Something Like Normal by Trish Doller

Buy the book:

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / IndieBound

Author's:

Website  / Tumblr / Twitter

Book summary:

"When Travis returns home from a stint in Afghanistan, his parents are splitting up, his brother’s stolen his girlfriend and his car, and he’s haunted by nightmares of his best friend’s death. It’s not until Travis runs into Harper, a girl he’s had a rocky relationship with since middle school, that life actually starts looking up. And as he and Harper see more of each other, he begins to pick his way through the minefield of family problems and post-traumatic stress to the possibility of a life that might resemble normal again. Travis’s dry sense of humor, and incredible sense of honor, make him an irresistible and eminently lovable hero."

What I thought about it...

      I picked up this book thinking: "I need something light for this first hot days of summer." Did I get what I wanted? No. Maja from The Nocturnal Library wrote in her review that cover is "misleading" and I have to agree with her. You would expect hot romance and not the story about young man who is trying to fit in after all horrible things he saw and death of his best friend. Actually, he is not even trying to fit in - Travis is just counting days until the day when he'll leave again. In the meantime, he's making some good and some bad choices and doesn't want to deal with the obvious problem.

     What I liked the most? Romantic love is not going to make everything go away and author isn't giving us happily ever after. Travis needs long term medical help to get well and not few steamy dates. Girl helps but in the other way than you might think. I believe that Something Like Normal will enjoy older readers. Teens would probably hate everything that we liked - but they'll grow up pretty soon, understand some things better and start to appreciate different thoughts and ideas about what is important.

     What made me angry? Politics. How come that you have no problem with sending eighteen year old boys in to war and make them kill other people, but it is not good idea to let them drink until they are twenty-one?

     I would recommend this book to everyone who wants to read something with deeper meaning and what will make them think about what's really important in life.

Until next time,

Four in the Morning by Christi Goddard

Buy book at Amazon

Author's Website

Book summary: 

Kathleen Hayson thinks her biggest problem is her mother. The only runner up—her mouth. With a wit sharper than her mother's perfectly manicured nails, her clever remarks create more problems than they solve.

But it's not her clever remarks landing her knee-deep in trouble. This time, Josh Colby is to blame. Kathleen's former childhood friend has become the school's most stuck up jerk. Before, she'd have told him to piss off and write his own stupid letter to the town slut/minister's daughter. Now Kathleen's escalating problems at home force her to reevaluate how flexible her principles are. She agrees to write the controversial letter Josh has requested.

Enter Rigel, a smartass magical creature who invades her room one night, promising he has come to help. When a boy Kathleen hates turns up dead and her mother goes missing, the letter becomes a key piece of police evidence—implicating Kathleen. As she fights her way out of a web of lies, the trust she has in those closest to her shatters. In the end, she's pushed to a terrible choice: who lives, and who else dies.

Here we have a story about young girl Kathleen. She has a bad relationship with her mother. Her mother tries to peruade her to lose some weight and Kathleen believes that she is ashamed of her. Her best friend Aka as well as other friends are “freaks“ or at least that's how other students call them. But things change when one “popular“ guy from the school ask her to do him a favour. In the meantime strange things happen,  suddenly Rigel pops up in her life. Kathleen must deal with a lot of crazines at the time.

This story is different. First thing I noticed and liked was main character Kathleen. Not because I like her as a character but because author did great job with her personality. She is that dark/gothic girl who pretends that doesn’t care about others and their opinion but deep inside she is really woundable. I had clear picture of her and I’ll say it again, really good job is done there. Unfortunately I can’t say the same for the rest of the story. I just couldn’t feel it. It was bunch of words in front of my eyes that made story but no feelings.

This story is also strange maybe even weird. All that story about Rigel is really surprising for me, but well I don’t read blurbs so I guess it won’t be surprising for others. One more thing is that this book is not predictable. I was really astonished with some moments, some were good but unfrtunately some were bad.

All in all really short and interesting book, but not more than that.

Until the next time, 

***NOTE: I reveived this book from author . Thank you.

I’m not paid to write a review – I do it as a lover of written word. All opinions in this review are personal. 

Liebster Blog Award

     We have our first blog award thanks to Amy from Amy's Book-et List and Priya from RavenFic Reviews who tagged us for Liebster Blog Award. Thank you girls.

Here are the rules:

1. Each person must post 11 facts about themselves
2. Answer 11 questions the tagger has given you and give 11 questions for the people you've tagged.
3. Choose 11 people and link them in your post.
4. Tell them you've tagged them.
5. Remember, no tag backs.

Tanja! 

11 Facts About Me: 

1. I probably can't live without chocolate (maybe I can, but I wouldn't test that).

2. I've been living in the same city whole my life. 

3. When I was 6 or 7 years old I demanded to be called Angela. 

4. I'm an only child and no, I'm not spoiled. 

5. I still don't have driving licence even though I'm legally old enough for one. 

6. I'll never start smoking. I tried once and never again.

7. I had a dog when I was younger and after he died I never had any other pet.

8. I'm not coffee lover, but I can drink it. I'm more hot chocolate type. 

9. My favourite band is The Red Hot Chili Peppers. 

10. I've also met my new BBFs on Goodreads: Glass, Zemmy and Zri. They are amazing and I really love them.

11. My dreamland is Brazil.

Glass!

