Apr 30, 2014

Blog Tour: I Know Lucy by Melissa Pearl│Giveaway and Review

Genre: YA Romantic Suspense

Lucy Tate is on the run. After witnessing the brutal murder of her parents, she's spent five years in hiding -- taking on different personas and faking her way through life. The authorities can't be trusted, so she remains in the shadows, always one beat ahead of the man who is forever hunting her. That is, until she meets Zach Schultz, a senior at Monte Vista High and the one guy she can’t bear to leave. Suddenly her natural instincts to lie, steal, and run are overshadowed by something else...the desire to stay. It’s her one shot at a normal life.

Curious by nature, Zach is immediately drawn to the new girl at school. How can a person look both confident and vulnerable all in the same moment? Determined to learn more about her, he tries to get close, but is thrown into a world of lies and confusion .The only thing that becomes apparent is that discovering the truth may get him killed.
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♥Excerpt♥

~Zach~

"This is different, you guys." I shook my head. "I mean yes, she is gorgeous. And yes, I'm attracted to her, but it's not just her looks. There's something about her. She's intriguing. It's like she's not all she appears to be or something.

"You can tell after two minutes of interacting with her? Give me a break." Elliot balled up his napkin and threw it on the table.

" I know I don't know her at all yet, but I can tell there's something more there." I rubbed my bottom lip.

"She looks normal to me" AJ shrugged.

"I think she's pretty. She looks sweet, but..." Liesl turned to spy her quickly. "AJ's right. She looks like any other transfer student. What makes her so different?"

"It's something about her eyes. There's a story in them. I can't even explain why I think that. I just feel like she's got a lot of layers and I want to peel back every single one of them."

"I bet you do." Elliot raised his eyebrows.

"Not like that." I threw him a droll look. "I just want to solve the mystery that is Danielle Harrison."

"Dude, there is no mystery." Elliot slapped his hand lightly on the table.

"Yes there is, I can feel it."

"Careful, Zachy, your Nancy Drew is showing." Jaeda's green eyes were large and round as she gave me a playful look.

"I don't care." I shrugged, confident in the truth that I really didn't. "That girl over there has secrets and I'm going to figure out what they are."

♥About The Author♥

Melissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan... not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. "Best. Year. Ever!!" She now lives in China with her husband and two sons. She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November 2011. Since then she has continued to produce a steady stream of books. Recently she signed with Evatopia Press and her first Evatopia book is coming out in February 2014 - True Colors, The Masks Series #1. She is very excited to be trying out new things this year while continuing to publish under her own name as well. She has six books planned for 2014 and is excited about writing each and every one of them.

"I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love."

♥Giveaway♥



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♥My Review♥

This is the first of Melissa Pearl's books that I have had the pleasure to read. I really enjoyed it and here are some of the reasons why you should read it too!

This story grabs you right away, drawls you into the lives of the characters, told from multiple points of view, and you go on an exciting and scary journey with them.

When you read a book, you typically will try to put yourself in the characters situation by default. The situation are just as terrifying as it can get. When the situations that the characters get themselves into, which are at times dangerous and terrifying, it makes the journey with them mean so much more. You get a attached with the characters and they become a part of you and you think about them long after your journey with them has ended or, paused for that matter. That is what you get when you read I Know Lucy.

There characters are very relatable and you find yourself caring for their well being and it almost breaks your heart how certain situations start this train reaction and the situations these characters find themselves in just to survive.

There is action, romance, horrific situations and all the feels. The writing is beautiful and flows very well. It's definitely a page turner and leaves you wanting more. 

I gave this ♥♥♥♥♥ out of ♥♥♥♥♥ on Goodreads and highly recommend this book.

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Apr 29, 2014

Book Tour: It Ain't Me, Babe by Tillie Cole│Excerpt




♥Synopsis♥

Sinning never felt so good…

A fortuitous encounter.

A meeting that should never have happened.
Many years ago, two children from completely different worlds forged a connection, a fateful connection, an unbreakable bond that would change their lives forever…

Salome knows only one way to live—under Prophet David’s rule. In the commune she calls home, Salome knows nothing of life beyond her strict faith, nor of life beyond the Fence—the fence that cages her, keeps her trapped in an endless cycle of misery. A life she believes she is destined to always lead, until a horrific event sets her free.

Fleeing the absolute safety of all she has ever known, Salome is thrust into the world outside, a frightening world full of uncertainty and sin; into the protective arms of a person she believed she would never see again.
River ‘Styx’ Nash knows one thing for certain in life—he was born and bred to wear a cut. Raised in a turbulent world of sex, Harleys, and drugs, Styx, unexpectedly has the heavy burden of the Hades Hangmen gavel thrust upon him, and all at the ripe old age of twenty-six—much to his rivals’ delight.

