Monday, July 30, 2012

Mini Review: Glimmer by Phoebe Kitandis


Glimmer by Phoebe Kitandis

Publisher: Balzer + Bray (April 17, 2012)
Length: 352 pages
Format: Hardcover

Summary from Amazon:
When Marshall King and Elyse Alton suddenly wake up tangled in each other's arms with zero memory of how they got there or even who they are, it's the start of a long journey through their separate pasts and shared future.
Terrified by their amnesia, Marshall and Elyse make a pact to work together to find the answers that could restore their missing memories. As they piece together clues about their lives, they discover that they're in the idyllic mountain resort town of Summer Falls. Everyone seems happy there, but as Marshall and Elyse quickly learn, darkness lurks beneath the town's perfect facade. Not only is the town haunted by sinister ghosts, but none of its living inhabitants retain bad memories of anything—not the death of Marshall's mom, not the hidden violence in Elyse's family, not even the day-to-day anguish of being a high schooler.
Lonely in this world of happy zombies, Marshall and Elyse fall into an intense relationship founded on their mutual quest for truth. But the secrets they're trying to uncover could be the death of this budding love affair—and of everyone, and everything, they love in Summer Falls.

Review:
I found this book really interesting. Sometimes I was a bit confused about what was going on but the characters were just as confused. I loved that we got to see it from both people's point of view, especially the last part of the book. It made it so interesting because you knew what was going on while one of the characters didn't. 
I think I would rather remember the bad stuff because it makes you appreciate the good stuff more.  
3.5/5 stars.
~Alisia

Book Tour: The Lust Garden Promo


The Lust Garden

With her perfectly tousled blonde hair and pink, pouty lips, Gianna Salvani is the girl everyone loves to hate. She has it all - fame, fortuneand unrivaled beauty. But behind the seductive smile is an insecure girl who still grieves for the father she lost years ago. With a controversial new film in the can, and the release of her debut album looming, Gianna ispoised to take center stage. But when a shocking secret leaves her exposed, her fame will bring her face-to-face with a nightmare she never saw coming. Because lurking in the shadow of her spotlight is an obsessed killer with plans of his own for Gianna. Ignited by his first conquest, Gianna's greatest admirer begins a brutal hunt to claim her as the ultimate trophy in a string of look-alike murders. Motivated by envy, he forces himself into her seemingly untainted world and threatens to ruin everything she's built by revealing a hidden tie that binds them. And if you knew his secret, you'd want to kill her too
   Kindle / Paperback





  Billy Jolie graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Mass Communications. He lives in the Tampa Bay area. Follow him on Facebook / Twitter / Blog / Goodreads   Follow the Tour Promotional Book Tours and Billy Jolie are giving away a $50 Amazon Gc and 5 autographed copies! a Rafflecopter giveaway





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Friday, July 27, 2012

Mini Review: Above World by Jenn Reese


Above World by Jenn Reese

Publisher: Candlewick ( Feb 14, 2012)
Length: 368 pages
Format: Hardcover

Summary from Amazon:
Thirteen-year-old Aluna has lived her entire life under the ocean with the Coral Kampii in the City of Shifting Tides. But after centuries spent hidden from the Above World, her colony’s survival is at risk. The Kampii’s breathing necklaces are failing, but the elders are unwilling to venture above water to seek answers. Only headstrong Aluna and her friend Hoku are stubborn and bold enough to face the terrors of land to search for way to save their people. But can Aluna’s fierce determination and fighting skills and Hoku’s tech-savvy keep them safe? Set in a world where overcrowding has led humans to adapt — growing tails to live under the ocean or wings to live on mountains — here is a ride through a future where greed and cruelty have gone unchecked, but the loyalty of friends remains true.

Review:
This book was really interesting! It puts a whole new twist on being a mermaid. I loved the plot of this book! It takes you on an adventure to save her world while Aluna learns about the Above world. Its pretty good!. Aluna seems way older than she is. I loved the sacrifices she made and what she got in return.

