Giveaway: Life on the Edge by Jennifer Comeaux

Life on the Edge (Edge, #1)

By: Jennifer Comeaux

Release date: November 27, 2012

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Age Group: New Adult

Nineteen-year-old Emily is new to pairs skating, but she and her partner Chris have a big dream–to be the first American team to win Olympic gold. Their young coach Sergei, who left Russia after a mysterious end to his skating career, believes they can break through and make history.

Emily and Chris are on track to be top contenders at the 2002 Winter Games. But when forbidden feelings spark between Emily and Sergei, broken trust and an unexpected enemy threaten to derail Emily's dreams of gold.

Exerpt from Life on the Edge

I went inside the small room and pulled the curtain shut. The ivory satin dress

hung on the wall. The first time I’d tried on the gown, we all ended up in a mess of tears

– me, Mom, Aunt Debbie… even Aubrey, who was the least sentimental person I knew.

Stripping out of my clothes, I stepped into the dress and peeked around the

curtain. “Mom, can you help me?”

She maneuvered around the dress’s long train as her fingers carefully made their

way up the long row of delicate buttons. When she finished, Mom held my skirt and we

moved out into the shop and in front of the huge mirror on the far wall.

My chest tightened as I stared at my reflection. Louann’s final alterations made

the dress fit my petite curves perfectly. I ran my hand across the off-the-shoulder

neckline and down the draped bodice to the A-line skirt, sliding my fingertips along the

cool, silky material. I hadn’t wanted any frills on the dress, so the gown had a simple

yet elegant look with only a touch of beading. It was everything I’d dreamed, just like

I’d thought my life with Sergei would be. The tightness in my chest rose to my throat,

creating a painful lump.

“It’s so beautiful,” Mom said. “I know I say that every time I see it, but it’s true.”

I nodded and attempted to speak, but no words came. Only tears. I tried to

breathe them back with quick gasps, but I couldn’t stop them as they seeped from my

eyes.

Mom brushed my hair away from my face. “Sweetie, those don’t look like happy

tears.”

Total Books in the Edge series by Jennifer Comeaux:

Pre-Order these books right now!

Life on the Edge: Amazon/ Barnes&Noble/ Smashwords

Edge of the Past: Amazon/ Barnes&Noble/ Smashwords

About the Author

Author Bio of Jennifer Comeaux

Jennifer Comeaux earned a Master of Accounting from Tulane University and is a Certified Public Accountant in south Louisiana. While working in the corporate world, she sought a creative outlet and decided to put on paper a story that had played in her head for years. That story became Life on the Edge, her first published novel.
When not working or writing, she is an avid follower of the sport of figure skating, travelling to competitions around the country. Those experiences allow her to see a different side of the sport and serve as an inspiration for her writing. Jennifer is blessed with a wonderful family and friends who have encouraged her to pursue her dream of being a published author.

Contact Jennifer Comeaux:

Website/ Twitter/ Facebook/ Goodreads

The wonderful Jennifer Comeaux has graciously offered one reader a chance to win a copy of her book, Life on the Edge (Edge #1). If you are a winner, we will be sure to contact you and hopefully make your day. Until then, good luck to all contestants!

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Review: Scarlet by A.C. Gaughen

Scarlet

By A.C. Gaughen

Released: February 14, 2012

Publisher: Walker Childrens

Hardcover, 292 pages

Many readers know the tale of Robin Hood, but they will be swept away by this new version full of action, secrets, and romance. 

Posing as one of Robin Hood’s thieves to avoid the wrath of the evil Thief Taker Lord Gisbourne, Scarlet has kept her identity secret from all of Nottinghamshire. Only the Hood and his band know the truth: the agile thief posing as a whip of a boy is actually a fearless young woman with a secret past. Helping the people of Nottingham outwit the corrupt Sheriff of Nottingham could cost Scarlet her life as Gisbourne closes in.

It’s only her fierce loyalty to Robin—whose quick smiles and sharp temper have the rare power to unsettle her—that keeps Scarlet going and makes this fight worth dying for.  --GoodReads

Three Stars!

Review

Ah, yes. Yet another fairy tale retelling of an old, OLD classic. Passed down from one generation to the next by word of mouth, no one really knows the original, but rather the "renditions" of previous stories. A whisper down the lane game, if you will. Robin Hood is the story of a fearless, as-honest-as-you-can-get thief, that steals from the pompous rich and gives without fail to the poor. Based upon a well known story known throughout the world, A.C. Gaughen pulls off a gender-blending story centered on the Hood's female partner-in-crime. 

