Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Dead Girl Walking by Ruth Silver {Blog Tour: Review}


*Received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

Book Info-
Title- Dead Girl Walking
Series- Royal Reaper Book #1
By- Ruth Silver
Genre- YA, Paranormal, Royalty
Published By- Patchwork Press

Blurb-
Forget everything you know about grim reapers.
 Princess Ophelia Dacre sneaks out of the castle to visit her boyfriend in secret. A perfect night cut short when she’s brutally murdered.
 Ophelia is given the rare chance to become a grim reaper. She must become Leila Bele, cut ties with her old life, and follow the rules of the reapers. Her greatest adventure begins with death.
Helpful Links: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

My Review~

Princess Ophelia Dacre suffers from an arranged marriage, but all she wants is the freedom to choose who she loves. And she is in love with a boy who has no idea who she really is, a boy that she secrets away. She knows that she must one day tell her father, but fate has something else in mind when she is murdered and offered the opportunity to be a grim reaper.

Dead Girl Walking starts off with an explosive tale of Princess Ophelia's brutal murder. We are immediately swept up in her story as she goes from a Princess with everything ahead of her to a grim reaper who has to start over. New friends, new job, new name, new identity, new life. And it's not as easy as Princess Ophelia thinks. There are rules to follow and jobs to do all of which Ophelia, now known as Leila has a problem with. I guess the princess doesn't like rules.

Naturally Leila is placed with other grim reapers who mentor her, but she quickly finds herself in trouble as she is lured back to the life she left behind.

Dead Girl Walking is a very fast paced read from the second you open the book and at times seemed to move too fast. There was a lot going on in this story which made the story feel rushed at times. I love the idea of grim reapers that Ruth Silver gave me in Dead Girl Walking, but I wanted more. I really wanted to know more about reapers. You get a glimpse of it, but really it was only enough to leave me sort of confused. Frankly at times I just didn't see how the story got there.

I liked the characters enough to read the book, but I really never bought into them. I didn't find myself thinking about them when I walked away. Again I wanted more. I wanted to know the reason why the person who killed Ophelia did and many other things. Unfortunately I just didn't get those answers. But it didn't ruin the story. It was just a detail I glazed over because they were not essential for the story. Would it have made the story better, yes. Was it crucial for the story no. Which is why I was able to finish the book and actually enjoy it.

But all that being said, I enjoyed the tale of Dead Girl Walking and Princess Ophelia. It was an easy book to get lost in. Something that allowed me to put my worries to the side and step into someone else's. Ruth Silver presented us with a lot of great ideas on grim reapers and dark angels in Dead Girl Walking I just wanted more. It is definitely a story that you should judge for yourself.


About the Author-
Ruth Silver is the best-selling author of ABERRANT, a young adult dystopian adventure series published by Patchwork Press and Lazy Day Publishing, in 2013. Author, YA Blogger, and Book Manager with Booktrope Publishing, Ruth keeps busy with writing, updating her book blogs Write Away Bliss and YA Book Deals, and promoting authors.


With a passion for reading, photography, and traveling Ruth has plenty of stories and experiences to share. She loves dystopian, paranormal, and fantasy young adult novels most of all. Ruth has been actively writing since she was a teenager. She currently resides in Plainfield, Illinois. 
Find Her: Website | Facebook | Twitter

Giveaway

1 signed paperback of Dead Girl Walking (US only)
5 eBooks of Dead Girl Walking (Intl)
1 eBook of Jacob, King of Portalia (intl)
1 eBook of Spirit Warriors: The Scarring (Intl)
1 eBook of Fractured Dream (intl)
1 eBook of Orenda (Intl)
1 eBook of Eyes of the Enemy (Intl)



ReBorn by Ada Adams {Cover Reveal}

Are you guys ready for this??? I have something awesome to share with you, but I have to make sure you are prepared to handle the awesomeness. Are you ready? Like really ready? I see you dancing over there. So I guess that means you're ready. Today I get to share the final book in the Angel Creek Series by Ada Adams! I know sad news about the end, but awesome news about the cover... and here it is in all its glory!


Oh my gosh, I love it, I love it, I love it!!!

Release Date: March 2015

I know it is a long time to wait, but if the story inside is anything as awesome as the cover then it will be worth the wait. Unfortunately at this time there is no synopsis, but I will definitely share that with you once I have it.

