Cover Reveal: Tipsy by Cambria Hebert

Title: Tipsy
Author: Cambria Hebert
Series: Take It Off - all the novels in this series can be read as stand alones
Genre: New Adult Contemporary Romance
Release Date: December 13, 2013
Format: Ebook and Paperback

Synopsis

***This is a new adult contemporary novel and contains sexual content and graphic language. It is not intended for young adult readers.***

Julie Preston is an artist. But her canvas isn’t paper or clay. It’s hair. She spends her days coloring, blow drying and styling her clients hair at the Razor’s Edge salon. Julie is also annoyed. She went out on a date and had a great time, gave the guy her number and the jerk never called.
So when he waltzes into the salon and sits down in her chair she briefly considers strangling him with the pink cape she fastens around his neck.
Too bad she can’t.
Blue Markson, the guy who never called, is a police officer so causing him bodily harm would be a first class ticket into the slammer. Just looking at him again makes Julie forget why she was mad in the first place, but she’s already learned that Blue is nothing but heartache. So when he starts coming around, acting like he hadn’t made her stare at the phone for days, she tries to brush him off.
Only…
Her life is about to blow up in her face, she’s about to get caught up in a sticky web of crime and the one guy who can help her is the one guy she vowed never to trust again.

| GoodReads |

About The Author

Cambria Hebert is the author of the young adult paranormal Heven and Hell series, the new adult Death Escorts series, and the new adult Take it Off series. She loves a caramel latte, hates math and is afraid of chickens (yes, chickens). She went to college for a bachelor’s degree, couldn’t pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair. She currently lives in North Carolina with her husband and children (both human and furry) where she is plotting her next book. You can find out more about Cambria and her work by visiting http://www.cambriahebert.com

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Review: Moonlight and Oranges by Elise Stephens

Cover Source: GoodReads

Title: Moonlight and Oranges
Author: Elise Stephens
Series:
Version Reviewed: Finished, Paperback
Website: www.elisestephens.com

GoodReads Summary:

A timeless tale of young romance.
Lorona Connelly is ready for a change from her carefully planned, bookish life. When sparks fly at a costume party, she embraces a chance for romance with the handsome Kestrin Feather. However, she quickly realizes that even love and destiny may not be enough to overcome the reality of an overprotective mother-in-law and Kestrin's long, tarnished history of relationships.

When Lorona's curiosity leads her to Kestrin's journal, doubt plagues them both with insecurities and threatens the relationship. Can true love overcome the odds, or was their whirlwind romance just a frivolous crush? Author Elise Stephens shares a journey of young love, fate, and wounded trust in the story of Lorona and Kestrin, a couple who must learn to overcome their fears to share a life together.

I won this book in a giveaway a while back and I've been curious about it ever since.

this book is a modern retelling of Cupid and Psyche, a Greek myth, though in the book itself, you're kind of led to believe that it's a retelling of La Llorona, a Mexican legend.

I actually thought this book was pretty good. I was thrown off a little in the beginning by how fast everything went (and it went fast!) but the further I got into it, the better it seemed to get.

The writing was done well and the characters were easy to get into. There were a few mistakes in the book, however, which wouldn't be shocking if it were an ARC, but I was reading a finished copy.

Favorite Character: Lorona & Kestrin.

Rating: 3 Stars.

*I won this book in a giveaway.

Review: Mystic City by Theo Lawrence

Cover Source: GoodReads

Title: Mystic City
Author: Theo Lawrence
Series: Mystic City #1
Version Reviewed: ARC, eBook
Website: www.theolawrencebooks.com

GoodReads Summary:

For fans of Matched, The Hunger Games, X-Men, and Blade Runner comes a tale of a magical city divided, a political rebellion ignited, and a love that was meant to last forever. Book One of the Mystic City Novels.
Aria Rose, youngest scion of one of Mystic City's two ruling rival families, finds herself betrothed to Thomas Foster, the son of her parents' sworn enemies. The union of the two will end the generations-long political feud—and unite all those living in the Aeries, the privileged upper reaches of the city, against the banished mystics who dwell below in the Depths. But Aria doesn't remember falling in love with Thomas; in fact, she wakes one day with huge gaps in her memory. And she can't conceive why her parents would have agreed to unite with the Fosters in the first place. Only when Aria meets Hunter, a gorgeous rebel mystic from the Depths, does she start to have glimmers of recollection—and to understand that he holds the key to unlocking her past. The choices she makes can save or doom the city—including herself.

