Friday, December 2, 2011

And The Winner Is.....

Thank-you to everyone who entered my giveaway as part of the Gratitude Giveaway Hop! I was thrilled that so many people were interested in reading this book and thank-you all for following the blog. I had 153 enteries once I took out the removed posts and am so glad you all stopped by as part of the hop. Hope with had a great time!

Without further ado....




Jasmine1485


......with the lucky number of 59!

I've contacted Jasmine1485 and her book is on it's way!

Thanks again to those who entered, but if you didn't win, don't fear....my 500 Follower Giveaway is still running until the 6th of December, so you have a few more days to enter. Be sure to check out my other giveaways too here!

I'll also be participating in a number of blog hops this month with prizes so be sure to check back!
Happy Reading until then.....


Cover Reveal: Amarok by Angela J. Townsend

Today I have the pleasure of revealing the cover for Amarok, a fantastic new YA novel by Angela J. Townsend. Amarok will be published by Spencer Hill Press on the 20th of November 2012 and personally I think it looks fabulous!

Spencer Hill Press is the publisher of some really fantastic books, including the acclaimed Covenant series by Jennifer L. Armentrout and I know they're really excited to add Amarok to this list. I'm excited for them because I think it looks so good!

So without further ado, I give you.....



Amarok!



Life has been hell for seventeen-year-old Emma since she moved from sunny California to a remote Alaskan town. Rejected by her father and living with the guilt of causing her mother's death, she makes a desperate dash for freedom from her abusive stepfather. But when her car skids off the icy road, her escape only leads to further captivity in a world beyond her imagining. Dragged across the tundra by a crazed mountain man and his enormous black wolf, she finds that her gentle touch and kind heart earn her the wolf's friendship, and she names him Amarok, not knowing he was once a young man. When a vicious madman--trapped in bear form by an ancient Shaman--attacks the travelers and injures Amarok, Emma must find the strength to confront her fears and free the wolf she's come to love. But there's a catch--she must face down the evil shaman, a powerful Siberian mammoth hunter from the ice age, and he has no intention of giving up his power to her.

Title: Amarok
Author: Angela J. Townsend
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press (http://www.spencerhillpress.com/)
ISBN: 978-1-937053-22-2
Release Date: November 20, 2012
List Price: $12.95
Formats: Trade Paperback, e-book
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy and Magic, Thriller

What you you think of Amarok!

Is it something you'll be interested in checking out?

Be sure to let me know!


Book Shelf: Crave (The Clann #1) by Melissa Darnell


Savannah Colbert has never known why she's so hated by the kids of the Clann. Nor can she deny her instinct to get close to Clann golden boy Tristan Coleman. Especially when she recovers from a strange illness and the attraction becomes nearly irresistible. It's as if he's a magnet, pulling her gaze, her thoughts, even her dreams. Her family has warned her to have nothing to do with him, or any members of the Clann. But when Tristan is suddenly everywhere she goes, Savannah fears she's destined to fail.

For years, Tristan has been forbidden to even speak to Savannah Colbert. Then Savannah disappears from school for a week and comes back…different, and suddenly he can't stay away. Boys seem intoxicated just from looking at her. His own family becomes stricter than ever. And Tristan has to fight his own urge to protect her, to be near her no matter the consequences....

Blurb from
Goodreads.....


Review:

Melissa Darnell’s debut novel Crave is a tantalizing read full of passion and forbidden romance!

When going into this book I think it’s important to look at it for what it is. The storyline focuses mainly around our two main characters, Savannah and Tristan, and their desire to be with one another. There didn’t seemed to be a larger purpose to the story at times and there weren’t many other things going on it the book other than Savannah’s learning of what she is and her discoveries since learning of her heritage. And yet, I don’t feel that this lessened the brilliance of the book.
I admit at times I felt like it dragged on and it seemed like the majority of the book was spend on Savannah's and Tristan’s conflicting feelings for one another and Savannah’s desire to forget about Tristan, but for the most part this was an enjoyable and captivating read.

Darnell’s writing is descriptive and flows easily, and while I enjoyed the world that Darnell has created within Crave, I don’t feel like we learnt enough about it. Personally, I would have liked a little bit more explanation and to have seen a larger aspect of this supernatural world within the book. All the hints and little snips into this magical world or witches, vampires and seemingly other creatures intrigued me and I was itching to learn more, but never did. The brief moments we got to experience the vampires and vampire council towards the end of the book was interesting, but again, I felt this could have been expanded on some more. Fingers crossed Melissa Darnell expands on this part of her world in the next book!

Savannah and Tristan are both easy characters to read about. With the book told in duel perspective, I felt the change in POV’s really added to the enjoyment I experienced when reading Crave. Darnell switched POV at the perfect moments and seemed to know exactly when I wanted to be in either Tristan or Savannah’s head! I love this and felt it allowed me to emphasise with and understand both characters more.