And because Ada Adams is freaking awesome she is giving away a $20.00 Amazon Gift Card!!! So make sure you enter HERE

And make sure you check out the rest of the series while you are at it. Check it out on Amazon

Now did you enter the Giveaway? Here you know just in case you forgot ;)

Sunday, September 7, 2014

Guided on Tour


Well it's official, Guided is on tour. I feel like there should be cake, but there isn't. There are a bunch of awesome bloggers and authors sharing things from me and my book though, which is way better. That's right some very awesome people are allowing me to take over their sites for a day. I feel incredibly honored they all took time out of their schedules to pimp my book. I am still a little flabbergasted about the idea of writing a book, so thinking about my book being on tour is even more unimaginable. But it's happening, so there is no denying it now.

I bet you want to know what will be on this lovely little tour don't you? Well allow me to introduce you to this week's awesomeness and the bloggers and authors that will  be participating.

Guided Tour Schedule

September 7th~ Stephanie The Book Hipster (Author Interview "Random 5")
September 8th~ Michele G Miller (Soundtrack for Jasper)
September 9th~ Steven Montano (Guest Post- Inspirations)
September 9th~ Kelly ~Tea Time and Books (Review)
September 10th~ Devri Walls (Guest Post- Conquering publishing fear)
September 12th~ Michelle In Libris Veritas (Guest Post- Facts about Jasper)
September 12th~ Toni My Book Addiction (Exclusive Teaser Picture)
September 13th~ Ruth Silver Write Away Bliss (Guest Post- Road from Blogger to Author)
September 13th~ Lou Relaxed Reads (Review)

Make sure you follow the tour and enter for your chance to win a Signed Paperback copy of Guided and a $10 Amazon Gift Card! This will be one of the first paperbacks ever printed!!!!! I just ordered my proof copy so the paperbacks should be ready to go soon.


Monday, September 1, 2014

All That Remains by Michele G Miller {Review}

*Received a free copy in exchange for an honest review

Blurb~
Storms come and go, but true love remains.
  Fear, guilt, and jealousy all rear their ugly heads as Jules and West strive to figure out what they want now that they've emerged from the wreckage of the storm.
  A year has passed since the night Jules Blacklin and West Rutledge were thrown together by a tornado.
  Now college freshmen, they’ve worked hard to overcome the tragedies of their pasts to start anew.
  As they embark on their future, there is one last obstacle standing in the way of them finding complete happiness: themselves.

Helpful Links: Goodreads | Amazon 

My Review~

Things have changed a lot for Jules and West in the last year. They connected over tragedy and found comfort in the arms of each other. They were each other's strength. Rock. Anchor. They kept each other whole and just when things were looking up tragedy strikes again. This time it ruins everything. Now Jules and West struggle to find the happiness they know they both deserve.

It has definitely been a long road for Jules and West. These two characters have come full circle in a story that is riddled with loss, turmoil, tragedy, sorrow, happiness, love, and hope. When we first met West he was a little lost, but with the tragedy of the tornado he began to hope again. He was a hero and a true knight in shining armor. It has been a long time since I have enjoyed reading a character as much as I have enjoyed getting to know West. He definitely makes my list of top characters of the year. And it's not just because he is dreamy. Because he is. It's more than that. West is a gentle and kind soul. He sees more than what's on the surface. He may play the part of the loner, but he is always watching and observing. He is just waiting for his time to shine. We get glimpses of this when he is with his family and Jules. The West that we know he truly is. The West we want him to be.

Then there is Jules. She starts this journey with everything. She is the most popular girl in school, head cheerleader, is dating the star quarterback, and has a good life. In one night her life is turned upside down. We see her become this fearful down to earth girl who begins to see that there is more to life than boys, cheer, and being popular. We get a very up close look at her as she grieves and struggles with her guilt. She grows leaps and bounds in this series and is a character that I have connected with.

At the end of Out of Ruins Michele G Miller left my heart on the floor torn and beaten. I wanted All That Remains to make the pain go away. I wanted to see this couple dance in the sun, smile, laugh, and just get to love. I wanted them to have true happiness. But I knew that it wouldn't be easy. Not with the ending on book 2. I knew there would be struggle and pain. And I had a lot of apprehension about reading All That Remains, I knew it was going to be a rocky start and yet I wasn't prepared when Michele G Miller ripped my heart out in the first few pages. 