Now, truth to be told, when someone mentions the name,"Robin Hood" to me out of the blue, I would never ever suspect a girl. 

I think this counts as a traditional Robin. Doncha think?

Sorry. Doesn't come to mind...

However, this is (almost) exactly what Gaughen thought of. At first, I was really excited. I mean, a girl creaming a guy in the art of thievery? Heck yeah! Count me in! Scarlet even specifies at one point that she has to teach all of the guys in her troop how to thieve properly (err, if there's actually a way to break the laws properly...)

YEAH! Love the fist.

Scarlet, the main protagonist, narrates the story in such a great way. She's crude, rude, and fits in with all the other guys in her "band" of lads. This band is made up of her, Robin Hood, Little John, and Much. Not to mention that she's one bad-ass with the knives. But, somehow, even with her foul mouth, she attracts the attention of two worthy-to-be-mentioned guys, the Hood and John. This is why I have a love/hate YA novels. No matter how insecure, rude, crude, sassy, silly, or introverted the main gal POV is, there's always 2 guys that fall head over heels in love. While I love the fact that the 2 coolest guys in the story fall in love with Scarlet, I also loathe the fact that it's so unrealistic and sometimes a bit cheesy. 

Anyway.... back to the main point. I mean, I love Scarlet's potty mouth, but she's so over emotional about her past. I don't know. It's the one chink in her armor. Oh, yeah, and expressing her feelings without blowing up as red as a tomato. 

Like a tomato. Seriously.

But well... I suppose that's what makes her  a believable character. If you don't mind reading about some head strong girl fighting a guy 30 times stronger than her but is as shy as a lily when it comes to talking about love...well, have fun! Cause I didn't. Not really. 

Another thing: this has to do with Robin and John. Remember how I said that both boys are seriously infatuated with this poor girl? Well, Scarlet leaves them hanging for quite a some time and as you know, boys  with raging lusty hormones fighting over a girl that "just doesn't know who to pick because she loooooooves them both" doesn't end very well. Scarlet's indecisiveness really irked me. You can't have both Scarlet! You may have a six-pack (well, probably. She goes so long without eating and works out as a career, why not throw in a couple of abs. She more than deserves it.)

Just image this on Scarlet. I dare you to.

Oh. Don't get me started on her eating habits! They were really bad, even for an anorexic girl. Scarlet calmly states throughout the book that she's not eaten for weeks and days on end. Not to mention the fact that she's the type of person that fills others' stomachs before one's own. John and Robin nag her constantly to eat (I don't blame them. Curves are way better than bones for a teenage boy...*cough*) and Scarlet takes it as an offense. She says she can barely choke down two bites, and hates to accept charity when THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT SHE'S DOING TO FEED THE VILLAGERS. I BET THEY DON'T LIKE IT TOO BUT THEY ACCEPT IT ANYWAY BECAUSE WHO DOESN'T LIKE FREE STUFF THEY'RE STARVING. So in reality, I believe that Scarlet ends up looking something like this:

Bbnieoanfidasj!!!!! TOO SKINNY!

Sooooo, back on to the overall analysis. 

Plot: It was interesting at first but doesn't give you the feeling of "I CANNOT PUT THIS DOWN UNTIL I FINISH IT" sort of reads. It was a bit flimsy and it mainly focused on Scarlet's, John's, Robin's interactions and daily routines.

Style: Robin Hood does take place in England, so some of the slang is a bit hard to understand at first, but you get used to it. It's rough and some  a LOT of the grammar is incorrect (so if you're a perfectionist or have OCD, this may be a problem for you.) Here. Let me give you a few sentences as examples.

 "[The bar] were heaving with bodies, laughs, and mugs slinging 'bout," (Gaughen 1).

"He were the youngest of us, too, bare sixteen, which didn't help none but Rob knew what Much were capable of in true." (Gaughen 2)

There's a lot of lads', lasses', and were's. The were's were the worst. They drove me insane...

Overall, if you're looking for a medium-quick read (depending how fast you read), a fairy tale retelling, cheesy love triangle and foreign slang doesn't bog you down while reading, go check out Scarlet. All I can say is that it's not half bad. (Although I am a bit disappointed with the lack of a sturdy, interesting, edge of the seat story. I loved the book because of the concept of a female side kick to the famous Robin Hood). Just don't get your hopes up too high for this one.

Happy Reading Everyone!