11 Facts About Me: 

1. I live in Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
2. I'd like to spend most of my time traveling - I love discovering new places.
3. When I was kid, I was obsessed with death so I guess that's why I wanted to be a vampire.

4. I judge a people by the number of books they've read - it never fails me.
5. I love to read, but I'm too afraid to write something by myself.
6. I don't have Facebook accout.
7. First thing I do in the morning when I get up - drink coffee. I'm cranky if I don't.
8. I fell in love with my boyfriend when I was fifteen - it took me six years to get him. 
9. I've met my new BFFs on Goodreads: Tanja, Zemira and Zrinka. Those girls are my soulmates.
10. I have younger sister.
11. I do have favorites between my students but dont tell them that - they are already full of themselves.

11 Quick Questions from Amy's Book-et List

1. What is one of your favourite quotes? 

{Tanja}
- Thanks for that "one of" ;) Here is one: 

“Once, in my father's bookshop, I heard a regular customer say that few things leave a deeper mark on a reader than the first book that finds its way into his heart. Those first images, the echo of words we think we have left behind, accompany us throughout our lives and sculpt a palace in our memory to which, sooner or later — no matter how many books we read, how many worlds we discover, or how much we learn or forget — we will return.” 

Carlos Ruiz Zafon, The Shadow of the Wind. 

{Glass}
I have so many, but here's the one:
"Normal is an ideal. But it’s not reality. Reality is brutal, it’s beautiful, it’s every shade between black and white, and it’s magical. Yes, magical. Because every now and then, it turns nothing into something."
Harmonic Feedback by Tara Kelly

2. What chore do you absolutely hate doing? 

{Tanja}
 - Doing laundry! 
 {Glass}
- Ironing

3. What sound do you love? 

{Tanja}
- Sound of a piano. 
 {Glass}
- Guitar.

4. Cats or Dogs? 

{Tanja}
  - Dogs, always! 
 {Glass}
- I'm a cat person.

5. Favourite sport to play or watch? 

{Tanja}
  - Volleyball. 
 {Glass} 
- Tennis.

6. What is your favourite book, movie and song?

{Tanja}
  - Book - Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. Song - Under the Bridge by RHCP. Movie...hard to pick, maybe Finding Neverland. 
 {Glass}
- This is hard one. Book - The Piper's Son by Melina Marchetta. Song - Just Breathe by Pearl Jam. Movie -  She's All That.

7. If you could speak any language, what it would be and why? 

{Tanja}
  - Portuguese. Why? It sounds beautiful and exotic. 

{Glass}
  - Japanese - it's so crazy.

8. What is your guilty pleasure? 

 {Tanja}
 - Twilight books and what Glass said! :)

{Glass}
  -  Pathetic romantic movies.

9. What's your favourite midnight snack? 

 {Tanja}
 - Chips - pizza flavour. 

{Glass}
 - Skittles.

10. Favourite drink? 

{Tanja}
  - Any juice, I don't drink sodas so much.

{Glass}
  - Orange. 

11. What's your favourite place to read? 

 {Tanja}
 - My bed.  

{Glass}
  - Everywhere I can.

7 prying questions by Priya from RavenFic Reviews:

1. How long have you been blogging?

{Glass}

  - Since February 2011.

{Tanja}

  - Since April this year.  

2. What's your most anticipated read of 2012?

{Glass}

  - Black Dawn by Rachel Caine and Such a Rush by Jennifer Echols.

{Tanja}

  - There is plenty of them. Mostly sequels to different series. Like Deity and Onyx by Jennifer L. Armentrout or Treason by S.M.Boyce. 

3. What are you reading right now?

{Glass}

  - Jellicoe Road by Melina Marchetta (second time).

{Tanja}

  - Easy by Tammara Webber. 

4. If you could meet any author, which one would it be?

{Glass}

  - Sarah Dessen, Melina Marchetta and Tara Kelly.

{Tanja}

  - Melina Marchetta, Richelle Mead and Jennifer L. Armentrout. 

5. Which book or book series would you like to be turned into a movie?

{Glass}

  - Summer series by Jenny Han.

{Tanja}

  - Same here.

6. From where do you mostly buy your books?

{Glass}

  - Lokal bookstores all over my town.

{Tanja}

  - Same as Glass again or in rare opportunities on different giveaways.  

7. Harry Potter vs Twilight vs The Hunger Games?

{Glass}

  - The Hunger Games.

{Tanja}

  - Harry Potter

Our 11 questions:

1. Where do you live?

2. Do you remember your favourite book from childhood? 

3. Do you have your "book boyfriends"?

4. Twitter, Facebook or something else? 

5. Do you prefer ebooks or paperbacks (hardbacks)? 

6. What's your ideal job? 

7. Where would you like to go on the vacation this summer?

8. How many books do you read each year? 

9. Fantasy or relistic ficton?

10. Do you have any hobby?

11. Any life-changing moments?

Who we decided to tag?

