Blog Tour: Why My Love Life Sucks by Shevi Arnold {Review & Giveaway}

Hello and happy Sunday! Welcome to my stop on the Why My Love Life Sucks Blog Tour!! I was lucky enough to get to read this book so today I am going to treat you with my review!

Book Info-

Title-Why My Love Life Sucks

Series-The Legend of Gilbert the Fixer Book # 1

By- Shevi Arnold

Published-March 23, 2010

Blurb-

Seventeen-year-old Gilbert Garfinkle is the ultimate tech geek. He likes to take apart, figure out, and fix things, and he dreams of someday fixing the world. But now his own life has been taken apart by the one thing he'll never be able to figure out. Her name is Amber, and she's a gorgeous girl with a killer smile who wants to turn him into her platonic BFF--literally forever! It's the ultimate geek's ultimate nightmare, and it leaves Gilbert asking life's ultimate question: "Why me?"
 
Why My Love Life Sucks is a funny novel about geeks, girls, gadgets, vampires, and the start of a most unlikely friendship. It's the first book in The Legend of Gilbert the Fixer, the series that proves it takes the ultimate geek to be the ultimate hero.

*Received a free copy of  book in exchange for an honest review

Helpful Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Freado (Begin Reading for Free)

My Review

Okay I have to say that at first I was unsure of this book and I will be perfectly honest the cover sort of turned me off, I know that I shouldn't, but I totally judge a book by its cover. And well this story proved to me that I shouldn't always. From the minute I opened my kindle and began reading the story of Gilbert Garfinkle, the ultimate geek/fixer who just so happens to have an eidetic memory, invents things, has a crappy home life, and just happened to receive his first kiss from a vampire! 

Oh and  did I mention that Gilbert also happens to be incredibly sarcastic and quite literally look the part of the geek that he is? Well he is. And let me just say that his sarcasm and quick wit won me over from the first words out of his mouth or thoughts out of his head, depending on how you look at it, I especially loved all the movie connections! Shevi Arnold just so happened to quote some of my all time favorite movies in Why My Love Life Sucks, from The Princess Bride, Star Trek, and Monty Python flawlessly tying in Gilbert's love for all things geek with the incredibly cruel world around him! 

Gilbert leads a cruel life, he is raised by a single mom, who happens to hate the very sight of him, he is bullied and has what some would say is the worst luck in history, and this is all before Amber the drop dead gorgeous vampire walked into his life! But one night with her and Gilbert's life has suddenly been turned upside down and now Gilbert the fixer, has no idea how to fix the absolute mess that has been made of his life! 

Truth is, it is all rather hilarious! In Why My Love Life Sucks, Gilbert wants nothing more than to be able to fix his life. Thinking that the major crap that just happened to him had to be the worst possible thing ever, but unlike his high tech gadgets he can't simply just take it apart. And to make things worse he can't get rid of Amber, who is determined to make him her BFF, literally FOREVER! 

I love Amber, she seems so very barbie doll-ish on the outside, looks at the world through rose colored glasses and is rather naive when it comes to the way of the world, but there is more to her than meets the eye. Desperate for love, attention, friendship? Who knows, but Amber is now stuck to Gilbert like amber is to a bug (those are his words). 

Why My Love Life Sucks completely takes you by storm, a storm that is full of sarcasm, humor, vampires, high tech gadgets, and the always rocky real life. At the core of Why My Love Life Sucks are many underlying messages about accepting yourself for who you are and just being happy with what you have, messages that I think we could all use; I know I could. Shevi Arnold did such a great job with this story, and I am so happy that I got to read it. Happy that she helped me get my geek on. 

"It was aikido, which means that technically that schmuck kicked his own ass. I just helped him." (kindle, loc. 194). 

Why did I pick this? Well did you read it? Come on its funny! This is just one example of the great sarcasm you will find threaded throughout this little gem.

About the Author

I've always been super geeky about comedy, fantasy and science fiction.

When I was little, I'd take them apart and analyze them, kind of like what Gilbert Garfinkle--the hero of Why My Love Life Sucks--does with electronics. This continued into my college years, when I majored in English Literature and Theater Studies.


For twelve years I worked in magazines and newspapers as an editorial cartoonist, illustrator, editor, arts-and-entertainment writer (specializing in children's entertainment and, of course, comedy), and a consumer columnist.

My last job was at the Jerusalem Post, but I had to quit when my family decided to move to New Jersey to pursue better education options for my autistic son.