 4/5 stars.
~ALISIA

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Virtual Book Tour Review: Forget Me Not by Belinda Boring



Forget Me Not (#2, The Mystic Wolves)

Only a fool would think they could steal from a werewolf …
Anticipating a quiet night alone with the man she loves, Darcy’s world is sent into a spin with the arrival of someone from the past—Mason’s. She is further shocked by the intruder’s claim she may not even be the true mate of the Mystic Wolves Alpha. Accusations start to fly, leading to her new enemy being granted asylum, and this is just the beginning of trouble.
Relying on the reassurances of Mason and the support of her friends and Pack, Darcy soon falls under attack. Suspicions are raised, and with no other choice, she must flee with Devlin to safety where hopefully they can untangle the lies hidden behind the use of magic. Time is quickly ticking away, leading to a showdown where everything is on the line.
They need to uncover the truth before it’s too late, or once again, Darcy will need to fight to hold onto her dreams.
Get the first book Mystic Wolves FOR FREE!!

Review:

        I really enjoyed the first book ( The Mystic Wolves) and after finishing it, I couldn't wait for the second. Darcy and Mason are so great together! I love them. Darcy is strong, independent and defends those she loves. Mason is perfect for her, he gives her something to challenge and lets her be herself. They would got to the ends of the universe for each other. 
I really liked this book, it showed more of their past and background while moving forward in their story. I also like that we got to know more about Devlin. It was interesting and fun and never boring. 
From the very beginning, I just wanted to throw something at Amber. I hate when people are fake and try to get into people's lives to ruin them. Ugh I didn't like her at all. 
I love Daniel. He is so nice and sweet. He is a great best friend to Mason and great to Darcy too.  I found Vlad very entertaining! 
One part that really got to me was when Darcy was ill because of the spell and she was having nightmare about losing her wolf and Mason. It was sad and she must have felt like her heart was breaking twice. Another part that got me was when Mason came into the old Pack Master house where Amber and Darcy were, but this time I was like YAY!
After everything got worked out in the end, I was happy and was thinking that they were finally going to do their mating ritual but then BAM, a whole new book!
I can NOT wait to read the next book!!
Overall, I loved this book!  4.7/5 stars!
~ALISIA


GIVEAWAY!
Enter to win a $50 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC & Set of autographed Books. 
Go HERE to sign up for the giveaway!






Author Belinda Boring

A homesick Aussie living amongst the cactus and mountains of Arizona, Belinda Boring is a self proclaimed addict of romance and all things swoon worthy. When she’s not devouring her latest read, you can find her celebrating her passion for book on her blog The Bookish Snob.
With all that excitement, it wasn’t long before she began writing, pouring her imagination and creativity into the stories she dreams. Whether urban fantasy, paranormal romance or romance in general, Belinda strives to share great plots with heart and characters that you can’t help but connect with. Of course, she wouldn’t be Belinda without adding heroes she hopes will curl your toes.
Surrounded by a supportive cast of family, friends and the man she gives her heart and soul to, Belinda is living the good life. Happy reading!

Follow Belinda Boring on her Blog / Facebook / Twitter




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Monday, July 23, 2012

Virtual Book Tour: Taming The Wolf



Taming the Wolf

Attacked by a wolf while hiking in the mountains, Anna Avery's life just got a little hairier. Living in the Big Horn mountains in Wyoming, with a group of werewolves who are more animal than human, Anna must try to hold onto her human side. It's not easy when the alpha continues to persuade her into his bed, while another wolf is chomping at the bit to become her mate. To top it all off, dead bodies are showing up and it just so happens that Anna was the last to see them alive. She'll have to work to prove her innocence and taming the wolf who bites first and asks questions never. This book is not intended for readers under 18. Purchase from Amazon and Barnes & Noble


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Sunday, July 22, 2012

The Unloved Cover Reveal Tour


The Unloved by Jennifer Snyder

A bit about the book:

Sometimes the love our heart needs to heal can be found in the familiar eyes of a childhood friend...
Julie Porter learned the hard way that trust is something which must be earned and not something to be given out lightly, those who say they love you are those who hold the power to hurt you most, and best friends can help you survive anything—until they move away.
Nick Owen knows a thing or two about a hard life. At a young age Nick learned how to take a hit and to make lemonade out of the lemons life tossed his way. Returning home after nearly two years of being away, all Nick cares about now is protecting his mom from the abusive hands of his father and catching up with his best friend—the girl who lived across the street, the girl he can’t seem to stop thinking about.
Finally reunited after two years apart, Nick and Julie are about to learn that age does nothing to protect you from life’s trials and tribulations, heartache and loss, but maybe together they’ll find a way to survive.