Order online at: Amazon/ Barnes&Noble/ The Book Depository

Waiting on Wednesday 1/30

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event that features the books that we (the bloggers) are highly anticipating. "Waiting on Wednesday" was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

                                      Jenny is "Waiting On":

Apollyon (Covenant #4) by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Expected publication: April 9th 2013 by Spencer Hill Press

Fate isn’t something to mess with… and now, neither is Alex.

Alex has always feared two things: losing herself in the Awakening and being placed on the Elixir. But love has always been stronger than Fate, and Aiden St. Delphi is willing to make war on the gods—and Alex herself—to bring her back.

The gods have killed thousands and could destroy entire cities in their quest to stop Seth from taking Alex’s power and becoming the all-powerful God Killer. But breaking Alex’s connection to Seth isn’t the only problem. There are a few pesky little loopholes in the whole “an Apollyon can’t be killed” theory, and the only person who might know how to stop the destruction has been dead for centuries.

Finding their way past the barriers that guard the Underworld, searching for one soul among countless millions, and then somehow returning will be hard enough. Alex might be able to keep Seth from becoming the God Killer… or she might become the God Killer herself.--Goodreads

Pre-Order at: Amazon / B&N / TBD

Rosie is freakishly obsessed with...

The First Pillar (Everville #1) by Roy Huff

Expectation Date: Late February 2013

KINDLE EDITION ONLY!

Owen Sage is the emblematic college freshman at Easton Falls University. He studies hard, plays hard, and is incredibly charming. With all the worries about his first year in college, he was not prepared for what would happen next. His way of life was flipped upside down when he was drawn into a different world, a world unbeknownst to him. He mysteriously crossed into another dimension, into the beautiful land of Everville. His tragic excitement was abruptly halted when he discovered that there was a darkness forged against both the natural world, which he knew well, and the new land which he discovered, Everville. He must devise a plan to save both worlds while joining forces with the race of Fron and The Keepers, whom both harbor hidden secrets he must learn in order to gain power over the evil that dwells in The Other In Between.

With a race against time to save both worlds, his short time at Easton Falls did not quite prepare him for the evil, dark forces he must fight in order to conquer The Other In Between. --GoodReads

Sorry, no pre-order links available at this moment. But you can watch a trailer instead!

What are you WoW-ing for?

Cover Reveal: The Only Exception by Magan Vernon

The Only Exception

By Magan Vernon

Release Date: April 9, 2013

Publisher: Beautifully Broken Books

Fiercely liberal Monica Remy prefers to blend in. Despite her tattoos, piercings, and outspoken personality, she transferred to Central to escape—before she finds out that her next door neighbor is the uber conservative governor's son, Trey Chapman.

No matter how hard she tries to avoid Trey, he still finds a way to get under her skin. Monica can’t stand his crisp white shirts or his staunch views on women. But she can’t help counting every freckle on his face and wondering what it would feel like to have him stop talking politics and kiss her.

A class debate project forces the unlikely pair to work together, and the political lines are blurred in late-night make out sessions. But despite their fiery chemistry, Trey’s politics threatens to smother their relationship for good. --Goodreads

Review: Glitch by Heather Anastasiu

Glitch (Glitch #1)

By Heather Anastasiu

Published August 7th, 2012

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Paperback, 308 pages

In the Community, there is no more pain or war. Implanted computer chips have wiped humanity clean of destructive emotions, and thoughts are replaced by a feed from the Link network.

When Zoe starts to malfunction (or “glitch”), she suddenly begins having her own thoughts, feelings, and identity. Any anomalies must be immediately reported and repaired, but Zoe has a secret so dark it will mean certain deactivation if she is caught: her glitches have given her uncontrollable telekinetic powers.

As Zoe struggles to control her abilities and stay hidden, she meets other glitchers including Max, who can disguise his appearance, and Adrien, who has visions of the future. Both boys introduce Zoe to feelings that are entirely new. Together, this growing band of glitchers must find a way to free themselves from the controlling hands of the Community before they’re caught and deactivated, or worse.

In this action-packed debut, Glitch begins an exciting new young adult trilogy. -Goodreads

3.5 Stars

Review

Glitch started out and seemed to be a promising read, but it was sort of disappointing. It was one of those books that lost its potential.