This was in February 2001. Since then I've written 40 picture books and seven novels for kids and teens, four of which I've indie published. I was an ABNA quarterfinalist with Why My Love Life Sucks, and I won third place in SmartWriter's Write It Now contest in the the YA category (which was judged by Alex Flinn, the author of Beastly) for my romantic, YA ghost story, Ride of Your Life.

Find Her: Pinterest | Facebook | Blog | Twitter | Website | YouTube | Goodreads

Now for the Giveaway!

Author is giving away-

3 ebook copies of Why My Love Life Sucks by Shevi Arnold -open internationally

1 paperback copy of Why My Love Life Sucks by Shevi Arnold- US only

5 signed bookmarks-US ONLY

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Now, go get your geek on and read this book!

Review: The Fourth Channel by Jen Kirchner

*Cover and Synopsis from Goodreads

Synopsis:

For years, Kari Hunter's fooled the world into thinking she's just an everyday girl. Sure, she's the lead singer of world-renowned band Vis Viva, but outside of that, she recycles religiously, is an avid supporter of the environment, and a certifiable coffee addict. But Kari has a secret she keeps from her family, friends, and her fans.

Kari Hunter is a necromancer.

The rarest and most powerful of all magic-born, necromancers are notorious for leaving a trail of sacrifices in their wake. But Kari isn't interested in hurting anyone. She works hard at being as un-necromancer-like as possible: everyone she stabs gets a bandage and a lollipop, and whenever her sacrificial knives get too excited at the prospect of violence, she puts them in time-out... in her lingerie drawer.

But when an agent of voodoo master Ruairi O'Bryne catches Kari using her powers, her secret's out. And if Ruairi finds out who Kari is, he'll stop at nothing to make her his next sacrifice.

Helpful Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Website

My Review

Kari is a necromancer. But don't tell anyone, because it is a secret that, trust me, you don't want to get out. Necromancer's are rare, the most powerful magical beings and are greatly feared by those that wield magic because of the sacrifices necromancers are known to make; but Kari is different. Kari doesn't like the sacrificing part of being a necromancer, in fact Kari doesn't really like hurting anyone. Like all secrets, they eventually get out, and when Kari's secret get's out Kari get's put in the sight's of one scary voodoo master.

So Kari is a necromancer, but not just any necromancer, oh no, Kari is a gentle necromancer who pretty much retches at the sight of blood and feels guilty for harming any living thing. Jen Kirchner puts a great spin on Kari. I love how she makes her this world-renowned rock star who isn't exactly afraid of the limelight, and then on the other hand cringes at the idea of pricking her finger. And speaking of pricking her finger, Kari has these awesome knives that are probably the coolest knives I have ever seen. It is not the size or the style or what they look like, but the fact that they have minds of their own and literally shout at Kari to commit bodily harm. 

Jen Kirchner gives Kari's knives such personality they are like complete characters in the book and I absolutely loved it, especially because they are snarky, sarcastic and have major attitude. And they couldn't be more different from Kari. Kari despite being a deadly, feared being, couldn't be more kind, gentle hearted or just fun to be around. 

But that is not all that makes Kari different. You see Kari is not like any other necromancer, she can do things that no other necromancer can do, but being as innocent as she is, she believes that what she does is nothing special, rating herself low on the totem pole of power. Now I don't want to give anything away here, so I will just say this, she is all around awesome and you really need to get to know her!

Besides Kari, The Fourth Channel has a slew of other really awesome characters and I'm not just talking about the knives, but those are awesome too! First we have her band mates, Ryan, Brad (who is also her cousin), and Nicolas who are all fabulous, but Brad is definitely my favorite, plus Jen Kirchner gives us more of him, so there is more of him to love! Then there is Mikelis who is the most feared necromancer, ever. So needless to say he is a grade-A bad-a** and he has rightly earned that title, but he has a soft side for Kari and of course it just adds all kinds of spice to the book, and did I mention that he is all kinds of yummy? Well he is, another reason to read this book! 

I absolutely loved The Fourth Channel, Jen Kirchner gives us a completely different take on the idea of the necromancer, giving us a true king of magical beings. In Jen Kirchner's take necromancers can create spells and take away spells, making them the ultimate people not to mess with! From the way magic is used and described it is easy to imagine yourself watching a movie as this plays out on the big screen plus I have to say that I totally dig her idea of "The Floor," a place for souls as they await their trip to wherever they are destined to end up. 