(Mature Young Adult, contains violence, language, and sexual situations.)

Giveaway:

One lucky person will receive an ecopy of the book from the author on release day, July 30! Giveaway ends July 27 and is open Internationally!
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Links:




Now onto what you have been waiting for...

THE COVER

The cover was designed by Stephanie Mooney from Mooney Designs.  The release date is July 30, 2012.

Mini Review: The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead


The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead

Publisher: Razorbill ( June 12, 2012)
Length: 417 pages
Format: Hardcover

Summary from Amazon:
The second thrilling installment in Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy spinoff series.
Tough, brainy alchemist Sydney Sage and doe-eyed Moroi princess Jill Dragomir are in hiding at a human boarding school in the sunny, glamorous world of Palm Springs, California. The students--children of the wealthy and powerful--carry on with their lives in blissful ignorance, while Sydney, Jill, Eddie, and Adrian must do everything in their power to keep their secret safe. But with forbidden romances, unexpected spirit bonds, and the threat of Strigoi moving ever closer, hiding the truth is harder than anyone thought.
Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Richelle Mead's breathtaking Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive. In this second book, the drama is hotter, the romances are steamier, and the stakes are even higher.

Review:
I liked this book. I don't think it is as great as Vampire Academy but hey there's a high bar there. One thing that I enjoyed about this book is that Sydeny got to explore more into the magic and what she is capable of doing. 
I really like Sydney. She helps out her friends any way she can, whenever she can. She is smart and strong. I also like Adrian, I think they would be great together!
 4.5/5 stars.
~ALISIA

Friday, July 20, 2012

The Friday 56 7/20



This is my first week!!
Rules:
*Grab a book, any book.
*Turn to page 56.
*Find any sentence, (or few, just don't spoil it) that grabs you.
*Post it.
*Add your (url) post below in Linky. Add the post url, not your blog url. It's that simple.
(Affiliate link)

Book:
Storm Born by Richelle Mead

"'How'd he get you at that angle and position?' Roland looked puzzled. 'Were you wrestling?'"
Check out Freda's Voice to learn more about Friday 56!

Book Blogger Hop 7/20

Hosted by Crazy-For-Books


What’s the ONE super-hyped book you’ll NEVER read?


Hmm, thats a hard one. Super-hyped books: Harry Potter (read it before all the movies were made), Twilight (read it after I saw the first movie because they books are better), and Hunger Games (read it before I even knew there was going to be a movie). I couldn't think of any super-hyped books that are recent, so I looked about some other people's answers. Fifty Shades of Grey is really unpopular among these  people. But I can't blame them. I don't know what it is about but my sister read it and said that if she knew more about before she read, she never would have.  
I can't say that I will NEVER read a book (I did that with Twilight and ended up reading it). But I can say that I may never get around to read some books! Because I get daily emails about free books on amazon and I end up getting at least one EVERY DAY! That adds up fast!
Hope everyone has a great weekend!!
~Alisia

Thursday, July 19, 2012

Mini Review: Summer on the Mountain by Rosemarie Naramore


Summer on the Mountain by Rosemarie Naramore

Publisher: Rosemarie Naramore ( Jan 27, 2012)
Length: 164 print pages
Format: E-book

Summary from Amazon:
When artist Summer Windham is offered the chance to vacation at her boss, Gwendolyn’s, mountain cabin, she’s delighted. There’s a catch, however. Gwendolyn wants her to paint a landscape to gift to her husband. Although Summer is experiencing “painter’s” block, she agrees to give it a go. On the mountaintop, she meets her boss’s ruggedly handsome forest ranger son, and the two immediately clash. He’s convinced his mother is playing matchmaker and he simply doesn’t have the time to be bothered. Or, does he?