Haunted by a crushing speech impediment, Styx quickly learns to deal with his haters. Powerful fists, an iron jaw and the skillful use of his treasured German blade has earned him a fearsome reputation as a man not to be messed with in the shadowy world of outlaw MC’s. A reputation that successfully keeps most people far, far away.

Styx has one rule in life—never let anyone get too close. It’s a plan that he has stuck to for years, that is, until a young woman is found injured on his lot… a woman who looks uncannily familiar, a woman who clearly does not belong in his world, yet a woman he feels reluctant to let go…

Dark Contemporary Romance/New Adult Novel.  Contains sexual situations, violence, sensitive and taboo subjects, offensive language and mature topics. Recommended for age 18 years and up*

♥Excerpt♥


Run, run, just keep running…

I willed my tired legs to keep pumping. My muscles burned as though injected with venom and my bare feet were completely numb as they slammed onto the cold hard forest floor, but I would not give up… could not give up.

Breathe, run, just keep moving…

My eyes darted around the dark forest, searching for the disciples. None to be seen, but it was only a matter of time. They would soon realize I was missing. But I could not stay, could not do my pre-ordained duty to the prophet; not after what happened tonight.

My lungs burned with the severity of my sharp gasps and my chest heaved with overexertion.

Push through the pain. Run, just run.

Passing the third watchtower, unseen, I let myself feel a momentary sliver of joy—the perimeter fence was not too far away. I allowed myself the hope that I might actually get free.
Then the emergency siren wailed and I shuddered to a stop.

They know. They are coming for me.

I forced my legs to move even faster; thorns and sharp sticks jabbed into the soles of my feet. Gritting my teeth, I told myself, Do not feel pain. Do not feel pain. Think of her.

They could not find me. I could not let them find me. I knew the rules. Never leave. Never attempt to leave. But I was fleeing. I was determined to escape their wickedness once and for all.

Spotting the tall posts of the perimeter fence, my arms pumped with renewed vigor as I made the final steps of my sprint. I smashed against the rigid metal with a crash, the posts grinding at the force of my collision.

I frantically searched for a gap.

Nothing.

No! Please!

I ran along each post—no gaps, no holes… no hope.
In a panic, I fell to the ground, clawing the dry earth, tunneling, digging for freedom. My fingers raked at the hard mud—fingernails snapping, skin ripping, blood flowing—but I did not stop. I had no choice but to find a way out.

The siren wailed on, seeming to scream ever more loudly, like a countdown to my recapture. If I was found, I would be watched constantly, treated worse than ever before—I would be even more of a prisoner than I was right now.

I would rather die.

How long have I been gone? Are they close? Panicked thoughts whirled in my mind, but I kept digging.

Then I heard the dogs closing in; the barking, snarling, rabid, vicious fury of The Order’s guard dogs and my digging became more frenzied.

The disciple guards carried guns; large, semi-automatic guns. They defended this land like lions. They were brutal and they always got their prey. I would be captured and punished, just like her. Tortured for my disobedience.

Just. Like. Her.

The search hounds were louder now, harsh, heavy panting and nerve-jangling barks getting ever closer. I swallowed back the cry threatening to rip free from my throat and continued digging, burrowing, scooping, shoveling—to be free. Always yearning to be free…

Finally free.

I stilled momentarily as I heard a babble of voices. Sharp commands sounded out. Gun barrels were loading, the echoes of safety catches clicked; heavy boots stomped closer and closer.

They were too close.

I almost shrieked in frustrated terror when I judged the gap under the fence did not look big enough to fit me. But I had to keep going. I did not have a choice. I had to try. I could not live one more day in this hell.

Headfirst, chest grazing the newly-excavated ground, I slipped through the tiny gap under the fence. The flesh of my shoulder grated on the ragged metal of the mesh wire but I did not care—what was one more scar?

Using my hands as claws, I dragged my body forward. I heard clear voices, the crystal timbre of the brothers; their savage dogs, consumed by bloodlust, as they howled with deliberately induced hunger.

“She’ll be searching for gaps or weak links. Secure the second team along the north gate. We’ll head for the south, and no matter what, FIND HER! The Prophet will bring the wrath of the Almighty on us all if she is lost!”

Quelling an anxious cry, I pushed and scrambled forward. I scurried through the dry mud, legs flailing in desperation. Deep scratches covered my skin. My white gown ripped and tore into shreds on spikes of jagged barbed wire, and I watched helplessly as my blood trickled onto the dry ground.