When I first began reading this book, I could not, for the life of me, remember what it was about. So I was going into it blind. I was sucked into it in no time.

The book has a Romeo and Juliet quality to it. There is a big emphasis on love in the story, but it's done in a way that keeps you interested and wondering how everything will work out.

The only thing I didn't like was that one of the big "mysteries" in the book was really easy to figure out. For me, anyway.

I really enjoyed the book though and it's one that I could see as a really cool, futuristic action movie.


Favorite Character: Hunter & Turk.
Rating: 4 Stars.

*This book was provided for free by the publisher for review.

Review: My Alien Parents by R.L. Stine

Cover Source: GoodReads

Title: My Alien Parents
Author: R.L. Stine
Series:
Version Reviewed: Finished, Paperback
Website: www.rlstine.com

GoodReads Summary:

I thought I knew everything there was to know about my parents, like what they always eat for breakfast. Then one morning, everything changes. Mom suddenly hates tea and loves cornflakes and Dad's scarfing down poached eggs like there's no tomorrow ? which, by the way, there may not be unless I can figure out what's gone wrong. Can it really be that Mom and Dad have been replaced by aliens from another world? And what the heck happened to our dog?

I absolutely love R.L. Stine. I always have. And even his short little kids books are not disappointing in my opinion.

I was excited when I pulled this book out of a box of what seemed like a million books that we had stored in our shed. I had no idea that it was there, but apparently my husband had been holding out on me.

This book reminded of Invasion of The Body Snatchers, if there were a kids version. And as it seemed, there was even a reference to the movie in My Alien Parents.

It was a very short book, but it still had the classic R.L. Stine twist at the end that you weren't expecting. Very reminiscent of the Goosebumps series.

I loved it!

Favorite Character:

Rating: 3 Stars.

*Found it in my husband's stash of books.

Giveaway: The Child of Denys

Title: The Child of Denys
By Nicole Gillette
Genre: Young Adult/Middle Grade Fantasy Fiction
Publication Date: 10/31/2012
Buy links:
Paper back Kindle Nook Google Books iBook
Description:
When Katie finds a cat hiding in her mother's garden, she has no idea the kinds of adventure that await her.
A new kid appears in school at the same time Katie's friends and family begin having nightmares, and she begins to have amazingly vivid dreams. In her dreams this new cat speaks to her, telling of darkness that has invaded the Dream Realm and encouraging her to begin a journey to help save not only the Dream Realm but the real world as well.
Max, the new kid in school, has a dog that seemed to adopt him. Just as the cat had claimed Katie. Max's mom recently died in a car accident and his father had a very difficult time dealing with her death. That left Max alone and without any friends other than his new dog.
Katie, her family and her friends learn that a simple, caring gesture is sometimes all it takes to change the course of the world. Join Katie and Max as they learn the true power of our dreams and the importance of our friendships.


About the Author:

Nicole Gillette (or Nikki to her friends and family) describes herself as a wife, mother, crafter, gardener, chef and whatever else is needed. She stays busy following her two children around to sporting events, creating amazing art pieces, writing, and running her online business "Creating Amidst Chaos."
Growing up in Northern Michigan Nikki learned to appreciate spending time outdoors. She enjoys camping, hiking and fishing and collects memories and mementos on her trips to use in scrapbooks, crafts, art projects and writing. Nothing is off limits to use!
As she began to explore different art techniques her friends and family encouraged her to teach lessons on scrapbooking and mixed media art. As a result she developed a series of written tutorials that are now available in e-book format.
In addition to the crafting tutorials she has written children's books that are engaging and entertaining for children and adults as well. Most of the inspiration for her writing come from the wonder she sees in the eyes of her children as they explore our world.
Nikki ensures us that as a 'Jack-of-all-Trades' you can be sure of only one thing. As time goes by she will develop and change so you can expect her projects and writings to do the same.