Review:
I really enjoyed this book! I love how into the outdoors Summer was. I also liked how she wasn't interested in Jarrod or at least pretended like she wasn't and then you could see how her feelings grow. I also LOVED how they met! What I didn't really like was how when (SPOILER) Jarrod had to spend time camping on the mountain, looking for the poachers, the two were always rushed when he visited Summer. I liked that Summer had a part in finding the poachers
Overall, I really liked this book. It was interesting and fun, with some sweet thrown in.
3.7 to 4 stars.

~ALISIA

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Virtual Book Tour Review: Immortal Voyage by C. G. Powell


Immortal Voyage by C. G. Powell

Publisher: Terra Stellar Press (June 9,2012)
Length:199 print pages
Format: E-book

Summary from Amazon:
Before the time of the great pyramids, there was a place like none other, a city of glass and metal rising from the depths of the ocean. Shrouded in mist, the island of Hy-Brasil and its capital Atlantis lay hidden from the rest of the world by its people, a race of long lived, interstellar nomads.
What secrets would you keep to save your kingdom? On the Queen’s deathbed, the sonless King Aldric is force into a promise to allow his five daughters to marry for love. A promise he wished he had never made, and one he will have to break to save the kingdom.
The youngest of five daughters, Jael, spent most of her time at her father’s side learning to run a kingdom. Believed to be the King’s favorite, Jael is shocked when he betroths her to a longtime friend of his, Prince Sarik of Hy-Brasil. Soon she will learn that world is full of secrets and one of them is her very own birth. Will the secret that bonds her to Sarik be the ultimate downfall of a kingdom?

Review:
I really enjoyed this book. It has sci-fi, fantasy and romance, what more could you want! You get to know the characters really well. You also learn about some of the minor characters too. All the stories tie in together so you get the whole picture. They are all likable and fun to read about. I really loved Jael; she is responsible and strong (and indepenedent!). I also loved Starik! He was charming and sometimes sweet.
There are so many twists to the story. The whole time I was wondering what Jael was and what she could do. I'm glad that we got to learn about her and her powers with her. I was also trying to guess who was the mastermind behind Dugun. I never would have guessed who it ended up being! I couldn’t stand Gugun, I just wanted to bash him on the head with something (expescially when he attacked Tam)!
I wished there was more about the romance and how it grew between Jael and Starik.
I give it 4/5 stars!
~ALISIA

Buy a copy for your Kindle at Amazon!!

Monday, July 16, 2012

Mini Review: Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready


Shade by Jeri Smith-Ready

Publisher: Simon Pulse (May 4, 2010)
Length: 320 pages
Format: Hardcover

Summary from Amazon:
Love ties them together. Death can't tear them apart.
Best. Birthday. Ever. At least, it was supposed to be. With Logan's band playing a critical gig and Aura's plans for an intimate after-party, Aura knows it will be the most memorable night of her boyfriend's life. She never thought it would be his last.
Logan's sudden death leaves Aura devastated. He's gone.
Well, sort of.
Like everyone born after the Shift, Aura can see and hear ghosts. This mysterious ability has always been annoying, and Aura had wanted nothing more than to figure out why the Shift happened so she can undo it. But not with Logan’s violet-hued spirit still hanging around. Because dead Logan is almost as real as ever. Almost.
It doesn't help that Aura’s new friend Zachary is so understanding—and so very alive. His support means more to Aura than she cares to admit.
As Aura's relationships with the dead and the living grow ever complicated, so do her feelings for Logan and Zachary. Each holds a piece of Aura's heart…and clues to the secret of the Shift.

Review:
Some parts I really really liked and some parts I just liked, but I did enjoy this book. It takes ghost seeing to a whole different level. Seeing ghosts, it's NORMAL!  I love the story between Aura and Zachary. For some reason, I don't like Logan. I feel that he is just holding Aura back from life. She ends up lying to her family because of him. With Zachary, Aura can be a normal girl and have a somewhat normal life ( i say somewhat because government people watching you isn't really normal but more so than ghost, i think). 

