacation (How to Ruin, #1) 
Hey, Vix, recognize them? AHHHHHHHH. If you get this from the library, you'll probably get the other cover, but whatever. PEPE. Anyhoo. Other than Pepe, this is my favorite series by Simone Elkeles, so after you finished this one, you'd have to read books 2 and 3. The MC in this is hilarious as all get out and I LOVE the guy, Avi. I call dibs. He's one of my all time favs. So read this. Then the other two. And then read other Simone Elkeles books. Because they are wonderful.

Stay by Deb Caletti 
Stay 
 Deb Caletti is one of my favorite contemporary authors, in general. Stay is without a doubt my favorite by her. I don't know what to say about this one except READ IT. I love it and wish to goodness that I owned it for myself so I could re-read it whenever I wanted. Yeah, it's that great.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins 
Anna and the French Kiss (Anna and the French Kiss, #1) 
 This book is cute as eff and set in France. Oh, and the guy? Has an ACCENT. An adorable English one. Lighthearted and fun, I know for a fact that you'd love this book to death and beyond. For real.

Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist by Rachel Cohn & David Levithan 
 Nick & Norah's Infinite Playlist 
This one is super short, but super good, too. There's a music base to this story, which I know you'd enjoy, and the whole idea of this story is fun and cute and just plain great. I think you'd adore Nick and Norah and their fun little adventure. ;)

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken 
The Darkest Minds (The Darkest Minds, #1) 
FOR HOW LONG HAVE I BEEN TRYING TO GET YOU TO READ THIS BOOK?! I love this book more than I love cake. One of my favorite reads of the year, and I know you're more picky about your paranormal and whatnot, but honestly this book is fantastic enough to get past that. The MC doesn't make me want to beat her up, there's a guy named Liam who is sweet as can be and uses the word "darlin'" on a regular basis (which I swooned at EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.), and Chubs. I can't even TELL you about Chubs. You need to read this book and experience him. DO IT, DO IT, DOOO EEEEET.

If I Stay by Gayle Forman 
If I Stay (If I Stay, #1) 
 I think this author in general would be one you'd love. Her books are so thought-provoking, and you get ALL THE FEELS. This was the first book by her I read (courtesy pf Ashley, actually) and I think you'd like it, too. It's gorgeous. And Adam Wilde...ohhh, Adam.

King Hall by Scarlett Dawn 
King Hall  (Forever Evermore, #1) 
 I've realized that you lean more towards contemporaries. Obviously. 7/10 of the books on this list are contemporary. But you DO like paranormal when it's done well (like JLA! And Victoria Scott!) and we're really loving new adult (need I remind you of The Edge of Never? And Cam's cookies. Hehehe). So this is a mix of those two. This is one of my favorite books this year and it is freaking amazeballs. I call dibs on Ezra, but I think you'll love Jack enough to be cool with having him. This book has four friends that are so completely amusing and sweet together I could burst right now just talking about it. READ THIS BOOK. You need it in your life.

Two Bonus Recs: 
Because I'm a good friend here are two more quick recs I think you'd enjoy (plus, ten just wasn't enough. Ahhhhhh)--

Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone 
Time Between Us (Time Between Us, #1)  
Set in 1995 with a time traveling, swoon-worthy boy, this is another book with music at its core that I think you'd really love. It was one of my favorites last year and I truly think you should give it a go.

Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow 
Strange Angels (Strange Angels, #1)  
 You know how I love the Covenant series, right? Well, this series is right next to that one as one of my favorites. Dru is snarky and badass. And I think you'd totally be Team Graves, which means I'd get Christophe all to myself. WOOT! This is another paranormal one I really think you'd end up loving right along with me.

Funny, I added two extras and I STILL have some books I want to put on this list. Sigh. Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater. That's all I'm going to say. ;)

That's it for my list! What do ya think? Did you make a list? Link me up!

♥Jessica(:  

Monday, November 18, 2013

Freeing You, Freeing Me by Kailin Gow Blog Tour (Book Spotlight)


Freeing You, Freeing Me by Kailin Gow
Freeing You, Freeing Me (You & Me Trilogy, #3) 
Series: You & Me #3

Synopsis:
About Saving You Saving Me (Book 1):
*Book featured and recommended on CBS television news for mature teens and adults in August 2012

*Book was originally edited by Ifsha R. and will be re-edited and re-released with new bonus chapters on Feb. 12, 2013.

18 year old high school senior and aspiring psychologist Samantha Sullivan (Sam) never thought she would fall for the one mysterious guy she has been speaking to over the phone for months, the boy the counselors called Daggers. She wasn’t supposed to talk to him outside of their sessions. But as she began to peel the layers of Daggers and learn who he is, the one boy she is supposed to be saving, might just be the one who is saving her.

Saving You Saving Me inspired the Saving You Saving Me Project found at: http://www.SavingYouSavingMe.com

The Saving YOU Saving ME Project was inspired by the book, which tells the story of Samantha (Sam) Sullivan, who becomes a peer counselor at a teen and young adult crisis center called Sawyer House. The Saving YOU Saving ME Project tries to replicate the atmosphere of Sawyer House by allowing a place for teens through adults a place to share their issues anonymously and in doing so, might be able to help others learn from it or might receive feedback from people about what to do. 
 


About the Author  

 Kailin Gow uses her author platform to bring awareness to issues affecting young adult and women. She has appeared on national radio as a regular guest on topics such as body image, self-esteem, dating and sexual relationships, bullying, and more; often brought up in her fiction books for young adults and women.