Okay, on to the main character, Zoe. She begins the novel with her V-chip (I never understood exactly what it was) glitching, causing her to feel emotions. She is, understandably, very confused,  because she has never felt emotions before and she doesn't know what to do and is all alone. With that said, I found her ability to comprehend emotions varied, sometimes she wouldn't at all get some emotions while somehow being able to pick other emotions up very quickly, like her insta love for Adrien (I will get to him later). What also annoyed me was how she didn't really even use her  power until it was suggested by someone else, you think if you had an awesome new power you would experiment with it a bit.


I think my biggest issue was with the romance. Normally, I don't mind love triangles too much, but this one wasn't even a love triangle, it was very obvious that Max was just thrown in there, and that Zoe would never end up with him. Also, Max is a possessive and creepy person, basically only wanting Zoe for a physical relationship. I understand that Zoe wouldn't know what to do with Max and wouldn't want to hurt his feelings, but she doesn't have any romantic feelings for him and he just keeps pushing himself on her. I get it, but really, come on. JUST PUSH HIM AWAY. My theory about Max is that Anastasiu, the author, intentionally made him an extremely dislikable person so he could then become a villain.

The other love interest is Adrien. Insta love between them? Yes *groan*. Besides the immediate connection/love he and Zoe share (which is slightly more understandable as Adrien already knows about Zoe from his visions, therefore could fall in love with her quicker) he is an average character. It is insta love, yet not, because of an unfortunate event, Adrien does have to start over and work for Zoe's love. Except his weird swearing did annoy me at first, but I eventually got used to it.



The writing was okay, nothing much to day about it. So all in all, I will probably go on to read the sequel if only to find out what happens (stinky cliff hangers), and I hope the sequel might redeem Glitch.

Purchase at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

Review and Giveaway: Touching the Surface by Kimberly Sabatini

Touching the Surface

By Kimberly Sabatini
Released: October 30, 2012
Publisher: Simon Pulse 

Hardcover, 352 pages

Experience the afterlife in this lyrical, paranormal debut novel that will send your heart soaring.

When Elliot finds herself dead for the third time, she knows she must have messed up, big-time. She doesn’t remember how she landed in the afterlife again, but she knows this is her last chance to get things right.

Elliot just wants to move on, but first she will be forced to face her past and delve into the painful memories she’d rather keep buried. Memories of people she’s hurt, people she’s betrayed…and people she’s killed.

As she pieces together the secrets and mistakes of her past, Elliot must find a way to earn the forgiveness of the person she’s hurt most, and reveal the truth about herself to the two boys she loves…even if it means losing them both forever. --Goodreads

4 Stars

Review

These days there are so many books about the afterlife that there ought to be a new genre called ‘What’s supposed to happen when we die’ or WSHWWD for short. Seriously, I’m not kidding. And the sad thing about all these paranormal books is that a lot of them are hopelessly cliched. It feels like the same story told over again with different narrators and different characters. I admit that when I first picked up Touching the Surface, I didn't exactly have high hopes. I've read my share of books dealing with the afterlife, and I’m somewhat paranoid of debut authors. A debut author plus afterlife book was not a pretty equation in my mind.

Then I read it. And I would be lying if I said that Touching the Surface wasn't a breath of fresh air in an otherwise clogged and polluted concept. Kimberly Sabatini's story about a soul who finds herself in purgatory for the third time is refreshing, beautiful and above all, thought provoking. Elliot Turner has lived three lives and is now at the point where she must find out more about herself in order to move on. That includes figuring out the mysterious ties between her and two brothers, Oliver and Trevor, as well as mending her broken relationship with her best friend Julia.

The book’s written in a lyrical manner with perfectly weaved words and just the right doses of humor. If you’re the type to really relate to a novel, Touching the Surface will make you laugh, cry, get angry, throw something at a wall, and be completely irrational and susceptible to the emotions that this book conveys. Sabatini uses the story as a vehicle to make readers explore some profound questions about our sense of heaven and hell. She also points out that sometimes, the surface of the truth just isn’t enough. Elliot spent her last two times in the Obmil (otherwise known as limbo) refusing to find out more about herself. Yet to save herself this third time, she must do more than simply ‘touch the surface’. Self-discovery is the most important aspect of this novel, and I doubt you’d walk away from reading it without figuring out just a little bit more about yourself. The book also teaches forgiveness and the lesson that life isn’t always fair, but you have to move on anyway and make those memories part of you.

At times, the book moved at a weird pace, and the introduction was rambling and awkward. As for the rest of the novel...let me make this analogy. It kind of felt like I was leisurely strolling down a road in the countryside when all of a sudden, I end up plummeting fifty feet off a cliff. The novel leaned heavily on intense plot twists to take it forward, and while I wasn’t complaining in the beginning, it sometimes frustrated me towards the end. And the fact there were so many plot twists meant that many things were left unanswered.