After reading The Fourth Channel I think it is safe to say, that I totally want to be a necromancer! So, if you haven't already picked up this book and are looking for an adventure into the world of voodoo, magic, snark, power, humor, and fun; then you definitely need to pick up The Fourth Channel! 

"Hey," I said, my voice matching their level of excitement. "Who wants to go for a ride in the garbage disposal? You know, it's the ugly metal thing that spins real fast." (kindle, loc. 3065).

Being a huge fan of sarcasm and the knives in this book I had to pick a moment that highlights both! In this moment Kari is threatening some snarky knives with a ride! Usually she sticks with the lingerie drawer, but this was a pretty good supplement! 

{Cover Reveal & Excerpt} Following Me by K.A. Linde

Releases: June 21, 2013

The Blurb

“I knew you were running the first time I saw you…"

Devon didn’t have a game plan when she decided to leave St. Louis on a Chicago-bound train for the summer. Just a reason. One she couldn’t share with anyone.

Not Hadley, her best friend from college, who lets her stay in the guest bedroom; no questions asked. Or Brennan, the bartender at the local restaurant they frequent, who she actively tries to avoid. Or Garrett, Hadley’s boyfriend, who befriends her when she has no one else to turn to.

"I just didn’t know what you were running from...."

Desperate to hide at all costs, Devon plunges into her new life in the city. Everyone around her starts to reveal sides of themselves Devon never expected. And just when she starts to get comfortable, her world flips upside down…

"...but I think all along you were running toward me."

4 lives.
All connected.
All with secrets that just keep following them.

Find it:  Website | Goodreads

Excerpt:

Sweat beaded on Devon’s temple, and she wiped it off her forehead and out of her eyes.  The party had been going all night, and it was nice to loosen up and get lost in the music and dancing.  She hadn’t partied in so long, and she couldn’t resist when Amy had actually invited her out.  Either she was getting over her hatred for the new girl, or Devon had just been there long enough that she wasn’t considered the new girl any longer.

People were packed into the club shoulder to shoulder, many even closer than that.  The music was ear-splittingly loud.  Crazy lights traversed the warehouse-sized room, and they alternated to strobes slowing everything down to slow motion.  She hadn’t had much to drink, but she was dizzy with dehydration and the energy in the room.  Her tank top was sticking to her back, and she had long since pulled her hair up off of her neck into a ponytail.

God, I need another drink, she thought.

Her eyes moved around the room taking in as much as she could from her vantage point.  It really only ended up being the two feet encircling her.  Amy had to be somewhere inside the building.  How had she lost track of her?

Well, she knew how.  There were too many damn people in the place.  It was easy to lose track of one person, especially when that person was as short as Amy.  Still, she should have done better. She didn’t like being alone in dark places.  Whether she was surrounded by people or in a back alleyway at night, she was still alone.

She craned her head to look for her, but was having no luck.  It felt like more and more people were being crushed into the space.  How was this in line with fire code?  Surely the place would be shut down soon.

Walking in the direction of the bar, Devon tried to find Amy in the crowd.  Seriously it was getting harder and harder to maneuver through.  She was literally having to elbow people out of the way. This wasn’t okay, and it wasn’t fun.  They shouldn’t let any more people in.  Things could get out of control.

Devon looked up over the heads of people in front of her and sighed.  It felt like she was never going to reach the bar, and there was a huge line anyway.  She thought maybe the bathroom would be a better alternative…at least there she would have some privacy.

She turned to walk the other direction and slammed right into a meaty guy in front of her, who glared at her as she lost her balance and tumbled to the floor.  Someone stepped on her hand as she tried to get up.  Devon swore and hissed pulling her hand away from the ground where someone else could do the same thing.  She stood as best she could, cradling her aching hand.  It wasn’t easy pushing through people with one hand pressed between her breasts to keep from someone else smashing into it.  All it did was cause people to unknowingly smash into other parts of her.  She hadn’t made it more than a few feet toward the bathroom, and she had already been elbowed in the arm, gotten her foot stepped on, and been drunkenly body slammed knocking the breath out of her.  The club was getting dangerous.

A space opened in the crowd, and she took advantage, rushing forward through the throng of people. It took her closer to the bathroom but not close enough.  Then she felt it.  Eyes on the back of her head.  She didn’t even know how it was possible.  There were hundreds of people in the place.  No one could be focusing that intently on her, but she could swear that someone was watching her.

About the Author

K.A. Linde graduated with her Masters in political science from the University of Georgia in 2012. She also has a bachelors in political science and philosophy. She wrote the Avoiding Series while struggling through advanced statistical modeling and writing her thesis. She enjoys dancing and writing novels that keep you guessing until the very end.