I have liked West since the first time he graced the pages of From the Wreckage. I knew he was a deep thinker. I wanted nothing more than to get inside his head, but I wasn't prepared for that dose of reality. His thoughts, his hurt, pain, and guilt completely broke me. Left me a puddle on the floor. It was so real, true. 

Then my heart break turned to anger. And one point I was so mad at Michele G Miller and Jules I didn't even want to finish the book. I seriously had to put the book down for a bit and convince myself that it could still work. Love takes time right? Right. But that didn't mean I had to be happy about what was happening between the pages. And it certainly didn't keep me from muttering not nice things under my breath. I never thought I could dislike or hate Jules, but in those moments I did. I really did. After everything that had happened I couldn't believe she would do the things she was doing. To mess with someone's heart like that. It left me hurt and angry. 

But I am a hopeless romantic, so I held a small glimmer of hope in my heart. It was that glimmer that pushed me to finish the story. And I don't regret one single minute of it. I don't regret that heart break at all.

Since the beginning, this story has been full of beauty, pain, hurt, hope, and love. One that leaves me breathless and with a full heart. All That Remains was such a beautiful ending to an exquisite story. This is one trilogy I will be reading again. West and Jules have cemented their spot on my list of the best book couples. In my book they are right up there with Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett. So make sure you grab this series and settle in with a box of tissue, a good blanket, and a shoulder to cry on. But do read it. Experience it. Live it.


I would give you a favorite moment for this book, but all the ones I want to share would be spoilers. So you are just going to have to read it yourself. 

Liebster Award~A Little Fun



Recently I was nominated for this thing called the Liebster Award, now I have to admit that I have never heard of such a thing in my two years of blogging, but when I looked it up and saw what it was all about I was more than a little excited and more than happy to participate. First I want to thank Freya over at The Reading Warrior for nominating me.

And now bear with me as I attempt to answer the 11 questions that Freya has so kindly left for me. *rubs hands*

Oh and did I mention that this means that I can now nominate blogs to follow in my steps??? Oh yea, this is going to be fun. If I nominate you, here's what you need to do, if you choose to participate.

*Answer the questions I leave for you.
*Link back to the person that nominated you (that's me)
*Nominate bloggers that have less than 200 followers
*Provide nominees with 11 questions of your choice
*Inform your nominees
*Provide them with a link to your post with your questions.

Ready? Here we go. My answers to Freya's questions...

1) In Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling, in order to cast a patronus charm you have to think of a happy memory. What is the happiest memory you can think of?

Oh, that's a hard one because I can easily think of 6. The day I married my husband and best friend and the day that each of my beautiful boys were born. So, yup. That's my answer. Yes I may have cheated a little.

2) What would your weapon of choice be?

Nice question! I love the topic of weapons. If I had to pick, which you are making me do, I would have to go with the Katana. Only the coolest and most lethal of the swords. I don't know what it is about that weapon, but it makes me want to be all ninja. Hey maybe I could use it in the kitchen? Probably not a good idea. I would probably loose a limb.

3) Going back to Harry Potter there is a magical creature called a boggart. When you see the boggart it takes the form of the thing you fear the most. What would the boggart look like to you and why?

Yikes! Man that could be so many things. As a mom, my fears have increased to frightening levels. In this case I am a lot like Mrs. Weasley. I would see the bodies of my children. I think that is every mothers fear. Too lose a child. Needless to say I'm glad they only exist in the magical world of Harry Potter.

4) Are there any genres of book that you usually stay away from? What are they?

As much as I like to think that I can read anything, I really don't like to read Erotica. And I have to say that I am not a huge fan of Historical Romance either. But I will try anything once. Especially if it is an author I love.

5) If your favorite book could be adapted into anything (film, graphic novel, TV show, musical, etc.) what would it be and why?

This question just isn't fair. There are too many amazing books out there. Gah! You're killing me here. I'm going to sort of cheat here. I'm going to give you two series that I would die to see on the screen. Either TV or film. The first is The Protector Series by M.R. Merrick. That was one of the first Indie series I ever read. It sent me into this amazing world of blogging and Indie. Plus the story is just freaking fabulous! To see that world on screen would be simply amazing.

Second I am going to go with The Skullborn Trilogy by Steven Montano. I can see this being a show on Sci-Fi some day. And it would be epic to see his magical worlds and creepy creatures come to life week after week. It would blow my mind, seriously.