Author Links:


Giveaway:


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Title: The Child of Denys

Review: Midnight Sun by Stephenie Meyer

Title: Midnight Sun
Author: Stephenie Meyer
Series: Twilight #1.5
Version Reviewed: Unfinished, eBook.
Website: www.stepheniemeyer.com

GoodReads Summary:

Midnight Sun is the much anticipated retelling of Twilight from Edward Cullen's perspective. An unedited partial draft was illegally leaked onto the internet in 2008; consequently, author Stephenie Meyer put the project on indefinite hold.

Shortly afterward, she posted a letter to her fans on her website including a link to the entire partial draft of the book so that those who wanted to read it could do so legally and with her consent.

*This is a re-read and review.

This is the second time that I have read Midnight Sun since Stephenie Meyer officially released it to the eyes of the readers. I'm a huge Twilight fan, so just like before, I'm amazed at the intricate workings of Edward's mind and how he witnesses and experiences the events and characters that we all know and have grown to love.

I so honestly wish that this book had no been ruined by it's unscheduled leak. Twilight, entirely in Edward's point of view, is a book that most Twilight fans have yearned for. I cannot express how badly I wish that Midnight Sun would have been finished.

If you are a Twilight fan (or even just an Edward fan) and you have (for some reason) not read Midnight Sun, then I highly recommend it to you. You finally get the chance to learn what the heck is going on inside his head, as well as more information about the world of Twilight and it's characters.

Favorite Characters: Edward & Bella.

Rating: 5 Stars.

*This book was free for download on StephenieMeyer.com

Review: Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Cover Source: GoodReads

Title: Mockingjay
Author: Suzanne Collins
Series: The Hunger Games #3
Version Reviewed: Finished, Hardback
Website: www.suzannecollinsbooks.com

GoodReads Summary:

Katniss Everdeen, girl on fire, has survived, even though her home has been destroyed. Gale has escaped. Katniss's family is safe. Peeta has been captured by the Capitol. District 13 really does exist. There are rebels. There are new leaders. A revolution is unfolding.
It is by design that Katniss was rescued from the arena in the cruel and haunting Quarter Quell, and it is by design that she has long been part of the revolution without knowing it. District 13 has come out of the shadows and is plotting to overthrow the Capitol. Everyone, it seems, has had a hand in the carefully laid plans -- except Katniss.
The success of the rebellion hinges on Katniss's willingness to be a pawn, to accept responsibility for countless lives, and to change the course of the future of Panem. To do this, she must put aside her feelings of anger and distrust. She must become the rebels' Mockingjay -- no matter what the personal cost.

I literally just finished this book. And honestly...I'm practically speechless. I normally keep a little notebook with me while I read a book I'm going to review and I write down random points that I want to make in my reviews. Then, when I'm ready to write the review, I get my notebook, and I start to write about the different points I had picked. Things I liked and disliked about the book, or quotes that really stood out to me. When I finished Mockingjay, I started to go downstairs to retrieve my notebook from where I left it the night before. And then I stopped. I turned around and headed straight for my computer. I didn't even need the notebook. After turning that last page, everything I felt about the book was in my head and weighing on my heart. I didn't need a piece of paper to tell me how I felt about the last book in The Hunger Games Trilogy.

This book...Oh gosh. This book caught my attention and held it just as the previous two had. But with it being the third, I was even more eager to read faster and to learn and to see how these characters and the world around them was going to end up. There were moments in this book where I was giggling to myself, blinking rapidly because I could feel the sting of tears coming on, or cursing out loud because I was so angry with a situation that occuring or because a character had truly pissed me off. But don't get me wrong. That I was feeling such anger and frustration was not a bad thing. In reverse, it was very good. Because it was not the writing or the author that pissed me off, it was the story and the situation because I was so deeply involved in it that I felt like I was a part of it. Not many books can get that big of a reaction out of me.