As our heroine, Savannah’s voice was easy to read. She was fresh and kind, but also strong in herself as she learnt about who she truly was. I felt that she was a very normal teenager and I understood her desire to be a part of the Charmers, even as I agreed with some of the comments Tristan made about them. I truly enjoyed reading about Savannah and watching her adjust to the changes within herself. I also really loved Anne! While many of the other characters proved to be delightful editions to the story, none appealed to me more so than Savannah’s best friend Anne. The friendship they shared was awesome and the way in which Anne acted, both in general and towards Tristan had me smiling on plenty of occasions.

Now as for Tristan....boy is that boy a hottie. And not just physically, but the way he acted and his attitude...I’m definitely a fan! As a male character, I found it surprisingly easy to slip into his head. The transitions from him to Savannah flowed as he was a generally good guy and his head was a nice place to be. I found his actions endearing and endlessly sweet and enjoyed the time’s he secretly rebelled! There’s nothing better than a character fighting for what they believe and going against those who would otherwise disagree with them!

There is a strong sense of instant attraction and connection between our young couple, but when you look deeper you can see how the author has cleverly written the foundation for their relationship into their history and childhood. The hints and unseen moments between them all weave together to make their almost instant love seem plausible and make sense. They’ve always shared a connection, albeit one that was broken by their families, and considering that they grew up together, playing together as children and were basically best friends, is it really that strange that they would fall for one another? As a couple they’re very sweet and what can I say? I’m a hopeless romantic and am always a supporter of the forbidden.

Crave proves to be a very delightful, romantic read. It may not be for everyone wishing to be blown off their feet, but the attraction and desire shared by out two young love birds is sure to captivate readers!

Rating:
Source: Sent for review from Harlequin Teen Australia (Thank-you so much Gabby!)
Format: Paperback
AU Release Date: Available now!
Expected AU Price: $19.99
Recommend: Yes!
Recommend borrow or buy: Buy it.
Cover: I LOVE IT!! This cover is so beautiful!
Read sequel/continue with series: Yes.....

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Cover Lust

This weeks Cover Lust is:



The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams......



Seraphina’s first love made her immortal…her second might get her killed.

Incarnation is a new series that introduces a fresh mythology perfect for fans of bestselling series like The Immortals by Alyson Noel and Beautiful Creatures by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl.

After spending six hundred years on earth, Seraphina Ames has seen it all. Eternal life provides her with the world’s riches, but at a very high price: innocent lives. Centuries ago, her boyfriend, Cyrus, discovered a method of alchemy that allows them to swap bodies with other humans, jumping from one vessel to the next, taking the human’s life in the process. No longer able to bear the guilt of what she’s done, Sera escapes from Cyrus and vows to never kill again.

Then sixteen-year-old Kailey Morgan gets into a horrific car accident right in front of her, and Sera accidentally takes over her body. For the first time, Sera finds herself enjoying the life of the person she’s inhabiting—and falls for the human boy who lives next door. But Cyrus will stop at nothing until she’s his again, and every moment she stays, she’s putting herself and the people she’s grown to care for in great danger. Will Sera have to give up the one thing that’s eluded her for centuries: true love.

Thoughts:
This cover is so incredibly beautiful! I love the destorted/dimensial look of the model. The way she's reflected numerous times...it's just amazing. Add in the colours and the way it all goes together and you have yourself a truley awesome cover!

What do you think?

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Waiting on Wednesday #12


Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking The Spine where you can spotlight an upcoming release that you're eagerly anticipating.

I'm waiting on......

The Temptation by Alisa Valdes
Released on:
April 24th 2012
Add it: On Goodreads.

His touch was electric.
His eyes were magnetic.
His lips were a temptation....
But was he real?

After crashing her car on an empty highway, Shane is miraculously saved by Travis, a mysterious cowboy who walks out of nowhere. She is instantly attracted to him, and for the first time, she believes in “soul mates.” But Shane soon discovers that Travis is dead and that strict rules from the Underworld govern kindred spirits of different dimensions. Breaking these rules could destroy both their souls. And while Travis is almost impossible to resist, temptation proves to be the kindest enemy they encounter.

Can true love surpass the power of pure evil? Part love story, part supernatural thriller, this first book in the Kindred trilogy will leave readers lusting for more!

Thoughts:
I'm a sucker for anything spirit related and of course a gorgeous cover, so it goes without saying that this book caught me from the moment I took a look at that cover, but the story......ooooh, it sounds good! Who doesn't love a good forbidden love story where two people really can't or shouldn't be together? I know I do! Throw in the breaking of rules, different dimensions, and a hottie cowboy (yes cowboy) and I'll definitely be checking this out when it's released!



What are you waiting on this week?


Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Book Shelf: Angel (Angel #1) by L.A. Weatherly


Angels are all around us: beautiful, awe-inspiring, irresistible.

Ordinary mortals yearn to catch a glimpse of one of these stunning beings and thousands flock to The Church of Angels to feel their healing touch.
But what if their potent magnetism isn't what it seems?
Willow knows she's different from other girls. And not just because she loves tinkering around with cars.
Willow has a gift. She can look into people's futures, know their dreams, their hopes and their regrets, just by touching them. But she has no idea where she gets this power from.