  - (Read, watch, listen)
  - Divine Secrets of a Little Bookworm
  - ILoveTeenBooks
  - Between fantasy and reality

  - Removing stitches
  - Romance Powered by History
  - Bitchy Dust
  - Lost in thought
  - Cover2Cover

  - Knjige i limunada (Books and lemonade)
  - PaulaSHx 

My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick

Buy the book:

Amazon / IndieBound / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

Author's:

Webpage / Twitter / Facebook

Book summary:

"The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself?"

What I thought about it...

      This book was worth waiting for. I've read it in two days despite the fact that I was head over heels in all that boring end-of-the-school-year paperwork that us, teachers, are so fond of.

     First, I can not believe that this is Huntley Fitzpatrick's debut novel. I've read so many bad books lately and those authors didn't have the excuse of first attempt in their writing careers. My Life Next Door reminded me a lot of Sarah Dessen novels - by the concept and the writing style. And I love Sarah Dessen.

     My Life Next Door is great example of what does it mean to create believable characters - we are introduced with everyone gradually and getting the informations about each characters trough their actions. There isn't author's eulogy about them on five pages or constant describing of every single clothing choice. (Dear authors, you can describe, but make sure it actually has a point and that it's relevant for the story - like clue in mystery novel. On the other hand, three pages descriptions of what your main heroine is wearing on her first day in school just for the sake of describing is not a good move.)

     What I liked the most? The way relationship between Samantha and Jase developed. There's such a positive message for all the young girls - if I had a teenage daughter, I would make her read this book. But it's not just another story about girl who falls for the boy - read it and you'll see.

     For the end I can say only one thing - I can't wait for Huntley Fitzpatrick's next novel.

Until next time,

    

{Review & Giveaway} Taste by Kate Evangelista

Buy the book:

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Author's:

Webpage / Twitter / Facebook

Book summary:

 "At Barinkoff Academy, there's only one rule: no students on campus after curfew. Phoenix McKay soon finds out why when she is left behind at sunset. A group calling themselves night students threaten to taste her flesh until she is saved by a mysterious, alluring boy. With his pale skin, dark eyes, and mesmerizing voice, Demitri is both irresistible and impenetrable. He warns her to stay away from his dangerous world of flesh eaters. Unfortunately, the gorgeous and playful Luka has other plans.

When Phoenix is caught between her physical and her emotional attraction, she becomes the keeper of a deadly secret that will rock the foundations of an ancient civilization living beneath Barinkoff Academy. Phoenix doesn’t realize until it is too late that the closer she gets to both Demitri and Luka the more she is plunging them all into a centuries old feud."

What we thought about it...

Storyline

{Glass} Interesting plot. I had my share of doubts first time I heard about this book. It reminded me too much of manga/anime The Vampire Knight with all that stuff about night and day students, but that's where all similarities ends. I liked paranormal elements of the story - zombie-like creatures living hidden in human society, secret kingdoms and two boys on the throne. My biggest problem with Taste was that it felt kind of rushed which left me wondering what did just happened.

{Tanychy} I haven't read that manga/anime therefore I had no idea about night and day students. I was surprised with this book. As some of you may know I rarely read blurbs so every book is a mystery. I also like this zombie-like creatures story, as it's new. I agree with this rushed, yes the story really goes fast and something is happening all the time. 

Characters

{Glass} I seriously wanted to strangle Phoenix sometimes. She doesn't think at all or she thinks too much. Boys... Well I like those boys. Maybe Luka just a tiny bit more. But looking them generally, all characters are typical for paranormal young adult novel. Nothing suprising over there.

{Tanychy} Huh. Here I had some problems. Yes, the problem is Phoenix, or annoying-girl-strikes-again how I called her. There is huge difference between being bad-ass and annoying character. Phoenix is maybe curious and I would probably be but she is also so impatient and sometimes her actions were just stupid. About boys in this book, Demitri is typical kick-ass boy. I know that he will be like that from the beginning, but Luka was really interesting in whole story. I really like Demitri's brother Dray, he is really "normal" and great character.

Love story

{Glass}Love triangle... Duh, I so didn't see that coming.:) I understand that girl can be totally swept off her feet when she finds out that not just one but to boys are having hots for her. And they are drop dead gorgeous. But when it's pushed too much in the first plan of the story it could be annoying.

{Tanychy} What to say about love story. It was predictable. I expected love triangle from the beginning and I most certainly got one. You enjoyed in some moments between characters. Demitri is perfect gentleman and  I like him for that. He cares about Phoenix, but also does Luka. I expected that the end will be like this and I'm happy for that.  

What we liked

{Glass} Honestly, I thought that I'll hate this book. But I don't. All the paranormal elements are original - combination of zombies and scientific explanations was really good move. And that scene where Phoenix meets Luka for the first time... Dear God! Awesome.

{Tanychy} So all in all I like the concept of the story generally. I haven't read much stories about zombies, especially about hot zombies like those in the book. So that all was interesting and new for me. Beside Dray I also like Demitri and Luka. I must add the end, I like the ending. Call me lame, but this type of the end is my favourite. What can I say, hopeless romantic till the end. 