I stayed up late reading this book, I disappeared into my bedroom in solitary confinement for hours, and when I wasn't reading Mockingjay, I was dying to get back to it. By the time I finished, I walked into the kitchen, laid the book on the table, and with a pouting face and teary eyes, I told my husband to go finish reading it.

The Hunger Games will forever be a trilogy that I will come back to. When I finish a series, I judge how great it was by my reaction when I finish the words on the very last page and sit the book down. If I'm still thinking about it thirty minutes to an hour later, wishing it didn't end, then it was amazing. Harry Potter was the only series that has made me feel this way. Until I finished The Hunger Games. This series will forever be on of my all time favorites and I cannot wait to delve right back in to Panem.

Favorite Character:

Rating: 5 Stars.

*This book was borrowed from a friend.

Review: Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver

Cover Source: GoodReads.com

Title: Liesl & Po

Author: Lauren Oliver

Series: 

Version Reviewed: ARC, Paperback

Website: www.laurenoliverbooks.com

GoodReads Summary:

Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice,until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone.
That same night, an alchemist's apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable.
Will's mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey.
From New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver comes a luminous and magnificent novel that glows with rare magic, ghostly wonders, and a true friendship that lights even the darkest of places.

I absolutely loved this book. It had been on my list for a while and I was ecstatic when Lauren Oliver sent me an ARC copy. It came in this amazing box that was decorated with the cover of the book. I couldn't wait for it to arrive and I hurried as fast as I could to dig into it. I was not disappointed.

As my husband and I lay down in bed the other night, we both pulled out a book and began to read. About a page in, he turns to me and proceeds to whine like a little kid because he wanted to read Liesl & Po first. I could not make this up. Finally he read his book and I continued on with mine. A few chapters in, I got up to go the restroom. When I came back, he had his nose stuck in my book and wouldn't give it back! It took forever to get it back from him, but I eventually did. And I read it quickly.

Liesl & Po is unlike anything I've read in a while. It's brilliant, amazing, full of emotion, and at times, laughter. It felt like I was reading a fairy tale. Only a very well thought out, extremely beautifully written, fresh fairytale. I have to admit that this book was so much better than I thought it was going to be. I mean, I knew it was going to be good, but I didn't know it was going to be this good. The inside if filled with beautiful, haunting words and equally as impressive illustrations. I loved everything about this book and it isdefinitely one that I will come back to in the future. On one hand I wish that this novel was the first in a series, but I believe if it were any more than just what it is, it would not be as amazing as it is.

My only regret is that this is the first Lauren Oliver book I have gotten my hands onto. 

Favorite Character:

Rating: 5 Stars

*I won this book in a giveaway.

Review: Left To Die by Lisa Jackson

Cover Source: GoodReads.com

Title: Left To Die

Author: Lisa Jackson

Series: To Die #1

Version Reviewed: Finished, Paperback

Website: www.lisajackson.com

GoodReads Summary:

Nothing's More Terrifying. . .

One by one, the victims are carefully captured, toyed with, then subjected to a slow and agonizing death. Piece by piece, his exquisite plan takes shape. The police can't yet see the beauty in his work--but soon, very soon, they will. . . 

Than Being Left Alone. . . 

In the lonely woods around Grizzly Point, Montana, four bodies have been discovered. Detectives Selena Alvarez and Regan Pescoli have been hoping for a career-making case, but this is a nightmare. Even with the FBI involved, Selena and Regan have nothing to go on but a killer's cryptic notes, and the unsettling knowledge that there is much worse to come. . . 

To Die. . . 

When Jillian Rivers opens her eyes, she's trapped in a mangled car. Then a stranger, claiming to be a trail guide named Zane McGregor, pries her free. Though she's grateful, something about him sets Jillian on edge. And if she knew what lay out there in the woods of Montana, she'd be truly terrified. Because someone is waiting... watching... poised to strike and make Jillian the next victim...