She currently resides in Georgia with her boyfriend and two puppies, Lucy and Riker.

Find her: Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Website/Blog

Darkness of Light Blog Tour {Author Guest Post & Giveaway}

Darkness of Light Tour

Hello and welcome to my stop on the Darkness of Light Blog Tour! I am super excited to have author Stacey Marie Brown here on the blog today!! And guess what? She is going to give us a little story! I have to say, I am really excited about this! So, here ya, go......

“A Morning in the journey of writing my book” by Stacey Marie Brown

Streams of bright light wiggled its way through the gaps in my blinds, protruding directly into my eyes. I squeezed my eyes shut with a groan. When did it get morning already? Pulling the covers over my head I denied it was sunlight I saw, but a streetlamp igniting my shades. This is a stretch even for me since I have no streetlights outside my bedroom window.

Sighing I sat up recognizing it really was a new day. Grrrrr . . . Why do mornings come so early? Well, I probably wouldn’t be this grumpy or sleepy if I had actually gotten to bed on time. But just like every night, the voices do not let me sleep. The moment I lay down at night they decide to come out and play, relentlessly creating scenes and issues in my head. Hearing voices or having people in your head, who feel so real you almost believe they are, is something you try to keep to yourself. Therapists would line up down the block for me to lie on their couch, drooling at the aspect of how much money they could make off me.

Dragging my zombie body down the hallway to the kitchen, my hand shakily reaches for the cupboard, pulling it open. Staring at the empty cabinet, a cold chill slithers up my spine. Oh God no . . . it can’t be true! Panic bubbles in my chest making it hard to breath. The truth staring so cruelly in my face makes the fear almost insurmountable. My body starts to tremble, my lids prickle with tears. There is no denying it any longer. There is no coffee left!

Nooooo…

It had to be aliens or maybe those little brownies that came in the middle of the night and took it from me. My coffee . . . my precious.

How am I supposed to work? There is a deadline and five more chapters to finish before I have to get it to my editor. No one can work in conditions like this! Sprinting down the hall I start to throw on whatever is closest. I stop. Society doesn’t seem to find my pj bottoms acceptable attire in public. Damn public. So I grab for some “real” clothes. Pants, check, top, check. Shoes . . . hmmmm, isn’t that overdoing it a bit? Remembering that where I am going, I must have shoes. Double damn. Stuffing my feet into my chucks, I grab my computer and shove it into my bag. My heart is pounding telling me I must go now.

Terror strikes me as I head out my front door. There are people around—everywhere. Some I doubt are even human. Weaving and bobbing in and around the labyrinth of obstacles set out before me, I try to not make eye contact. They will see it as an opening to speak to me. One little, blue-haired alien breaks my well-guarded wall and addresses me, “Good Morning.” I know she must be an extraterrestrial because I don’t understand the words she is speaking—some Martian language maybe. Still I nod politely. Don’t want to piss off any aliens today. The last time I did it was a catastrophe.

Finally, I see my destination. The air in my lungs tighten with anticipation. Pushing through the doors, the smell of heaven fills my nose. It is the second time my eyes tear up this morning. Coming to a dead stop, my pulse picks up again. There is a line. Oh God no! Why me? How can life be so cruel? I must be patient . . . I must not throw a tantrum today. I’ve already have two verbal warnings from the owner. My foot taps impatiently. Once again the feeling of being watched prickles my skin. Eyes are everywhere, staring at me. But all I can hear are the drips of the coffee going into someone else’s cup. Time seems to stop. Finally, I reach the front and carefully remind the barista that if she mistakenly gives me a decaf again things will go very, very bad.

With a roll of her eyes she hands me my love, my precious. Greedily, I grab it from her, and like a junkie I sniff at the steam rising off it. I take a seat, pulling out my computer. My manuscript welcomes me as I turn it on. Snuggling back into my seat, I take a sip of my dark lover. Ohhhh, yeaaah . . . A smile comes to my face. Suddenly, the birds come out from hiding and start chirping. The creatures that surrounded me before become human. Now it is time to turn my attention to my “real” world—where the voices that speak to me can come out into the light and where faes and goblins don’t have to wait to get a cup of coffee.

About the Book

DARKNESS OF LIGHT is a Mature YA/New Adult Paranormal Romance

Freak. Witch. Crazy. Schizo.