I also have a few minor complaints about characters. The only character I really loved was Trevor, aka "Mr. I hate the world." His T-shirt slogans were awesome. Still, things are definitely going to turn for the better! There were times when I wanted to punch Elliot in the face because she truly is a douchebag in the strongest sense of the word. I couldn’t really relate to her. There was just something really...off about her. Julia was completely flat, and Sabatini left us dangling with the unanswered questions of her past, which was so aggravating! And Oliver was just too perfect. Seriously. They don’t make guys like that in real life. (I totally wish though).

In conclusion, I found Touching the Surface to be a novel worth reading. It was a thoroughly enjoyable experience and the cover is phenomenal. Best of all, it was original. Other books about the afterlife would never take the kind of approach that Touching the Surface did. So I give a big round of applause for Kimberly Sabatini and her debut, and I will sit back and watch anxiously for her other works. And I’ll also leave you with these wise words from the novel:

        “A life experience is designed to help a soul grow, to learn. It’s a role play without you knowing you’re playing a role.”

This review was written by Rena, a guest reviewer. Isn't her review amazing?

Purchase Touching the Surface here: Amazon/ B&N/ TBD

Kimberly Sabatini has graciously offered a reader a copy of Touching the Surface!

• Ends February 11
• International
• Hardcover or eCopy (Winner's Choice)
• Not really sure on what else to say...

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Review: The Duff: Designated Ugly Fat Friend by Kody Keplinger

The Duff: Designated Ugly Fat Friend 

by Kody Keplinger

Published: September 7th 2010 

Publisher: Little Brown/Poppy 

Hardcover, 280 pages

Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn’t think she’s the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She’s also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her “the Duff,” she throws her Coke in his face. 

But things aren’t so great at home right now, and Bianca is desperate for a distraction. She ends up kissing Wesley. Worse, she likes it. Eager for escape, Bianca throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with him.

Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out Wesley isn’t such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she’s falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone.--Goodreads

4 Stars

Review: 

In all my years reading contemporary YA novels, I've learn that everyone has issues and that everyone is insecure, this is very true for The Duff.

The Duff tackles appearance insecurities that a young girl, Bianca, has about herself. I have never heard the word Duff before, but I have heard that in every group of friends there is that one person who is prettier than the rest. The thing is (as cheesy as it sounds) everyone is beautiful in his or her own way. Beauty is all in the eye of the beholder. By the end of the novel Bianca realizes that everyone feels like they are the Duff. This novel did a great job of representing high school self-esteem and beauty. In high school the worst thing someone can call a girl is fat or ugly and to say that someone is both fat and ugly would mostly likely make them feel like crap. 

Bianca never thought of herself as the Duff before Wesley. It was only when Wesley called her the Duff that she began to think of herself as the Duff, which is why I hated Wesley for most of the novel. What a D-Bag. Who does he think he is? Bianca tried really hard not to care about what Wesley thinks, but even if you don't care about the person who said the hurtful statement, a hurtful statement will still be hurt no matter who says it. 

I don't fully understand why Bianca got into a fling with Wesley in the first place. I guess it was because she wanted to prove to him that she is not the Duff or because she's extremely skeptical of love because of her parents failing relationship, so I guess she thinks that love can't really happen, so flings are ok? Or because she just wants an escape from her home life. 

I hate how Bianca didn't feel comfortable talking about her issues with her friends. Her friends really care about her! 

As the novel progressed, I found myself not hating Wesley and then *gasp* liking him as a character! Wesley kind of grew on me. Also the more into the book I got, the nicer Wesley became to Bianca, so that helped.

The ending was so adorable! :)

Purchase novel at: Amazon / B&N / TBD

Review: Double Crossed by Ally Carter

Double Crossed (Heist Society #2.5, Gallagher Girls #5.5)

By Ally Carter

Published: January 22, 2013

Publisher: Disney-Hyperion

ebook, 89 pages

Macey McHenry—Glamorous society girl or spy-in-training?

W.W. Hale V—Heir to an American dynasty or master thief?

There are two sides to every coin. Whether these two can work together is a tossup.

Born into privilege, Macey and Hale are experts at mingling with the upper class. But even if they’ve never raised an eyebrow at the glitz, neither teenager has ever felt at home with the glamour.