Until she meets Alex…
Alex is one of the few who know the truth about angels. He knows Willow's secret and is on a mission to stop her.
The dark forces within Willow make her dangerous – and irresistible.
In spite of himself, Alex finds he is falling in love with his sworn enemy.

Blurb from
Goodreads.....


Review: (Warning: Contains some spoilers)

Angel is an incredibly rich, compelling debut by L.A. Weatherly full of action and a sizzling romance that will steal your breath with its passion and intensity!

I’m actually ashamed to say that I’ve had this book sitting on my shelf since December last year when I received it for Christmas. I cannot believe I waited so long to read this awesome book—seriously, I’m kicking myself. I loved it! From the very first chapter I was captivated. The unique and intriguing take on celestial beings that Weatherly has so incredibly crafted is different and a far cry from all the other angel books I’ve ever read. I mean, the angels are the bad guys and the way in which they’re written and what they do takes you right into the heart of this world. It’s brilliant, simply brilliant.
The story is well written and descriptive and you will literally fall in love with this story as you join the characters on this journey. It’s beautifully written; painting a picture of all the characters experience and feel with each word.

At its heart the majority of the story focuses on Willow and Alex, our two main characters. Told in duel POV, with a glimpse into an angel and another character at times too, we’re allowed to experience both Willow and Alex intimately. We know what’s in their head and what they’re feeling as they struggle with their situation and their changing emotions for one another. The story is fast paced and exciting, with the two main characters on the run and desperate to stay one step ahead of the angels. At times it slows in pace, but never looses intensity as we watch these two fall in love.
Willow is an awesome heroine. She’s different from other girls; she loves fixing cars and vintage clothing. She’s different and doesn’t quite know why. Willow hasn’t had an easy life with her mother sick and having never fit it, but it’s not until Willow’s physic ability picks up some nasty thoughts about the angels does her journey really begin. As Willow finds herself in the heart of the Church of Angels in an effort to save an acquaintance, she finds herself in over her head and soon is saved by Alex; a mysterious, smouldering Angel Killer who knows Willow isn’t quite human.

I can’t deny I loved Alex. Hell, the guy and I share a birthday (October 23rd) so it must be a sign. Alex is an AK (Angel Killer) and he’s spent his whole life begin trained to track and kill angels that feed off humans and leave them mentally changed. Alex is investigating Willow when he stumbles on a revelation that turns what he knows upside down. It changes a lot, and intrigued by Willow, he decides to aid her, going on the run with her to help keep her alive. Alex really is an amazing guy. He’s quick on his feet and fast thinking. He knows how to kill angels better than most and he knows how to stay alive. It was intense seeing Alex fight his growing feelings for Willow. He’s lost so much throughout his life that the thought of caring about someone and the ultimately loosing them is too much to bare. He doesn’t want to care about Willow even though he’s attracted to her from the beginning and fights the desire to get to know her and be kind to her, even though he eventyually gives in.....

When I initially began this book I thought, “Oh, no. Here we go.....another straight off the bat and in your face romance. One where the main characters are in love straight away.” And you know what? That’s exactly what this WASN’T. Willow and Alex are both attracted and interested in one another from the beginning, but they get to know each other slowly. At first they don’t even like each other, but over time they talk and interact and fall in love. The passion and intensity of their love is so strong; it’s impossible not to feel it. You do, you really do. They fall so deeply and for two individuals that have both been through so much, finding each other in the middle of all the madness is beautiful. The author writes in a way that lets you explore their romance, even as they do; seeing their actions and feelings as they do.

I liked the world within this book and see brilliant possibilities for future books. I’m already looking to get the sequel, Angel Fire, as soon as possible and I recommend this for anyone who wants an angel story different in its own way, but not lacking in romance and brilliance.

Rating:
Source: I bought.
Format: Paperback
Recommend: Yes.
Recommend borrow or buy: Buy.
Cover: Honestly, I'm not a fan of this cover.
Read sequel/continue with series: Yes!

Buy it here:

buy the book from The Book Depository, free delivery

Monday, November 28, 2011

In My Mailbox #24


In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren where can share the books they bought, borrowed or received throughout the week. For more info on just what it is and how to participate, head here.

This week has actually been a slow one (thank god!). Perhaps I can actually make a small dent on my TBR list. Here's hoping.



I Bought:
~
Gideon by Jacquelyn Frank: This is the 2nd Nightwalker book and I enjoyed the first so I'm looking forward to reading the rest.

Received:
~
Crave by Melissa Darnell: I received copy of this last week, so I was a little surprised to find a second copy in my mailbox this week (??) Oh, well. I'm going to put it towards You Give=We Give so it's all good.
**Thank-you to Gabby and Harlequin Teen Australia for this.

That's all for me! Make sure you let me know what you got in YOUR mailbox--I'd love to hear!