Ember Brycin has been called them all. She’s always known she’s different. No one has ever called her normal, even under the best circumstances. Bizarre and inexplicable things continually happen to her, and having two different colored eyes, strange hair, and an unusual tattoo only contributes to the gossip about her.

When the latest school explosion lands her in a facility for trouble teens, she meets Eli Dragen, who’s hot as hell and darkly mysterious. Their connection is full of passion, danger, and secrets. Secrets that will not only change her life, but what and who she is—leading her down a path she never imagined possible.

Between Light and Dark, Ember finds a world where truth and knowledge are power and no one can be trusted. But her survival depends on finding out the truth about herself. In her pursuit, she is forced between love and destiny and good and evil, even when the differences between them aren’t always clear. At worst, she will incite a war that could destroy both worlds. At best, she will not only lose her heart but her life and everyone she loves. Once the truth is out, however, there will be no going back. And she’ll definitely wish she could.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | SMASHWORDS | FACEBOOK

About the Author

Stacey Marie Brown works by day as an Interior/Set Designer and by night a writer of paranormal fantasy, adventure, and literary fiction. When she’s not writing, she’s out hiking, spending time with friends, traveling, listening to music, or designing.

WEBSITE | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

Now for the Giveaway!

Up for grabs:

5 eBook Copies of Darkness of Light

This is an International Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

{Review} Orange Karen: Tribute to a Warrior Compiled by Christina Edson

*Cover and synopsis from Goodreads

Synopsis:

Get swept off your feet by an Internet romance

Escape from a war-torn encampment with a mystical healer/princess

Witness the murder of a NASCAR driver in the bathroom of local Home Depot

Join Miss Della and Chip as they find friendship and a new zest for life in their golden years

ORANGE KAREN: TRIBUTE TO A WARRIOR is a collection of 39 stories that explore the strength and resilience of the human spirit. From the monster in the basement to the teddy bear on a young woman's pillow, each story uses the colour orange as a thematic element, revealing the power of love, friendship, and the will to live.

Karen DeLabar is a friend, author, and mother. In June of 2012, she was tricked with Toxic Shock Syndrome.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the anthology will be donated to Karen and her family, to assist with her medical expenses, and ongoing recovery.

Meet the authors at www.orangekaren.wordpress.com, and learn more about the symptoms, effects, and treatment of Toxic Shock Syndrome athttp://toxicshock.com

*Received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

Helpful Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Orange Karen Website

My Review

I have to say, the idea behind Orange Karen played my heart strings before I ever even opened the book. I knew the reason behind this anthology and the whole story just killed me. I am sort of a sucker for these kinds of things, I have always been told that I wear my heart on my sleeve so I knew that this anthology would get me. It is not everyday you see so many people pull together for a person that most had not even met in person! This whole idea amazed and floored me. 

I knew that the stories within were going to be a mix of everything, paranormal, fantasy, romance, and many more and I have to say that this idea excited me. I have never read a book like this before, but I can honestly say that I would compare reading it to the equivalent of reading all of my favorite books in one day. Orange Karen had it all. I got magic, action, adventure, romance, life stories, that all gave me a feel for both the author of the story and a theme that I think played throughout this anthology: never giving up. 

In every story, no matter the genre the underlying theme was one of dedication, strong will and strength, all connecting them to the purpose of this anthology. To help a beloved friend who they call Orange Karen. After reading the Foreward by Jennifer Gracen, I was in tears, and by the time I finished the Introduction by Karen DeLabar I was so disheveled I had to put the book down; and I hadn't even read 3% of the book yet! The story of Orange Karen really touched a place deep in my soul and totally shattered a piece of my heart. 

I happy to say that once I picked Orange Karen back up, and I finally got a hold of myself, I was pleasantly surprised by every story that graced the page. Every story offered me something different, kept me intrigued and in most cases kept me wanting more. Oh, and did I mention this theme of orange that ran throughout Orange Karen? Well there is, and I have to say it is rather fitting! Story after story I turned the page waiting to see how the next author would work orange into their work.

Orange Karen: Tribute to a Warrior is one of those books that you will want to read over and over again. As you devour all the stories within its pages you will find your favorites, find the ones that speak to you, the ones that have meaning to you and those stories you will treasure. Those are the stories you will gaze your eyes upon when in need of a little extra strength. Because that's what Orange Karen is, strength! And this book will not only lend you strength from the characters that you will find from within, but it will lend you strength from the one who this book is all about......Karen DeLabar. 

So, if you haven't already purchased your copy of this great anthology, then run out and do it now. Do it and be swept up in the strength that you will astound you!