What we didn't like

{Glass}Unlike my hopelessly romantic BFF Tanja, I did not liked the ending. If there's going to be second book, it should have ended differently. Other thing I didn't like - all those stuff about kingdom - too much medivalish for my taste.

{Tanychy} You're right, but I didn't know there should be book 2. I didn't like Phoenix for sure. I've seen worst than her, but still I can't get over with that. Another thing is that story was too rushed. There is still enough space to write about zombies and their future, but love story here is as far as I'm concerned completed. I wouldn't touch that.

Giveaway

Our lovely followers, you have chance to win ebook copy of Taste by Kate Evangelista. You know the drill - fill out the form below. It's open internationally until June 29th. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until next time,

&

Blog Tour: The Future of Our Past by Kahlen Aymes

Buy the book 

Amazon / Barnes & Noble 

Author's 

Website / Facebook / Twitter

Book summary: 

Julia Abbot and Ryan Matthews have been inseparable best friends since the moment they met. Each of them fight an internal battle, unwilling to risk their incredible friendship, but unable to quell their deep longing for the other. On the verge of Ryan’s departure to Harvard Medical School and Julia’s for her new job on the opposite coast, they are forced to face the undeniable truth of their deeper feelings and find themselves enthralled in a passion like neither has ever known.

 The lovers are faced with forced separation, great distances and others who try to sabotage their relationship as both of them work to build the shared future they both dream of. When their lives begin to finally gel, Julia is offered a promotion that will jettison her career to new heights. Ryan is left angry and bereft as it will only postpone their reunion yet again. In light of the sacrifices she has made for him, he can hardly deny her, and Julia is faced with the most difficult decision of her life. Will she choose the chance of a lifetime or the love of her life?

 The Future of Our Past is the first book in The Remembrance Trilogy, a truly transcendent love story of a powerful and passionate connection, like we all dream of.

What I thought about it...

     Well... I don't want to sound rude, but I didn't really like this book. Plot sounded interesting, so when my friend Tanja asked me if I wanted to review it for blog tour - I said yes. You have two best friends who are in love since the day they met, but neiter of them says anything. He had his share of hook ups and she's a good girl waiting for her right guy. Annnd... that's about it. Not even sexy scenes could save it for me. On the other hand I believe this is type of the book that will enjoy fans of Shelly Crane (I didn't like her books) or Kailin Gow. Luckly, we are bringing you  excerpt from The Future of Our Past - read it and make your own decision.

Excerpt 

The one topic we avoided was our feelings for each other.  It hung over us like an unspoken storm, but I was enjoying the day and didn't want to ruin it by forcing the topic, even though I ached to tell her I was in love with her.

Our time together made it clear that I could not contemplate the future without her in it.  The most immediate future consisted of her getting on a plane and flying away from me.

I gave up trying to sleep and pushed out of bed. I went into the hallway and stopped to listen for signs of Julia sleeping.

I heard her soft voice calling out.  "Ryan? Is that you?"

I walked the short distance into the living room. I stopped in front of where she sat and took in her shorts and t-shirt, her wild bed hair and the sparkling eyes looking up at me.

"Yeah.  I can't sleep."

She smiled.  "Well at least it's not your hormones this time."

"Isn't it?" I asked softly as I touched a finger to her chin.

"Maybe it wasn't such a good idea for me to come here."

"Yes, it was..." I said quietly, took her hand and pulled her up from the couch and down the hall, back to my room.

"Ryan...I.." she whispered as I took her in my room and shut the door behind us and I could feel her tremble beside me.

Still holding her hand, the mattress gave beneath my weight and I pulled her down beside me.  She sat, cross legged facing me and I took both of her hands in one of mine, cupping her cheek with the other.  She felt so soft...

"Julia...these last four years..." I began to speak but she pulled one hand from mine and pressed two fingers to my lips.

"Don't say something you'll regret, Ryan.  I'm...scared.  So scared of losing your friendship."

I sucked in my breath.  "I'm scared of losing more than your friendship, Julia."

"I don't understand..."

"Will you listen without stopping me? Take the risk of hearing what I have to say." I whispered impatiently and rubbed my hand up and down her arm.

"Okay," she said quietly.

"I'm scared of not having what we're supposed to have if we don't take the risk. These last four years have meant so much.  Knowing you and having you near me has literally changed the course of my life. You're my very best friend but... I feel so much closer to you than that. This thing with us... I can't shake it.”

She nodded, almost imperceptibly and looked down at her lap. "I know.  Me, too."

I felt a little ray of hope surge within my chest and my heart sped up.  This is Julia, I reminded myself.  She knew me better than anyone else so I should just say what I needed to say.

"Since the day we met, I've been fascinated by you, honey.  It's getting harder and harder to be around you and try to deny my feelings."

"Are you trying to say you're attracted to me, Ryan?  Because...I'm attracted to you, too. On many levels." She dropped her eyes to our hands again.

"In the club, the night I got my acceptance letter, I wanted to kiss you.  Holding you drove me crazy, but, it was like we talked about then.  I'm not willing to lose your friendship." 

"If we cross that line, then what?  Will we feel weird with each other or lose...this?  Will it make being apart even worse?"