I was a little leery about this book at first. I wasn't sure if I was going to like it. I do have to say that it starts off with a bang. There's no question to it. It lures you in and makes you want to find out who is doing all these horrible things.

There are numerous twists and turns and right when you think you have everything figured out, Lisa Jackson throws you for a loop and switches everything up until you're left clueless and wondering once again.

This book is so suspenseful and carefully planned out that you can't help but to continue.

It's a crazy ride I really want to get into the second book just so that I can figure out what happens after that insane cliff hanger that you're left with in the end. 

Favorite Character:

Rating: 4 Stars.

*This book was borrowed from a friend.

Review: Just A Nice Guy by Phil Torcivia

Cover Source: GoodReads.com

Title: Just A Nice Guy

Author Phil Torcivia

Series: 

Version Reviewed: Finished, Paperback

Website: www.torcivia.com

GoodReads Summary:

Is it true that nice guys finish last? It sure seems that way as a divorced man fights his way through a comedic dating scene. Will he ever find his soul mate? Phil has been called the male version of Carrie Bradshaw. Enjoy his humorous essays about relationships and the struggles we all have finding and keeping lovers. Women appreciate his open view into the minds of men. Artist Mike Swaim adds to the hilarity with his brilliant sketches, giving another dimension to Phil's quest for love.

I have to say that this book was amazing and I can't wait to read more from Phil Torcivia. Not my normal kind of read, but it was hilarious and I enjoyed it immensly. And it was a quick read (or maybe I read fast?). Either way, I loved Just A Nice Guy.

This book is basically an insiders look on the dating scene, the hilarity of men and women looking for that one person that they want to spend their lives (or more realistically, their beds) with. We get a look at what really goes on inside a man's brain, and occasionally the woman's. Nothing held back.

This book is definitely not for younger readers. It is intended (and should be kept) as an adult read. It touches on everything from pets, "toys", sex, alcohol, what to do, what not to do, and everything in between, plus more. There's humor on practically every page, and the illustrations are graphic, amusing, and very well done.

This is definitely a book I will pull off my bookshelf and read again in the future. And my husband has already claimed rights on reading it next.

Phil Torcivia is an honest, raw, humorous author. And he does his job very well. 

Memorable Quote:

"If you're going to poke fun at somebody, make sure you can defend or at least laugh at yourself."

Rating: 4 Stars.

*I won this book through GoodRead First Reads.

Review: It Is Said by Edward Medina

Cover Source: GoodReads.com

Title: It Is Said

Author: Edward Medina

Series: Mathias Bootmaker and the Keepers of The Sandbox #1

Version Reviewed: ARC, eBook

Website: www.loboed13.wix.com/author

GoodReads Summary:

It Is Said (MBKS1), the first book in the Mathias Bootmaker and the Keepers of the Sandbox trilogy, is a dark fantasy, steampunk adventure full of mysteries, riddles and secrets. This unique tale of redemption is also an Amazon top ten Fantasy and Action Adventure bestseller.
This is the story of Mathias Bootmaker, a young man searching for the better parts of himself. His search for what he's lost begins an amazing journey through a world of extreme imagination. A world he helped to create, but a world he can't remember anything about. It's the story of his life, the birth of creativity, and the true power of the energy all around us.
The world of It Is Said (MBKS1) is a dream embedded within a nightmare. A maze inside a labyrinth. It reads like an adventure. It plays like a thriller. It's designed to make you question every place you go and every character you meet. It's designed to be a puzzle you must solve. Turn the pages. Follow the path. Keep an eye out for clues. Beware of traps. But most important of all… you must not fear the Darke.

I accepted the review for It Is Said a few months ago, but I never actually got around to reading it until now. I've spoken to the author on numerous occasions and he was very nice and enjoyable to talk with.