Okay, first of all, there are so many moments in this book that are my favorite, I couldn't possibly pick one, but, I will pick one line from the entire anthology, that I think represents the strength in the characters and the strength in Karen DeLabar.

"Simply put, I don't quit." (Karen DeLabar, kindle, loc. 218).

Enchantment Blog Tour by Nikki Jefford {Review & Giveaway}

Hello, everyone and welcome to the first stop on the Enchantment Blog Tour! I am so excited to be able to kick off this tour for author Nikki Jefford! She is such an amazing person and author and I am truly honored to be apart of the farewell tour for the Spellbound Trilogy, though it also saddens me to say goodbye to some of my favorite characters! 

Well how about I let Second Gray really kick things off????

Gray Goes to Europe by Graylee Perez, The Second

Hi, my name is Gray. I should be dead. Scratch that. I shouldn’t even exist. I’m a copy, a duplicate. The other me, who calls herself “Lee”, is leaving for college at the end of summer with Raj McKenna.

Raj.

Have you ever loved a person but been too proud to admit it to yourself until it was too late?

I survived death, a purge, and duplication, but I don’t have the option of going to college or being with the boy who stole my heart.

So I’m blowing this joint! Goodbye Pacific Northwest; Hello Barcelona!

I’ve never been out of the country and I can’t wait to fulfill my dream of spending a summer in Spain. You may be surprised, but I signed up for a non-magical retreat – meaning I will spend an entire summer not performing spells of any kind. Lately I feel like every time I use magic I end up getting burned so I’m taking a break from all that.

There will be other witches my age from all over the world. I’m looking forward to the cultural experience and meeting new people.

It’s going to be the best experience of my life. I know it. And since I won’t lift a finger to do magic, nothing can go wrong.

I hope you’ll join me. It’s going to be fun!

xoxo, Gray

                     

Yes, Gray we really must get those cupcakes!! Thanks for dropping me a line, good luck in the future! <3

Synopsis:

Gray returned from the dead, took on a duplicate, and now faces her biggest adventure yet.
 
Barcelona. Summer escape. Or so Graylee Perez thought until her old adversary, Adrian Montez, brings his magic show to Spain.
 Gray seeks out a Spanish wizard to help banish Adrian from her life once and for all. Instead, she tumbles headfirst into a love spell with the arrogant warlock.
 After Gray follows Adrian to Paris, she must face her true feelings and decide if Adrian’s worth fighting for.

*Received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Buy Links: Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon Canada | Amazon France | Amazon Spain | Amazon Germany | Smashwords | Barnes & Noble

My Review:

Gray has been through a lot. Things that no witch or person should have to go through. In an attempt to find herself and take a break from the life that has taken so much from her, Gray goes to Barcelona. Where she joins a non-magical retreat. Just when she has come to terms with not using her magic her past shows up, in the form of one Adrian Montez. Now desperate to get rid of Adrian, Gray will do anything including banishing the wizard. But things don't happen quite the way she expects, as her life is turned upside down again, Gray get's the opportunity to find out what her heart really wants.

I have been a huge fan of the Spellbound Trilogy with the Gray's being some of my favorite characters from the series.  In Enchantment we are given more of Second Gray as she has come to be called. We see her struggle as she attempts to find her rightful place in the world. As a reader you can't help, but feel sorry for her as so many things were taken from her. Yes, some of those things were never meant to be hers and she was never meant to be, but to her those things are hers. I really enjoyed getting to see things from this Gray's perspective as Lee was the main attraction in the first two books, but I will admit that I missed having Raj on the page.

And of course you can't have a Spellbound book without the presence of a certain twin, but Charlene's appearance is more than a small surprise for both Gray and me. Nikki Jefford really took me by surprise with that little number! In fact, it still cracks me up and if you feel at all like I do about Charlene the surprise that awaits you in this book will surely make you feel a little better. 

If you are also like me, than a part of you has a strong dislike for Adrian as well, but I can honestly say that after Enchantment Adrian has stolen a small piece of my heart. In Enchantment, Adrian is still the cocky and arrogant wizard we met in the first two Spellbound books, but underneath all his arrogance lied the heart of a gentleman. In Enchantment Adrian could have had his heart's desire, but he didn't want his heart's desire in the manner it was afforded. Once I thought Adrian was a pain in the butt who thought of no one but himself, but now I think he is a wizard who will do anything for the one he loves.

All in all I really enjoyed the story of Enchantment, it gave me everything I desire from a story, romance, magic, and great characters, but I wanted more, more magic and more struggle. I yearned for a big twin showdown.