"Can it get any worse?" I asked quietly as my fingers threaded through hers.

"I don't have that answer, but it's something I've asked myself," she whispered.

"What I do know, is that I'm not capable of fighting it anymore, and that no matter what happens, I will always want you in my life." I searched her face as uncertainty flashed across her beautiful features.

"Ryan, do you promise?  Promise me," she begged as she leaned her forehead on mine.  Her breath rushed over my face and I could literally taste how sweet she would be in her scent.

"I promise." I lowered my mouth and ghosted it over hers.  My heart was thumping in my chest so fast I thought it would explode. This was the moment I'd waited for, for over three and a half years.

Her tongue came out to lick my upper lip and my breath left me in a rush, my body tightening in response.

I held her head with gentle hands as my mouth finally settled over hers.  Our open mouths were soft and searching.  It felt new and exciting, but also so right. Our lips knew exactly how to mirror each other and move in perfect unison.  She sucked on my upper lip and then I sucked on her lower one.  I thought I'd died and gone to heaven.

"Julia, my God," I groaned against her mouth as I gathered her close to me and lay her down on the bed. I moved over her and kissed her again and again.  The nearness of her, what I'd been dreaming of for so long was finally within reach, but I wanted to take it slow, to savor every touch. "Kissing you is every bit as incredible as I've imagined it would be."

Her arms moved around my shoulders and into my hair as she pulled me closer.  Knowing she wanted me, made me insane.  I could feel the urgency in her body, as she surged against me, and I parted her legs with one of mine. This was a fantasy that I'd had a million times, and it was finally being fulfilled.

She felt so good, her body molding perfectly to mine. I ground my hardness against her and she moaned against my mouth.  "Ryan, uhh..."

“Uhhh, say it again," I begged against her mouth.

"Ryan..." she gasped before my mouth devoured hers again and again, and the friction of our bodies making us both breathless.  I cupped her breast and my body swelled even more as I teased the peak until it strained in my hand.  I had to taste her, and urgently pushed her shirt up to expose her bare breasts. She was perfect. Round and firm with erect pink nipples.

"You're so beautiful.  I can't tell you how long I've wanted this."  I groaned as I dragged my open mouth from hers, down over her neck and chest until it finally closed over one of her luscious nipples.  Her back arched toward me and her hands wound in my hair as I pulled it into my mouth, suckling and flicking it with my tongue.  I thrust against her hip, seeking the contact that I so desperately needed.

I had her writhing beneath me and desire for her drove me insane.

I moaned softly as her nipple popped from between my lips and I brushed her hair back off of her face.  "Do you want me to stop?  I don't want to do anything you don't want, baby."

She searched my face and reached up to flutter her finger tips across my jaw.  "Ryan, I...I want you, but I'm scared of what will happen to us...later."

I kissed her nose and then her eyelids and cheeks before moving back to her mouth to tease it back into another deep kiss.  I loved how she responded to me.  It felt like she couldn't help herself and it was the sexiest thing I'd ever experienced.

Hearing her say she wanted me turned me on, beyond comprehension.

"I know; me too...but you feel so good, we fit so perfectly...I can feel your heart beating against mine. I can tell how amazing we'll be together."

Her hands moved up my chest and one of mine moved down between her legs never taking my eyes from her face.  Her mouth fell open and her eyes closed as my hand rubbed her over her clothes.  "God, Julia, you're so hot, you drive me crazy." Her body arched against my hand and my dick literally ached as it twitched against her hip.  "I've wanted you, to touch you like this since the day we met."

"Why didn't you, then?" she moaned before she raised her head toward mine, clearly seeking my kiss.  I was only too willing to oblige her as my mouth took hers again in a series of hot, wet kisses, our tongues laving and playing with each other.

Yes, why the fuck didn't I?

About the author

Kahlen Aymes grew up in the Mid-Western United States and was educated at a private university. She is divorced with one daughter, has a B.S.B.A. degree in business/marketing and began writing as a way to network a business venture. Soon, writing turned into her passion and morphed all other career goals.  Her readers have told her they want to read angsty, passionate love stories that put them into the pages.  She does her best to deliver!  Her work was described by her publisher as "...a female fantasy - the intersection of perfect love, tragedy and raging intimacy."   

Nominated for numerous writing awards in the second largest derivative fiction community in the world, she has won several, including Best Author, Best Angst, Best Love Scene, Best Indie Fiction & Best Series.   Kahlen enjoys communicating with her readers far and near, and encourages them to contact her personally! 

Kahlen Aymes grew up in the Mid-Western United States and was educated at a private university. She is divorced with one daughter, has a B.S.B.A. degree in business/marketing and began writing as a way to network a business venture. Soon, writing turned into her passion and morphed all other career goals.  Her readers have told her they want to read angsty, passionate love stories that put them into the pages.  She does her best to deliver!  Her work was described by her publisher as "...a female fantasy - the intersection of perfect love, tragedy and raging intimacy."   

Nominated for numerous writing awards in the second largest derivative fiction community in the world, she has won several, including Best Author, Best Angst, Best Love Scene, Best Indie Fiction & Best Series.   Kahlen enjoys communicating with her readers far and near, and encourages them to contact her personally! 