No! I almost screamed out in frustration. The hounds would smell my blood. They were trained to scent blood.

With one final push, my body was through, only my legs were left to go. I shuffled onto my back, heels digging in, striving for freedom.

A feeling, no, a flood of elation at the realization I was all but free quickly evaporated at the sight of a black hound skirting round a nearby bush. Focusing on a tree outside the fence—a goal to crawl to—I tried to pull myself forward, when a jolt of pain seared through my left leg. Razor-sharp teeth sliced into my flesh, and when I looked down, a heavily muscled guard dog held my left calf in its grip; snarling and shaking its head, tearing into fragile skin and muscle.

Paling with the severity of the pain, I fought back a growing sense of nausea. I slapped my palms on the forest floor, finding purchase on a large stone. Choking back a scream that was clawing its way up my throat, I dragged my mauled leg away from the fence toward my goal. The dog tried to force its large head under the fence, tightening its grip on my limb, shaking it back and forth like it was playing with a stick.

With the last of my energy, I attacked. The stone I had dragged myself with came loose in my hands and I hit the dog’s skull over and over and over, its bared fangs dripping with white-red foam, its hellish black eyes burning bright with anger. The disciple guards starved their hounds to make them bloodthirsty and forced them to fight each other to make them permanently angry. 

The disciple guards reasoned that the hungrier their dogs were, the more vicious they would be when hunting down deserters.
Inhaling through my nose, I tried to keep focus; I just needed to loosen the dog’s grip, just a fractional release to let go of my injured left leg.

And then it happened.

With a final crack of the stone, the incensed canine reared back, shaking its bruised head. I dragged myself free of the shallow gap, my breath coming in short sharp bursts as my body reacted to the shock.

As I shuffled away from the fence, a wry thought sped across my mind; I had actually done it. I am free.

The dog, though groggy and recovering from its hit, lunged for the gap. Once more it snapped its large jaws and sharp teeth and with it, me from my haze. Edging forward, I quickly filled the gap with as much mud as I could gather, then tried to stand, but my injured leg could not take the strain, could not bear my weight.

 Inside, I cried, Not now! Please, Lord, just give me the strength to keep going.

“Here! She’s here!”

A black-uniformed disciple emerged from the dense foliage, glaring furiously at my crouched form beyond the fence. He removed his balaclava and my heart fell. I would recognize that long scar on his cheek anywhere. Gabriel, Prophet David’s second-in-command; his brown heavy beard hiding most of his face, as was custom with all the brothers at The Order. However, Gabriel was the disciple my people feared most, the man responsible for the atrocity I witnessed tonight… responsible for me losing her



♥Author♥

Tillie Cole is a Northern girl through and through. She originates from a place called Teesside on that little but awesomely sunny (okay I exaggerate) Isle called Great Britain. She was brought up surrounded by her English rose mother -- a farmer's daughter, her crazy Scottish father, a savagely sarcastic sister and a multitude of rescue animals and horses.








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Apr 28, 2014

Cover Reveal│The Luthier's Apprentice by Mayra Calvani





Releases on May 15th

♥Synopsis♥

Niccolò Paganini (1782-1840), one of the greatest violinists who ever lived and rumored to have made a pact with the devil, has somehow transferred unique powers to another…

When violinists around the world mysteriously vanish, 16-year-old Emma Braun takes notice. But when her beloved violin teacher disappears… Emma takes charge. With Sherlock Holmes fanatic, not to mention gorgeous Corey Fletcher, Emma discovers a parallel world ruled by an ex-violinist turned evil sorceress who wants to rule the music world on her own terms.

But why are only men violinists captured and not women? What is the connection between Emma's family, the sorceress, and the infamous Niccolò Paganini?

Emma must unravel the mystery in order to save her teacher from the fatal destiny that awaits him. And undo the curse that torments her family—before evil wins and she becomes the next luthier's apprentice…


♥About The Author♥

Mayra Calvani writes fiction and nonfiction for children and adults and has authored over a dozen books, some of which have won awards. Her stories, reviews, interviews and articles have appeared on numerous publications such as The Writer, Writer’s Journal, Multicultural Review, and Bloomsbury Review, among many others. When she’s not writing, reading, editing or reviewing, she enjoys walking her dog, traveling, and spending time with her family. Represented by Serendipity Literary.



Apr 26, 2014

Into the Deep (Into the Deep #1) by Samantha Young│Review

♥♥♥♥♥

♥Synopsis♥

Live young. Live hard. Love deep.