Overall, I think Nikki Jefford did a great job of tying up the Spellbound Trilogy with Enchantment, she tied up all the loose ends, answered all my questions and being the hopeless romantic that I am; gave me my happy ever after! 

"I don't want to hurt you, Gray." He leaned down to her ear and whispered, "I want to make you scream."

I chose this moment because this shows Adrian how I always thought he was, cocky and dead set on revenge, but I am happy to say that this is not the true Adrian. 

Now for the Giveaway!!! Up for Grabs:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

{Cover Reveal} God's Warriors by L.P. Hidalgo

Book Info-

Title-God’s  Warriors

Series-Children of God’s

By- L.P. Hidalgo

Expected Publication Date-September 18th, 2013

Blurb-

Jae Salvador is a college student dealing with the death of her older brother, Jason. But, her life changes when he comes back to deliver a cryptic message: the war of Heaven and Hell is upon us. It is up to Jae and her brother, Joel, to find God's warriors and along the way; they discover that their family is unlike most others. They are descendants of Son's of God who were put on earth in preparation for the war. However, Jae wields more power than anyone could imagine. She alone will decide the outcome of the war by convincing the Catalyst to choose Heaven over Hell.
 
Will she succeed in her quest for salvation or will she unleash Hell on Earth?

Goodreads | Facebook Event

About the Author-

L. P. Hidalgo is the author of the “The Children of God’s” series, the captivating story of the war between Heaven and Hell with the heroine, Jae Salvador and her brother Joel, lead a quest in search of God’s Warriors, which is set to debut on September 18th, 2013.
 
L.P. Hidalgo on her off time is a freelance graphic designer, mother of two children, and devoted partner to her fiancé. From an early age she began writing, which throughout adulthood turned into passion.  The artistic writer was encouraged by family and friends to write her compelling stories. 

Find the Author: Goodreads | Facebook | Website

Review: The Last Academy by Anne Applegate

*Cover and Synopsis from Goodreads

Synopsis:

What is this prep school preparing them for?

Camden Fisher arrives at boarding school haunted by a falling-out with her best friend back home. But the manicured grounds of Lethe Academy are like nothing Cam has ever known. There are gorgeous, preppy boys wielding tennis rackets, and circles of girls with secrets to spare. Only . . . something is not quite right. One of Cam's new friends mysteriously disappears, but the teachers don't seem too concerned. Cam wakes up to strangers in her room, who then melt into the night. She is suddenly plagued by odd memories, and senses there might be something dark and terrible brewing. But what? The answer will leave Cam—and readers—stunned and breathless, in this thrilling debut novel.

*Received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Helpful Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Website

My Review

Camden should be celebrating her last summer with her best friend before she goes off to boarding school, instead they have a huge falling out and she goes to boarding school knowing that she has lost her best friend.  At first everything seems normal, you have your typical cliques, jocks and preppy kids, but something always seems a little off. Then one of Camden's friends disappears without an explanation. The school say's she went home, but Camden knows something is off with their story, she knows something is off, period and that someone, had a hand in her friends disappearance. 

I have to admit, this book was a little slow and a tad bit confusing. The mysterious disappearances and strange happenings seemed to both leave me wanting more and muddle the story. With every strange occurrence I thought, finally, something is going to happen, but every time I was disappointed, but I knew something was going to happen. After all the entire book alluded to the fact that something funny was going on. 

That is why I kept reading. It was like I was Hansel and Gretel following a trail of bread crumbs with every crumb Anne Applegate gave me I knew I was getting closer to the secret of The Last Academy, so I kept reading, collecting my crumbs. And I will say that my crumb collecting paid off. Once the big secret was revealed I understood why Anne Applegate told the story the way she did, why she unveiled things in the manner that she did. If she did it any other way it would have ruined the shock value of the entire story.

And yes I was shocked. There were times when I thought that was what was happening in the story, but I never quite reached the entire truth on my own. 

Despite it's slow pacing I found most of the characters enjoyable and completely relateable, but many I found to be just plain annoying, flat and just not fully developed. They were there, but it was like they were there more for scenery. Upon completion of the entire story I can honestly say that I liked the overall story, that it is worth reading to the end, worth following that trail of bread crumbs and seeing the house made of candy. I say, give it a try, so that you can decide whether or not it is a hit or miss.

"The mind is cleverer than the person: It can both know the truth and obscure it until the person is prepared to face what has happened" (Kindle, loc. 2160).