When Macey and Hale meet at a society gala, the party takes a dangerous turn. Suddenly they’re at the center of a hostage situation, and it’s up to them to stop the thugs from becoming hostile. Will Macey’s spy skills and Hale’s con-man ways be enough to outsmart a ruthless gang? Or will they have to seek out the ultimate inside girl to help?

The worlds of Heist Society and the Gallagher Girls collide in Ally Carter’s fast-paced, high-stakes and tantalizing new story. Get a behind the scenes glimpse as Ally delivers an irresistible thriller that is full of her signature style and savvy twists. --Goodreads

4.5 Stars

Review

Anyone who hasn't tried out either of these series needs to run and get them now! What began as a Mr. and Mrs. Smith sort of book without the assassins and sex has become a phenomenon that cannot be stopped with con men coming into the picture. Spies and con men joining forces together has become something incredibly fascinating that I'm definitely hoping to see more of after Double Crossed.

Ally Carter's writing has drastically improved since her I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You days. Her two series that she releases books alternately (last year was Gallagher Girls #5, this year's Heist Society #3) top the list of books I'd kill to read. Her books are able to effortlessly capture the action and espionage required for the complexities of her protagonists' professions without going overboard or being unclear. Even with all of the alternating points of views of the characters with completely different thought patterns, the novella was easy to greedily flip through, like I was, without any problems. 

As mentioned before, the novella included multiple points of views. These viewpoints were easily distinguishable because of the spy vs. con man thinking that these characters have been drilled with. Seeing the two different series coming together in Double Crossed made it enjoyable to compare the two series. After some thought, I can't decide which one I love more. They both have characters I love to death, aka Zach and Hale. Unfortunately, there isn't any Zach here, but seeing a ton of Hale and Kat moments totally made up for it.

The mission/heist involved with this story manages to create a plot where both the smarts of a spy and con man is necessary to succeed, which I initially thought to be near impossible. Of course, Ally Carter has proved me wrong, as she has multiple times. It was a little disappointing to not see many of the characters from Gallagher Girls using their smarts, such as Cammie, Bex, and Liz (who I adore), but seeing Macey grown and mature with her new spy skills totally had me hooked. Hale and Kat's puzzlement over the whole "spy" and working with people siding with the law was adorable, and totally made me go into spasms for Perfect Scoundrels because it sets the whole thing of Hale in this elitist society with poor Kat on the sidelines. 

Cross-overs are usually an author's worst work. They're terribly sloppy, or favor one story over the other one(s) involved, which is incredibly annoying. As obvious as this is, Double Crossed is perfect in almost every way, except that I wanted more Gallagher Girl involvement. Hey! We have the main OTP of Heist Society, so why not some Liz, Bex or Cammie. The story has a good excuse for the reason behind the lack of our amazing quartet of spies, but I am never going to accept it (because I love the 4 spies together). Anyway, if you are a newbie who wants to try out some of Ally Carter's series, which you should totally do, maybe start out with this one to get a teaser on both Gallagher Girls and Heist Society series. 

Purchase Double Crossed for free: Amazon (Kindle)/ B&N (Nook)

Book Trailer Reveal: Senshi by Cole Gibsen

Katana (Katana #1)

By Cole Gibsen

Published: March 8, 2012

Publisher: Flux

Paperback, 375 pages

Kill Bill meets Buffy in this supernatural samurai tale. Rileigh Martin would love to believe that adrenaline gave her the uncanny courage and strength to fend off three muggers. But it doesn't explain her dreams of fifteenth century Japan, the incredible fighting skills she suddenly possesses, or the strange voice giving her battle tips and danger warnings. While worrying that she's going crazy (always a reputation ruiner), Rileigh gets a visit from Kim, a handsome martial arts instructor, who tells Rileigh she's harboring the spirit of a five-hundred-year-old samurai warrior.

Relentlessly attacked by ninjas, Rileigh has no choice but to master the katana--a deadly Japanese sword that's also the key to her past. As the spirit grows stronger and her feelings for Kim intensify, Rileigh is torn between continuing as the girl she's always been and embracing the warrior inside her. --Goodreads

Praise

"This action-packed novel has a unique and compelling plot...Fans of Carrie Asai's Samurai Girl series will be particularly interested, but even readers who dislike supernatural story lines will enjoy this tale of modern samurais."
~School Library Journal~

"An action packed page-turner tempered with slow-burning romance."
~Booklist~

Purchase

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Senshi (Katana #2)

By Cole Gibsen

Expected Publication: March 8, 2013

Publisher: Flux

Paperback, 384 pages

Is Rileigh’s only hope for salvation to team up with her sworn enemy?