Until next time,

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Enslaved in Shadows by Tigris Eden

Buy the book

Amazon / Smashwords

Author's 

Website / Blog / Facebook

Book summary: 

A man's Past leads to his Future......

Agent Stone of the Shadow Unit's job is simple, most days. Work in the Shadows, police his own Kind. 

When an unwanted assignment turns out to be his darkest fantasy from the past, Draven can't help but be conflicted by the memories of the past and his responsibilities in the future. But his decision has been made.

The Heart of a woman is Tested........

Jes can't let the tall dark agent back into her life. 

How can she trust any man after what she's endured. Years of abuse have broken her down and she doesn't have room for more. The man she turns to for help hasn't abused her physically but he's tormented her emotionally. A past betrayal left her scarred, but also brought her life. 

Can she accept him into her heart and trust him again? 

One will survive and adapt, the other will realize hearts can be mended even if it’s a bit too late. 

The road to forgiveness sometimes only brings more pain. Unexpected events set their lives on two separate tracks leading to one outcome. Lives will be changed and an emotional battle to save their souls will leave them both trapped and enslaved in their need for one another.

Excerpt 

“Stop trying to bait me.” She stepped away from him to the other side of the elevator. Gabe had a wide smile on his face as well and stood with his hands behind his back teetering on the soles of his boots. The elevator dinged and the three of them stepped inside facing the front. As the doors began to close a very angry Draven was peering at them through the glass of the conference room he didn’t look happy at all.

“You know if you tell him,” Jesminda said under her breath. “I will see to it personally you and your man parts meet with a very dear friend of mine.” Let him read that from her mind and see if he still wanted to open his mouth. She looked him straight in the eyes, amber darkened to deep orange.

“Careful, you might find I quite enjoy a dose of pain with my pleasure. You, dear handling my junk bring nothing but salacious intentions to my brain and its receptive pleasure neurons.”

What was with these guys and their subtle and not so subtle come-ons? You would think they’d never been in the presence of a female before. She knew that wasn’t it. Royce tilted the corners of his mouth. The bastard was way too full of himself for his own good.

“I had a very up close and personal relationship with my father so the term bastard does not apply.”

Jesminda grinned.

About the author 

My name is Katina Jewel Hernandez pen name Tigris Eden. I am eternally 29 years old. I love to write, read, and listen to music, watch movies, and travel. My biggest goal right now is to be waited on hand and foot. Possibly a group of hot cabana boys, maybe two or three door men, a butler and personal chef and driver, for now. I adore oatmeal crème cookies and long walks to my pillow. I’m pretty laid back and I love to laugh.

 I’m an ex-military brat, and have been to a number of wonderful places. I’ve been writing for as long as I was able to put pen to paper. I use to write music and play flute. So if it wasn’t music notes jumping at me to be put on paper it was words. True story: When I was growing up in Germany my father and I watched a lot of musicals. Sound of Music, Annie…. You name it I’ve watched and probably know the words by heart. Anyway, I thought life was a musical and my first day of school I sang the entire day. Whether it was hello, my name is Katina or can I go to the restroom. Two years later I was asked to write about my very first day of school. When I wrote my story the teacher didn’t believe me, told me I was a big story teller. So I’ve been telling stories ever since, whether it was with music or words.

 I live in Cypress, Texas with my Husband LL and my boys Darryl Joseph and Andrew and a newly acquired puppy name Kastor. When I’m not writing, I’m balancing payroll taxes, moving state wages, or answering that age old question. “Why don’t my wages in box 1 equal what’s on my pay stub. 

Giveaway

Today we have one ebook copy of Enslaved in Shadows for you! As always fill this rafflecopter form to enter! Good luck!



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Until the next time,

Callum & Harper by Fisher Amelie

Buy this book 

Amazon / Barnes & Noble

Author's 

Blog / Facebook fan page

Book summary:

Life sucks for orphans Callum Tate and Harper Bailey.

Kicked out of their foster homes because they suffer the 'eighteen disease' with nothing but a hundred dollar check from the government and a pat on the back, they're forced to rely on a system that failed them miserably.

So they sit. They sit inside Social Services, waiting for their social workers to call their names and offer them the miracle they know will never come but they sit anyway because they have nowhere else to go, no other options on their very literal and figurative empty plates.

But as they sit, they notice the other. Although captivated, they each come to the conclusion that life is complicated enough without throwing in a boiling tension that can't ever be acted upon because they're both too busy thinking about where their next meal will come from but when their names are called and both are placed on a year long waiting list for permanent housing, suddenly relying on each other seems like a very viable plan B.

And, oh, how lovely Plan B's can be.

Well, except for the psycho from Harper's past that haunts her and, oh, yeah, there's the little issue that neither of them knows they're in love with the other.

Needless to say, Callum & Harper's life just got a bit more complicated.

“One day, you and I are gonna’ wake up and be alright. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow but one day. One day. I promise you.” - Callum Tate

Few months ago my partner in crime here Glass told me about this book and said that I'd love it. As she knows me too well I took her advice and read this book. As always she was right this is type of the book that I love! Here is her review of Callum & Harper and you can read mine below.