Unfortunately, I have to admit that I just couldn't get stuck in this book. I tried, I really did. But I found myself getting easily distracted while reading and it was hard for me to get into the story, stay focused on it, and understand what exactly was going on. Mathias Bootmaker just isn't the type of book for me. But I'm not saying it's bad. Someone that likes different types of books than me would definitely enjoy this novel. It just wasn't for me.

Rating: 2 Stars.

*This book was provided for free by the author for review.

Quick Update

A portion of October and now for the month of November makes me glad that I have a backlog of unpublished reviews written.  Literally, all I have to do is hit publish for them because I already have them set up and formatted, ready to go.  As of now, until future notice, I will not be accepting review requests or participating in tours of any kind.

For my husband's job, we have recently moved, once again, to a different state.  The only thing different about this move is that it's permanent.  We're currently staying with family until we can find a house to put a down payment on.  At this moment in time, I just don't have the time to be on a set schedule for reviews and things of that nature.  I don't want to commit to something that I might not be able to follow through on.

I don't, however, want to put Rainy Days and Pajamas through a hiatus because I hate doing that and after a while I get completely unmotivated to begin posting again.  So, I'm just going to be posting backlogged book and product reviews as well as swatches and photos that are already ready to be posted.

Sorry for any inconvenience, but I need a blogging break at the moment.

Review: Invisible by Jeff Erno

Cover Source: GoodReads.com

Title: Invisible

Author: Jeff Erno

Series: 

Version Reviewed: Finished, eBook

Website: www.jefferno.com

GoodReads Summary:

Chase Devereaux is a fifteen year old boy under a great deal of stress. He has to give a speech today for his Oral Communications class, and he's terrified of public speaking. Worse yet, he's being bullied by one of the most popular kids at school. He just has to make it through his third-hour gym class and then give his speech, and everything will be all right. The events about to transpire, however, may make this what proves to be the worst day of his life.

I have to admit that this piece of work got an emotional response from me. The things that Chase deals with on a daily basis are horrible. Sometimes, being out of school, I forget how badly bullying really is. When I read something like this, it takes me back to when I was Chase's age. I was depressed, wore heavy makeup, I scraped at my arms with safety pins and hid the wounds beneath wrist bands. I was suicidal and felt like no one, with the exception of my best friend at the time, wanted me in existence. Now looking back on that, it's hard for me to imagine those moments. But a work like this reminds me how I once felt and how other teenagers feel everyday.

With all that said, it was a good story. The only problem I had with it was the way it was written. It was written in a way that I am not a fan of. But as a reader, I can get over that. I can ignore it and read between the words.


Favorite Character:

Rating: 3 Stars.

*This book was free on GoodReads.

Review: Ignite by Kaitlyn Davis

Cover Source: GoodReads.com

Title: Ignite

Author: Kaitlyn Davis

Series: Midnight Fire Series #1

Version Reviewed: ARC, eBook

Website: www.kaitlyndavisbooks.blogspot.com

GoodReads Summary:

"With one last look, one final search of the lines of his face for some sign, Kira turned and ran away from the sound of the man she loved laughing in the face of her death." 

When Kira Dawson moves to South Carolina, she meets Luke, a blond goofball who quickly becomes her best friend, and Tristan, a mysterious bad boy who sends shivers down her spine. Kira knows they're keeping secrets, but when she discovers Tristan's lust for blood and her own dormant mystical powers, Kira is forced to fight for her life and make the heartbreaking decision between the familiar comfort of friendship and the fiery passion of love.

I immediately accepted this book when I received a request to review it - or as quick as the schedule would allow. It sounded like a good book and I was excited to read it.

In the beginning, I'll be honest, I compared it to Twilight quite a bit. It had a few twists, but it still had the same basic beginning. As the story continued I got more into it and the story got a little more complex and interesting. It was really well written and I enjoyed the characters and the ideas that the author had come up with.

The only problem I had was that I became a little bored by about the last twenty pages. I did enjoy it as a whole, however.

Favorite Character: Luke.

Rating: 3 Stars.

*This book was provided for free by the author for review.