Rileigh Martin just wants to do normal teenage things, like go on romantic dates with Kim, her boyfriend and past life soul mate. Although that seems impossible when she’s the reincarnation of Senshi, a fifteenth century samurai warrior. After a ninja ambush leaves her unable to control her ki powers, Rileigh vows to get them under control before her friends lose more than their eyebrows. But when Kim leaves her for his past life betrothed and the other samurai stop talking to her, Rileigh realizes she doesn’t have any friends left to worry about.

As the ninja attacks increase, Rileigh learns that the reincarnated kunoichi, a powerful female ninja, wants to kill her in order to reclaim her destructive powers. Alone and with increasingly unstable powers, Rileigh’s only offer of help comes from Whitley, her sworn past life enemy. Rileigh knows she doesn’t stand a chance against the kunoichi by herself, but Whitley’s sudden allegiance might be hiding a much deadlier agenda. --Goodreads

Pre-Order

Amazon * Barnes & Noble

Author Cole Gibsen

When Cole Gibsen isn't writing books for young adults, she can be found rocking out with her band, sewing crazy costumes for the fun of it, picking off her nail polish, or drinking milk straight from the jug - - provided no one is looking.

Twitter * Website * Facebook

Trailer Reveal

Senshi Book Trailer from ZFilm on Vimeo.

Giveaway Details

ARC of Senshi + Signed Katana

Signed Katana

3 Mystery Books

Open to US, Canada & Mexico

Ends 2/6/13

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The Grimm Prequels Blitz

Grimm Diaries Prequels 7 - 10

By Cameron Jace

Expected publication: Jan 16, 2013

What if all you knew about fairy tales was wrong? 

Warning: these Grimm Prequels are like snap shots of a magical land you're about to visit soon. I like to think of them as poisoned apples. Once you taste them, you will never see fairy tales in the same light again. 

This Grimm Diaries Prequels are a number of short books in the form of epistolary diary entries. The diaries are more of teasers for the upcoming series: The Grimm Diaries, allowing you to get a glimpse of what to expect of the series. The 6 diaries are told by The Evil Queen, Peter Pan, Little Red Riding Hood, the Devil, Prince Charming, and Alice Grimm 

The first book in the Series will be out in February 2013, called SNOW WHITE SORROW. --Goodreads

Series Description:

The Grimm Diaries are pages written in a Book of Sand, where each fairy tale character confessed the true stories once altered by the Brothers Grimm two centuries ago. To keep the truth about fairy tales hidden, the Brothers Grimm buried the characters in their dreams to never wake up again. But the curse is broken now, and the characters are allowed to wake up every one hundred years. They intend to tell the truth about really happened, and about an untold cosmic conflict between fairy tale characters.

Purchase @ Amazon for $0.99 here!

Purchase Grimm Diaries Prequels #1-6 here!

Snow White Sorrow (The Grimm Diaries #1) 

By Cameron Jace 

Publication Date: Delayed (Once Again) 

Publisher: Akmal Eldin Farouk Ali Shebl (Should really get sued)

Sixteen year old Loki Blackstar is no Prince Charming. His mother is a ghost. His only friend is a red Cadillac that talks to him through the radio. He looks like an Angel but acts like jerk. No wonder he has been banned from Heaven, which is the least of his troubles. Loki needs a job to pay for school and support himself.

Still, Loki has a rare gift: He is a Dreamhunter. One of the few in the world who can hunt and kill immortal demons in their dreams so they never wake up again.

When Loki is sent to kill a sixteen-year-old vampire girl the locals call Snow White Sorrow, he is pulled into a magical but dangerous world. The locals believe the monster to be Snow White.

The real Snow White… living in the ruins of an ancient castle in a small town. She is described as horribly beautiful, terrifyingly enchanting, and wickedly lovely.

What he finds instead is a beautiful monster girl filled with rage and hurt, who has an epic untold story to tell of things such like why the Brothers Grimm altered the fairy tale, who the Evil Queen really is, where the mirror came from, and who possessed it.

Snow White has killed every person who has dared come near the castle where she once lived with the queen. Mysteriously, she lets Loki live, and whispers two words in his ears; two words that will change his life forever. --Goodreads

Giveaway:

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Waiting on Wednesday 1/23

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly event that features the books that we (the bloggers) are highly anticipating. "Waiting on Wednesday" was started by Jill at Breaking the Spine.