The reason I chose this moment is because it is a deep moment, and once you reach the end of the bread crumbs this book can be pretty deep. I like how things are summed up and this is just one way things are explained. Of course you have to read the whole thing to really understand this! 

Bluffing the Devil by C.L. Foster {Release Blast}

Title-Bluffing the Devil

By-CL Foster

Expected Publication Date-May 2013

Cover by the amazingly talented Regina Wamba of Mae I Designs <3 ~ Facebook

Blurb-

After losing her fiancé to a freak accident, Alexia Riley decides to swear off relationships and focus her energy on conquering the male-dominated sport of professional poker.

When Alexia finds herself being visited in her dreams by a mysterious new man, she begins to wonder if her world is slowly starting to unravel around her.

Tested by a double-dealing nemesis on the tables and tempted by a mysterious "dream man", Alexia soon contemplates making a deal with the Devil to rid herself of these torments. What bargain will she strike with the Dark Prince to get what she wants? As temptation for a mysterious dream man weakens her resolve, a desire to defeat her greatest rival beckons her. Will she sacrifice her soul for victory? Love? Or does she want something else entirely?

The stakes have never been higher for Alexia than they are when she is bluffing the Devil.

Book Trailer

Goodreads

About the Author

CL Foster is a brand new writer with big dreams and lots of avenues she wants to travel.
 
Originally from Florida, she has lived all over the world, but has settled down in Pennsylvania.... for now! She has a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, minoring in Psychology and Forensics. Which means you don't want to cross her because she knows how and where to hide a body so it's never found!
 She proudly admits to hearing voices in her head, but at times, her characters' impromptu visits can be rude and annoying. Thankfully, she has adequate patience for their shenanigans and can out ninja them any day of the week.

Stalk Her: Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon Author Page

Facebook Event: Bluffing the Devil

Bout of Books 7.0 Goals

The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, May 13th and runs through Sunday, May 19th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 7.0 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team

Okay, so I have already posted most of my goals for this year's Bout of Books, but I am going to state them again for argument sake, plus this is going to be the official post where I update my progress. 

My Goals:

-Read at least 8 books
-Review all 8 books
-Participate in as many Twitter chat's as time will allow (These are so much fun, these are a serious must)
-Participate in 2 challenges
-Visit as many blogs as I can per day and leave lots of comment love!!!

The Books:

1. Darkness of Light by Stacie Marie Brown

2. Miss Me Not by Tiffany KingX

3. ReVamped by Ada AdamsX

4. ReAwakened by Ada Adams

5. The Book of Lost Souls by Michelle MutoX

6. Forest of the Forsaken by Joanne Brothwell

7. Half-Blood by Jennifer L. ArmentroutX

8. Zarconian Island by Aja Hannah
9. The Fourth Channel by Jen Kirchnerx

Of course I hope to read more than this, with me being out of school, I just might be able to do it. I guess we will see!

Monday
Number of books I've read today: 1
Total number of books I've read: 1
Books: The Fourth Channel by Jen Kirchner

Comments: Though this book was not originally on my list, I had to add it because it was beckoning me from my Kindle and I have to say that I loved it! I started ReVamped which is on my list. I hope to get pretty far into it before I go to bed. However, today I missed the Twitter chat and my favorite challenge, the spin poem! So for that I am totally bummed! 

Tuesday

Number of books I've read today: 2

Total number of books I've read: 3

Books: ReVamped by Ada Adams and Miss Me Not by Tiffany King

Comments: Shocked I finished both books yesterday! I don't think I will accomplish that same thing tomorrow, but I am certainly going to try. The only bad thing is that I have not written a single review for these books, but I did take notes. Hopefully I will get to the reviews soon, but all I want to do is read!!!!

Wednesday

Number of books I've read today: 1

Total number of books I've read: 4

Books: Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Comments: I started Forest of the Forsaken. I still haven't written a single review. :( I finally participated in a Twitter chat! Woohoo!! 

Thursday

Number of books I've read today: 1

Total number of books I've read: 5

Books: The Book of Lost Souls by Michelle Muto

Comments: 

Friday

Number of books I've read today: 0

Total number of books I've read: 5

Books: Started Zarconian by Aja Hannah

Comments: As of today I have written 1 review for the books that I have read thus far. Here it is: The Fourth Channel

Saturday

Number of books I've read today:

Total number of books I've read:

Books:

Comments:

Sunday

Number of books I've read today:

Total number of books I've read:

Books:

Comments:

There you have it, my goals, are you going to participate?