4/5 stars.
~ALISIA

Saturday, July 14, 2012

Book Blogger Hop 7/14

Book Blogger Hop!
Putting up a day late because I completely forgot about it yesterday. Better late than never!


Question:
How long does it take you to read a book?
It all depends on the book! If I really like it and am into it then it could take me anywhere between half a day to a day. If I have other stuff to do while i'm reading the book, like working, then maybe two or three days to finish a book. If I sit down and read a book, start to finish, and I really love it then it will take me half a dayish.

Thanks for stopping by!!
 Take a look around and if you like something you see, please follow me! With GFC.

Have a great day!! I'm doing a day trip to L.A. with my family, so i'll be back later.
~ALISIA

Mini Review: Graceling by Kristin Cashore


Graceling by Kristin Cashore

Publisher: Harcourt Children's Books (Oct 1, 2008)
Length: 471 pages
Format: Hardcover

Summary from Amazon:
Katsa has been able to kill a man with her bare hands since she was eight—she’s a Graceling, one of the rare people in her land born with an extreme skill. As niece of the king, she should be able to live a life of privilege, but Graced as she is with killing, she is forced to work as the king’s thug.
     When she first meets Prince Po, Graced with combat skills, Katsa has no hint of how her life is about to change. She never expects to become Po’s friend. She never expects to learn a new truth about her own Grace—or about a terrible secret that lies hidden far away . . . a secret that could destroy all seven kingdoms with words alone.
     With elegant, evocative prose and a cast of unforgettable characters, debut author Kristin Cashore creates a mesmerizing world, a death-defying adventure, and a heart-racing romance that will consume you, hold you captive, and leave you wanting more. 

Review:
I really loved this book! It was interesting and there was never a dull moment. I was always interested to find out what would happen next. I really liked Katsa, i liked that we got to find the truth in her Grace with her. I liked that Po seemed to be everywhere; at the castle where she took out the guards, then at her castle. I thought that it was great that Kasta went with Po to find out more about his grandfather's kidnapping. I loved that she had finally stood up for herself to the King. 
Overall, it was a great book! 4.5/5 stars.
~ALISIA

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Mini Review: If I Stay by Gayle Forman


If I Stay by Gayle Forman

Publisher: Speak (Apr 6, 2010)
Length: 272 pages
Format: Hardcover

Summary from Amazon:
In a single moment, everything changes. Seventeen year-old Mia has no memory of the accident; she can only recall riding along the snow-wet Oregon road with her family. Then, in a blink, she finds herself watching as her own damaged body is taken from the wreck...
A sophisticated, layered, and heartachingly beautiful story about the power of family and friends, the choices we all make—and the ultimate choice Mia commands.

Review:
This story of this book is only a little longer than a day, but it brings up stuff from the past. I love how you connect with the characters from the very beginning. This book has an interesting way of looking at death, that she gets to choose if she wants to stay or move on with her family. I loved that I got to see every step of how she made her choice. What really moved me was that the (SPOILER) grandfather told her it was okay for her to choose to go, if that is what she wanted, because her parents and brother died. 
Overall, I liked this book and thought it was put together well. 
3.7/5 stars.

~ALISIA

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Mini Review: Heat Stroke by Rachel Caine


Heat Stroke by Rachel Caine

Publisher: Roc (Aug 3, 2004)
Length: 352 pages
Format: Paperback

Summary from Amazon:
Mistaken for a murderer, Weather Warden Joanne Baldwin is hunted down and killed by her colleagues. Reborn as a Djinn, she senses something sinister entering earth's atmosphere-something that makes tomorrow's forecast look deadly.

Review:
There was a lot going on in this book. It was good though. I liked that Joanne had to learn how to be a Djinn without the help of David. I was interested in the parts where they were claimed because they became more than they were. If they could be that powerful, why don't they find someone the trust to claim them? I mean yeah there would be a lot of problems and the warden could become power hungry and treat them as slaves. I really enjoyed the first book of this series, and i'm kinda ehh on this one but i will be reading the next to see if it gets better.
3.5/5 stars.
~ALISIA