                              Jenny is "Waiting On":

                              Parallel by Lauren Miller

Expected publication: May 14th 2013 by HarperTeen

Abby Barnes had a plan. Get into a great college, major in journalism, and land a dream job at a major newspaper. But on the eve of her 18th birthday, she is stuck on a Hollywood movie set, wishing she could rewind her life. The next morning, she’s in a dorm room at Yale, with no memory of how she got there. A cosmic collision of parallel universes has left Abby living a new reality every time parallel Abby makes a decision. Now Abby must race against time to take control of her fate without losing sight of who she is, the boy who might just be her soul mate, and the destiny that’s finally in reach.--Goodreads

Pre-Order at: Amazon / B&N / TBD

~M is eagerly anticipating:

Unravel Me (Shatter Me #2) by Tahereh Mafi

Publication Date: February 5th, 2013

tick, tick, tick, tick, tick
it's almost
time for war.

Juliette has escaped to Omega Point. It is a place for people like her—people with gifts—and it is also the headquarters of the rebel resistance.

She's finally free from The Reestablishment, free from their plan to use her as a weapon, and free to love Adam. But Juliette will never be free from her lethal touch.

Or from Warner, who wants Juliette more than she ever thought possible.

In this exhilarating sequel to Shatter Me, Juliette has to make life-changing decisions between what she wants and what she thinks is right. Decisions that might involve choosing between her heart—and Adam's life. -Goodreads 

Pre-order at: Amazon / Barnes and Noble / The Book Depository

 

Angie is impatiently dying for: 

The Indigo Spell (Bloodlines #3) by Richelle Mead

Expected Publication: February 12, 2013 by Razorbill

In the aftermath of a forbidden moment that rocked Sydney to her core, she finds herself struggling to draw the line between her Alchemist teachings and what her heart is urging her to do. Then she meets alluring, rebellious Marcus Finch--a former Alchemist who escaped against all odds, and is now on the run. Marcus wants to teach Sydney the secrets he claims the Alchemists are hiding from her. But as he pushes her to rebel against the people who raised her, Sydney finds that breaking free is harder than she thought. There is an old and mysterious magic rooted deeply within her. And as she searches for an evil magic user targeting powerful young witches, she realizes that her only hope is to embrace her magical blood--or else she might be next.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, the Bloodlines series explores all the friendship, romance, battles, and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive—this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone’s out for blood. --Goodreads

Pre-order The Indigo Spell here: Amazon/ B&N/ TBD

ARC Review: Hooked by Liz Fichera

Hooked (Hooked #1)

By Liz Fichera 

Expected Publication: January 31st 2013 

Publisher: Harlequin Teen 

Paperback, 368 pages

Get hooked on a girl named Fred... 

HE said: Fred Oday is a girl? Why is a girl taking my best friends spot on the boy's varsity golf team?

SHE said: Can I seriously do this? Can I join the boys' team? Everyone will hate me - especially Ryan Berenger.

HE said: Coach expects me to partner with Fred on the green? That is crazy bad. Fred's got to go - especially now that I can't get her out of my head. So not happening. 

SHE said: Ryan can be nice, when he's not being a jerk. Like the time he carried my golf bag. But the girl from the rez and the spoiled rich boy from the suburbs? So not happening.

But there's no denying that things are happening as the girl with the killer swing takes on the boy with the killer smile...--Goodreads

Disclaimer: Thank you's to Liz Fichera and Netgalley for the review book! These are our honest opinions. We were not paid for this review. 

2 Stars

Review/ Rant?:

I was not feeling the novel at all. Everything seemed a bit forced and things were happening because of reasons that weren't that believable to begin with. 

I didn't understand or relate to Fred at all. Fred is Native American, but honestly for most of the novel, I forgot that she was even Native American. Was that suppose to happen? Isn't her being Native American a big part of her? The main point is the fact that she's NA... The interactions between Fred and other characters were... I have no idea how to describe it, but they just made me uncomfortable to read. Most of the book made me a bit uncomfortable. It wasn't uncomfortable as in I shouldn't be reading this uncomfortable, instead it was more of a this is so awkward uncomfortable. 

Ryan was just a huge question mark. I didn't really get Fred, but I completely did not get Ryan either. A handful of times I did, but other than that, I really didn't understand him or any of the other characters.

Also the plot. What exactly was the plot? 

I really tried to like this book and its characters, but I didn't. This novel was not for me, but hopefully you guys will like this novel much more than I did. 

Pre-Order this novel at: Amazon / B&N / TBD