This book got me on the first page I believe. I melted after first few pages. That occures rarely but every time it does I love it. Let me say that this book and story itself are far from perfect but I admire those authors that make me feel the book and cry like a little baby.

Callum and Harper share almost the same past. They are both homeless and without anyone in this world and they’re also eighteen so that means that they need to take care of themselves. They suddenly meet while sitting inside Social Service and it seems like destiny wanted them to meet. Up until yesterday those two perfect strangers became somethingthey could only dream about, best friends as it seems. Only they’re uncetain how to share their feelings and their past is chasing them so they must maintain togehter but question is how when ther is so much to say and to understand. I know it sound like some romantic movie but like I said it’s so sweet that I couldn’t resist it.

I admit there is too much drama and too much misunderstandings for one book. At come point I just wanted it to be over and luckily it was. The author of this book definitely has a talent for creating sweet and heartbreaking love stories and for creating relations between charactes and defintely for putting dramatic parts (only some limits have to be set). This book is really readable and I wasn’t able to stop until the end.

I must say that I really look forward to reading other books from this author. 

Until the next time, 

{Blog Tour & Giveaway} The Last Bastion of the Living by Rhiannon Frater

Buy the book:

Amazon / Smashwords 

Author's:

Webpage / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Release date:

June 12th, 2012.

Book summary:

   "The Bastion was humanity’s last hope against the fearsome undead creatures known as the Inferi Scourge. A fortified city with a high wall, surrounded by lush land rich with all the resources needed to survive, protected by high mountain summits, and a massive gate to secure the only pass into the valley, the Bastion became the last stronghold of the living on earth. But one fateful day, the gate failed and the Inferi Scourge destroyed the human settlements outside the walls and trapped the survivors inside the city. Now decades later, the last remaining humans are struggling to survive in a dying city as resources and hope dwindle.

   Vanguard Maria Martinez has lived her whole life within the towering walls of steel. She yearns for a life away from the overcrowded streets, rolling blackouts, and food shortages, but there is no hope for anyone as long as the Inferi Scourge howl outside the high walls. Her only refuge from the daily grind is in the arms of her lover, Dwayne Reichardt, an officer in the Bastion Constabulary. Both are highly-decorated veterans of the last disastrous push against the Inferi Scourge. Their secret affair is her only happiness.

   Then one day Maria is summoned to meet with a mysterious representative from the Science Warfare Division and is offered the opportunity to finally destroy the Inferi Scourge in the valley and close the gate. The rewards of success are great, but she will have to sacrifice everything, possibly even her life, to accomplish the ultimate goal of securing the future of humanity and saving it from extinction."

What I thought about it...

      We've been talking a lot about Rhiannon Frater and her books last month - all of that was just warm up for today: day 7 of The Last Bastion of the Living Blog Tour. You can win ebook of this novel and if you check out other blog tour stops, you'll see there are few more goodies waiting just for you - full schedule is here.

     I have to say that I never liked zombies, I do not watch  Walking Dead and this is the first Rhiannon Frater novel that I've read. But... I think I'm getting there. The Last Bastion of the Living is the best indie novel I've had in my hands so far. It's mix of everything - science fiction, dystopia, urban fantasy. You won't be overwhelmed with too much scientific explanations or military terms. Rhiannon used everything with measure, just enough to suck you into that world and make it look believable.

     This is book for grown ups. What does that mean and why didn't I use term "adult"?  Well, it seems that adult novel lot of people equals with erotica nowadays. The Last Bastion of the Living most definitely is not erotica and, thank you God, it is not pathetic romance with creatures form the dark for horny teens. There are emotions, zombies, fighting, bad and good guys, but Rhiannon Frater didn't write this book thinking: "Hey, let's put out there something with tortured hero and damsel in distress and bunch of bad guys who want to destroy the world because main characters are in luv!"  No! We have world that hangs by its threads and forty people who are tricked into saving it although they'd do that even if they knew all the facts. This would be great movie!

     What I liked the best? Girl power! Maria Martinez is kick-ass heroine with hers ups and downs, strong character and mind of her own. I was so hyped after reading this - my own inner bad girl wanted to kick some butt. I knew from first description that author probably used Michelle Rodrigues as inspiration and I've read  here that I was right!

     Rhiannon Frater is giving away signed paperback copy of the book over Bookish Brunette, but you can also win autographed bookmarks and Rhiannon Frater totebag. Just go here and follow instructions.
But that is not all. Today you can win ebook of  The Last Bastion of the Living here on Ja čitam, a ti? All you have to do is fill out Refflecopter form below. It's open  internationally until next Sunday, June 24th. Good luck!



    

    
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until next time, 

  ***NOTE! Copy of the book is kindly provided by Rhiannon Frater. (Thank you!!!) I'm not paid for writing review - I do this for free as lover of written word. All opinions in this review are personal.

{Blog Tour} The Oracle (The Gateway Chronicles #2) by K. B. Hoyle

Buy the book:

TWCS  

Author's:

Blog  / Facebook / Twitter

Book summary:

"A year ago Darcy Pennington had no real friends. A year ago she’d thought that magic only existed in fairy tales. A year ago she would have laughed at the idea of other worlds.