Charley Redford was just an ordinary girl until Jake Caplin moved to her small town in Indiana and convinced her she was extraordinary. Almost from day one Jake pulled Charley into the deep and promised he was right there with her. But when a tragic accident darkened Jake's life he waded out into the shallows and left Charley behind.

Almost four years later Charley thinks she's moved on. That is until she takes a study year abroad in Edinburgh and bumps into none other than Jake Caplin at a party with his new girlfriend. The bad-boy-turned-good attempts to convince Charley to forgive him, and as her best friend starts spending time with Jake's, Charley calls a truce, only to find herself tumbling back into a friendship with him.

As they grow closer, the spark between them flares and begins playing havoc with their lives and relationships. When jealousy and longing  rear their destructive heads, Charley and Jake struggle to come to grips with what they mean to one another.

And even if they work it out, there is not guarantee Charley will ever trust Jake to lead her back into the deep...





♥Author♥

Samantha Young is a New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author from Stirlingshire, Scotland. She's been nominated for the Goodreads Choice Award 2012 for Best Author and Best Romance for her international bestseller ON DUBLIN STREET. ON DUBLIN STREET is Samantha's first adult contemporary romance and has sold in twenty-five countries.


♥My Review♥

I read this book as part of the Good Girls Who Read Bad Things Book Group which is open to the public. Click Here to go directly to the Goodreads Page.

This was my first Samantha Young book and I have heard a lot about her books. I was not disappointed by the hype around them. Samantha Young has way of writing is beautiful and flows so smoothly that it is easy to get lost in her story and it's a breath of fresh air.

I loved the characters, especially Charley and Low. At first I didn't care for Jake, just because it was still unclear on how he had hurt Charley. It was hard for Jake to redeem himself with me, but he rose to the occasion.

I really liked how the story went from present to past, through out the book. Usually, I don't like those types of stories because they just confuse me and I loose interest, but for some reason it worked well with Into the Deep. 

I think it was necessary to be given a little info about the present situation, then given a glimpse into the past with Charley and Jake. It made their relationship that much more complex and this was also a great way to get Jake to redeem himself to us readers.

I really liked the side characters in this book too. I wanted to hate Melissa, but she was innocent in the entire situation and she was lovable. My favorite side character was Lowe, especially how he stuck by Charlie's side even when it wasn't so much in his best interest. 

I laughed throughout the book. I even cried in some parts and I just really enjoyed this book. 

I gave it ♥♥♥♥♥ out of ♥♥♥♥♥ stars on Goodreads and I definitely plan on continuing with this series and even pick up Samantha Young's other books.


Apr 25, 2014

Dewey's 24-Hour Read-a-Thon


Hey everyone, I just wanted to take a minute to let you know that I am participating in Dewey's 24 Hour Read-a-Thon, which takes place on Saturday, April 26, 2014.

What is Dewey's 24-Hour Read-a-Thon? 
For 24 hours, we read books, post to our blogs about our reading, and visit other readers' blogs. We also participate in mini-challenges throughout the day. It happens twice a year, in April and in October. For more info hand history, click here.

Reading times will vary depending on where you live. You can look your start time here.

I will try and post some updates on here throughout the day. You can also follow for more accurate up to date from me on Twitter. @booktalkwjess


Apr 22, 2014

100+ Likes on Facebook GIVEAWAY and THANK YOU!!!

Thank you all!!!
As a way to show my appreciation, you can enter my Giveaway below for a chance to win 1 (one) of 3 (three) prizes!
US ONLY
Giveaway ends 5/5/14

Prize 1: 

Prize 2

Prize 3



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Apr 20, 2014

I Know Lucy by Melissa Pearl│Release Day

RELEASE DAY



Genre: YA Romantic Suspense
Lucy Tate is on the run. After witnessing the brutal murder of her parents, she's spent five years in hiding -- taking on different personas and faking her way through life. The authorities can't be trusted, so she remains in the shadows, always one beat ahead of the man who is forever hunting her. That is, until she meets Zach Schultz, a senior at Monte Vista High and the one guy she can’t bear to leave. Suddenly her natural instincts to lie, steal, and run are overshadowed by something else...the desire to stay. It’s her
one shot at a normal life.
Curious by nature, Zach is immediately drawn to the new girl at school. How can a person look both confident and vulnerable all in the same moment? Determined to learn more about her, he tries to get close, but is thrown into a world of lies and confusion. The only thing that becomes apparent is that discovering the truth may get him killed.
976da-addtogoodreads
Teaser

ZACH...