6) Dreamcast for a book you love.

Yea, don't think I could do that. I can tell you who I would want to play my favorite character in one of my all time favorite books though. But that's all you are going to get.

In the above question I said I would love to see The Protector Series made into a movie. In that movie I would love to see Bradley James play the main character Chase Williams. As for the other characters well... he's the one that really matters :D


7) Are there certain places you like to read?

I prefer to read on the couch. I know I'm boring. But what can I say. I like it when I can relax into my soft couch with a good book and a soda.

8) What are your main hobbies?

You mean besides reading?? Um, well I love to cook and bake and I am a little more than obsessed with cupcakes so that's one hobby. I love to play video games, preferably first person shooters that give me the opportunity to blow things up. I also love to draw. I don't get to do it that often anymore, but it has always been one of my loves. And I also like to write. I recently published my first novel Guided.

9) Hobbies you don't have, but are dying to try?

I can't play music. But I have always wanted to learn to play the piano. Piano music sings to my soul and I would love for someone to teach me how to tickle the ivories.

10) Which magical creature would you want as a pet? Why?

Er... I think I'm going to say Dragon on this one. Come on who wouldn't want a dragon. I really don't think there is any need for an explanation on that one. 

11) Would you travel in space or in time?

I think I would rather travel in time. I have always wanted to visit my favorite era's. Besides at least I would know what to expect if I went into the past. 

Wow, that was hard. Now for my nominations.
1) Stephanie at The Book Hipster
2) Lou at Relaxed Reads
3)  Michelle at In Libris Veritas
4) Jasmine at Book Groupies

And now for my questions... 
1) What is one thing that your readers don't know about you?
2) If you could live in any book, what would it be and why?
3) Are you a dreamer or a realist? Why?
4) What is your idea of the perfect day?
5) Name your favorite book boyfriend? And tell me why he is your favorite. Make me want to discover him. (that sounds dirty, doesn't it? Er, you know what I mean)
6) If you could do anything in the world, what would it be?
7) If I were to go to your house and look at your book shelf. What would I see on it? (which books, nick nacks, pictures...)
8) Do you snack while you read? If so, what is your snack of choice?
9) Would you rather watch sports or play sports?
10) If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and with whom?
11) Your favorite show to binge watch?

Well there you have it folks, you ready to play?

Sweet Redemption by Bailey Ardisone {Cover Reveal}

I'm dying a little guys. Today I have the great privilege to share the cover for the final book in the Sweet Series by Bailey Ardisone. This series is finally coming to a close. That is both good and bad news. It means I won't have Mycah and Rydan anymore, but it also means I can get some closure. Seriously the endings of these books has killed me. Now check out this beautiful cover and preorder this book!!!!



Isn't it beautiful??? Every cover has been gorgeous and this is no exception!

Coming: October 24, 2014

Blurb~
...That which starts bitter ends sweet.

What do you do when those you love are about to be executed? You raise Hell.

Nariella Woodlinn has managed to escape death more times than she can count. Frequently saved by the Night Elf she loves and her protective best friend, it's her turn to return the favor. Those she holds most dear to her heart are set to be executed by the most vile creature in all of Luïnil - their uncle. Armed with determination and a not-so-confident plan, Nari must wage a war that goes against her very genetics in the hopes of stopping their impending doom.

But that seemed like the least of her problems when she is ordered to make Mycah fall out of love with her. Forced to let go of the one person she had ever fully given her heart to, she sets off on her own to mend, until unexpected visitors shock them all.

With their home threatened, Nari's heart broken, and Ohtar set on the loose - how can any of them ever hope to obtain Redemption?

-Final installment of the Sweet Series-
Preorder Links: Amazon | Kobo | Barnes & Noble | iTunes

Links for Barnes & Noble and iTunes coming soon.


Haven't started the series yet? Then say no more! You can meet Mycah, Rydan, and Nari in Sweet Oblivion for FREE!!!


Purchase Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iTunes | Kobo

About the Author~
Bailey Ardisone was born and raised outside of Chicago, Illinois. She married the love of her life and spends her days submerged in books, movies, music, or art, and loves traveling. Fantasy books and movies have been a huge part of her life, and one of her greatest passions is Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.


Follow on Twitter: Bailey | Mycah | Rydan

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