Then everything changed when she’d visited Cedar Cove Family Camp and stumbled into a magical gateway to a world called Alitheia.

It is the summer before freshman year and Darcy and her five friends have come back to Cedar Cove Family Camp and Alitheia. This return is bittersweet because her elusive purpose in the magical realm continues to evade her. Egged on by Tellius, the boy prince she is prophesied to marry, Darcy rebels and impulsively “petitions” an entity called the Oracle and requests it give her information as to her purpose. In order to receive her answer she must travel to the Oracle, and so she embarks on a journey along with her friends and Yahto Veli, the nark. Too late she realizes her selfish entreaty has thrown the entire outcome of the prophecy itself into question and endangered everyone. Uncertainties mount between Darcy and her companions as they fight their way through enemy territory to locate the Oracle, and an unwelcome visitor from Cedar Cove adds a layer of mystery that none of them are prepared for. 

But the perils of the quest are nothing when compared to what lies in wait for her in the lair of the Oracle. There is a cost associated with every question asked– a cost that may be far greater than Darcy is willing to pay. And someone may choose to make the ultimate sacrifice to free her from it."

What I thought about it...

    I've read first book in The Gateway Chronicles two moths ago - The Six took me by surprise. I felt like a child again. And then TWCS asked me if I wanted to review second book in the series. My answer - "YES!" Cindy, you rock!:)

     The Oracle is set a year after everything that happened in the the first novel. It did started a bit slow, although that first scene with Darcy's dream was really good start. I don't want to spoil this book too much for you, so I will not tell anything about the plot - and what amazing plot it is. If you love books about magic, summer trips and everything Narnia alike - this is right choice for you.
     But I have to put one character on the first place - Yahto Veli. Actually, from all of the supernatural creatures in K.B. Hoyle's books, Narks are the most intriguing. Being one person by the day and completely other by the night... Oh, my wickedness! And Darcy... She might be fourteen but she is kick-ass heroine, my favorite kind.

     I'm well known by my girl crushes issues, but I can't help myself - some girls are that good. K. B. Hoyle is that good! Why I like her? (Other than because of her books, of course.) She is mother of three little boys, she's a teacher and that's the job that follows you home even when you sleep - trust me, I know! But this woman still menages to finish her writing and I've read somewhere that there will be six books in The Gateway Chronicles. 

     If you are interested, you can read my review of The Six here. Make sure that you follow blog tour on its next stops - for all of the details check out The Writer's Coffee Shop on Twitter - @twcs_pubhouse.

Until next time,

***NOTE! Copy of the book is kindly provided by the publisher, TWCS. I'm not paid for writing review - I do this for free as lover of written word. All opinions in this review are personal.

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: The Cadet of Tildor by Alex Lidell

Hello everybody! Today we have a cover reveal! So drums please! Here it is

Expected publication: January 10^th, 2013 

Pre-order: Amazon 

Goodreads page

It looks really cool! Don't you think? Now more about the book.

Book summary:

Having already survived six years at the Tildor's top military academy, sixteen-year-old Renee De Winter is determined to graduate, training day and night to compete with her male classmates. When the boys overpower her parries, she works harder. When a bully sabotages her gear, she fights without it. But when an underground crime group captures her mentor for its illegal gladiatorial games, she must choose between her career and her conscience. Determined to penetrate the group's inner circles, Renee will leap from academia to the crime filled streets, pick up a sword, and weigh law against loyalty. 

About the author 

Alex Lidell is a YA fantasy writer and author of ABNA Finalist THE CADET OF TILDOR (Penguin, 2013). Alex started writing at 2 am. Alex’s 2 am project, which she started after getting her Masters in International Peace and Conflict Resolution, was her book. THE CADET OF TILDOR - 2010 finalist in Amazon Breakthrough Novel Awards (under the title SERVICE OF THE CROWN) - tells the story of sixteen-year-old Renee, who struggles to keep up with her male classmates at a grueling military academy while facing a friend’s forbidden magic and her mentor’s shadowy past. CADET is upcoming from Dial Books for Young Readers (Penguin) on January, 10, 2013.

Although English is Alex’s primary language, it wasn’t her first. Coming from Russia, Alex learned english in elementary school and fell in love with reading when the school librarian put Tamora Pierce’s ALANNA into her hands. Years later, in college, it was another book that re-united Alex with russian, which she had shunned in adolescence. The Three Musketeers.* Alex thanks both books, and the writers who created them.

Alex Lidell is a YA fantasy author. She is also a photographer, a horseback rider, and a paramedic. The latter two go hand in hand more often than one would like.

Author's

Website / Facebook / Goodreads

Giveaways

The author is doing two (2) giveaways. We won’t notify the winners, the author will take care of that. The giveaway ends Friday, June 15^th.  These are open to US addresses only.

First is swag pack giveaway. Swag Pack - win dog tags, a TCoT bag and usb port. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Second is for Teachers (Educators) Only - win TCoT vocabulary cards for the classroom. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

That's it for today! Good luck!

Until the next time,