"This is different, you guys." I shook my head. "I mean yes, she is gorgeous. And yes, I'm attracted to her, but it's not just her looks. There's something about her. She's intriguing. It's like she's not all she appears to be or something."

"You can tell that after two minutes of interacting with her? Give me a break." Elliot balled up his napkin and threw it on the table. "I know I don't know her at all yet, but I can tell there's something more there." I rubbed my bottom lip.

"She looks normal to me." AJ shrugged.

"I think she's pretty. She looks sweet, but..." Liesl turned to spy her quickly. "AJ's right. She looks like any other transfer student. What makes her so different?"

"It's something about her eyes. There's a story in them. I can't even explain why I think that. I just feel like she's got a lot of layers and I want to peel back every single one of them."

"I bet you do." Elliot raised his eyebrows.

"Not like that." I threw him a droll look. "I just want to solve the mystery that is Danielle Harrison."

"Dude, there is no mystery." Elliot slapped his hand lightly on the table.

"Yes there is. I can feel it."

"Careful, Zachy, your Nancy Drew is showing." Jaeda's green eyes were large and round as she gave me a playful look.

"I don't care." I shrugged, confident in the truth that I really didn't.

"That girl over there has secrets and I'm gonna figure out what they are."

smashwords1
About the Author
Melissa Pearl was born in Auckland, New Zealand, but has spent much of her life abroad, living in countries such as Jordan, Cyprus and Pakistan... not to mention a nine month road trip around North America with her husband. "Best. Year. Ever!!" She now lives in China with her husband and two sons. She is a trained elementary teacher, but writing is her passion. Since becoming a full time mother she has had the opportunity to pursue this dream and her debut novel hit the internet in November 2011. Since then she has continued to produce a steady stream of books. Recently she signed with Evatopia Press and her first Evatopia book is coming out in February 2014 - True Colors, The Masks Series #1. She is very excited to be trying out new things this year while continuing to publish under her own name as well. She has six books planned for 2014 and is excited about writing each and every one of them.

"I am passionate about writing. It stirs a fire in my soul that I never knew I had. I want to be the best writer I can possibly be and transport my readers into another world where they can laugh, cry and fall in love."

Apr 18, 2014

Wilde Riders by Savannah Young│Review Tour


♥♥♥♥

Title: Wilde Riders
Series: Old Town Country Romance #1
Author: Savannah Young
Publisher: Short on Time Books
Release Date: February 11, 2014



♥Synopsis♥

FOUR WILDE BROTHERS...ONE WILDE COUNTRY BAND

WILDE RIDERS is the first novel in a spicy new contemporary romance series about four sexy brothers, their small-town bar and their local country band. WILDE RIDERS can be read as a STAND ALONE NOVEL or as part of the SERIES.

Cooper Wilde spend his entire adolescence counting the days until he could escape rural northwest New Jersey. Now at 26, he can't  believe he's coming back. But his late father's bar, Haymakers, is in financial trouble and his older brother, Jake, has asked for Cooper's help.

Riley Smith, 25, is fresh out of her Ivy League MBA program and wants to make an impression on her employer, H & C Bank. Her first solo assignment is a fraud investigation on a business loan they made to Haymakers.

Even though Old Town is less than 90 minutes from New York City, Riley feels like she's stepped into another world in this remote, one-bar town. Riley can't wait to do her business and get back to the city as quickly as her sports car will take her...until she meets Cooper Wilde. He's not like the other guys in this rural town and Riley feels inexplicably attracted to him.

If you like your trucks loud, your beer cold and your men hot...you'll love WILDE RIDERS.

♥My Review♥

I was given a copy of this from the Author and Booksniffer Review Tour for an honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a fast paced read and easy to follow. Even though most of it was predictable, it was a nice change from what I generally read. Love those cowboys!!

I thought the story line flowed really well and couldn't find much, if anything to complain about. The characters were lovable and I enjoyed their interactions with each other, especially the four Wilde brothers.

I enjoyed the part about the Fair because I live in a city where we hold our State Fair, and it was like walking with Cooper and Riley when he was showing her around and all that the Fair had to offer.

I plan on reading more of this series because it was an enjoyable read and I would love to learn more about what is in store for the Wilde Brothers.

I gave it ♥♥♥♥ our of ♥♥♥♥♥ on Goodreads and would definitely recommend this to anyone who loves Contemporary Romance.

♥Author♥

Romance novelist Savannah Young grew up in rural northwest New Jersey in a place very similar to the fictional Old Town, which is feared in her books. When she's not at her computer creating spicy stories, Savannah is traveling to exotic locales or spending time with her husband and their bloodhounds.

~ Amazon ~