She is a graduate of the Annenberg School for Communications Masters in Management program in journalism, marketing and publishing at the University of Southern California.
 

Author Links:

   
♥Jessica(:

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Severed Colours by Dawna Raver



The epic continues…

Quinn Sinclair trusted Arik Morgaine until he betrayed her. Scared and alone, she finds herself delivered into the hands of the evil Morgana le Fay. When Quinn discovers Morgana's plans are beyond demented and seriously depraved—making life with the Changeling seem like a day at the beach—she wonders if death is a better option?

Arik Morgaine vowed he'd save Quinn no matter the price. When his well thought out plans go terribly awry, a desperate and heartbroken Arik is forced to beg the cruel Triarchia for help. Unwilling to go on without his Älskling, he answers a question that irrevocably alters their lives.

Can Arik and Quinn find a way back to each other, or will the price of saving her rip them apart forever?




Teaser

Large, purpose-driven hands caressed Quinn’s side, pulling her into him. His front to her back, their bodies fit together perfectly. Two separate individuals with jagged edges, that when put together, became a smooth, complete whole.
Älskling.” His voice in her ear came as smooth as melted chocolate. Warm, soft lips lavished kisses down her neck. She responded to his touch, pushing back into his hard body, closing the small gaps that kept them from being together.
She started to turn over to face him, his name hovering on her lips. “Arik.”
Quinn opened her eyes and hugged herself. She was alone. The dream or the vision, and its all too real images, wrenched at her broken heart.
Why Arik? Why did you do this to me? To us?”




Get your copy today!



Giveaway




♥Jessica(:

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Gratitude Giveaway Hop!

Thanksgiving is coming up and I heart y'all bunches and bunches, so I wanted to do a giveaway around this time. And then I saw this hop, and you know how I love hops...

This time I'm giving away something I've been meaning to give away for a while now. 

The Collector (Dante Walker, #1) The Liberator (Dante Walker, #2) 
The Collector and The Liberator by Victoria Scott!

I've given away The Collector before, but this is a first for The Liberator, so IT TOOK ME LONG ENOUGH, eh? :)

You know I love these books (have you seen my reviews of book 1 and book 2?), and you know I love this author. Like, for real, I am so thankful she exists and that I know her. And Dante. Where would I be without Dante? I HEART HIM SO HARD. And these books. Ohmygosh, these books. Love. Lovelovelove.

So I am seriously excited to give another person the chance to read/own these books. 

The Deets:
- One winner will be randomly selected to receive a paperback copy of THE COLLECTOR & THE LIBERATOR.
- This giveaway is, in fact, international. Pow!
- My giveaway policy does, in fact, apply. Read it.
- Enter through the Rafflecopter below for a chance to win!
- BOOM. (Because I can.)


Thanks for stopping by! 



♥Jessica(:

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Waves of Love by Danielle Sibarium Blog Tour (Review & Giveaway!)

http://www.daniellesibarium.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/WavesofLoveBanner.jpg 

Waves of Love (Heart Waves, #3) 
 Waves of Love by Danielle Sibarium
Release Date: October 27, 2013
Format: eARC
Series: Heart Waves #3
Source: Author in exchange for an honest review
Buy It: Amazon

Description from Goodreads:
Jenna knew Reece would break her heart, when he did Tyler stepped in to pick up the pieces.

As she’s ready to take the next step with Tyler, Jenna finds herself face to face with Reece. Lies and secrets are discovered from the two boys she trusted the most. And now it’s more than just her heart on the line, it’s her life as well.

Torn between two amazing guys Jenna’s certain of only one thing, this is the most important decision of her life. One almost destroyed her. The other brought her back to life. The time has come to choose. Can Jenna move forward with Tyler or will she be stuck in the past with Reece?

After the ending to Breaking Waves, I was incredibly eager to jump into this one. But, like everyone else, I had to wait. With the wait int between book 2 and book 3, I did worry a little that it would be harder for me to get back into the series again and feel for the characters again and whatnot. 

Yeah, I needn't have worried. Danielle Sibarium did a great job continuing the story of Jenna, Tyler, and Reece. And I think this was a great ending to the trilogy. I liked seeing the Romeo & Juliet aspects come full circle. After reading the first book, I had a feeling we'd see more in the rest of the series, but now that I've actually read it, I really did enjoy it.

Jenna's character growth was awesome to see in this one, as well. She used to be so closed off, but now she's just doing her thing and I like that. A lot. For real, I'm sitting here right now like "YOU GO GIRL." And Tyler grew so much, too. I daresay he grew the most. He changed from being the villain (that I loved anyway) and  now he's just so freaking great. I am 100% on Team Tyler, by the way. Reece is sweet and all, but Tyler is so my boy. 

I withhold all comments on Reece. Just because I can. 

As far as where the plot of this one went, I wasn't entirely surprised by the things that happened and how everything ended up, but I can say that I was definitely satisfied. Danielle Sibarium wrote a wonderful ending to a fun trilogy and I loved reading it.

Overall, Waves of Love did a nice job of wrapping things up and keeping me happy with the storyline at the same time. I still feel all kinds of love for these characters (especially Tyler, of course!) and will seriously miss them. I'm actually rooting for a spin-off right now. IT NEEDS TO HAPPEN. With a character I make grabby hands for. And another character the author needs to create...she should name that character after me. You know, because...of reasons...

So yeah. If you enjoyed the first two books of the Heart Waves trilogy, then you should certainly pick up Waves of Love and start reading! This is not an ending to miss.

Giveaway



♥Jessica(: