Saturday, September 28, 2013

BLOG TOUR, REVIEW, and GIVEAWAY: The White Aura Series by Felicia Tatum



Book Info-
Title- The White Aura
Series-The White Aura Book #1
By- Felicia Tatum

Published- November 30, 2012


Blurb-
How do you live with the gut clenching truth that the one you love will die if you meet them? Twenty year old sorcerer Scott Tabors is learning how. After seeing seventeen year old Olivia Whitehead outside of a coffee shop, his heart will never be the same. He longs for her, he wants her, and he knows she will be his. They are heart mates. …but due to a curse on his family, he can’t meet her. Not yet. So for now, he visits her in her dreams. Her dreams where he can tell her everything but his name.

Olivia Whitehead is a typical junior in high school. She and her best friend are having the time of their lives, but she can’t help but notice the changes happening to her. Especially the changes in her heart after she begins dreaming about a mysterious dark haired young man. But what will happen when the school heartthrob decides he wants Olivia? Will she realize the dream man is real or will she move on?


Links-

About the Author-
Felicia Tatum was born and raised in Tennessee. She always loved reading, and at the age of twelve began writing. Her passion for creating stories grew and in May 2012, she finally wrote her first novel, The White Aura.


She still lives in Tennessee with her daughter and her kitty. She loves cooking and books. Animals are some of her best friends. She watches a lot of Disney channel and often dreams up new book ideas. She's currently working on various other projects.

Links-

Review-

I have a love/hate relationship with this book.

What I loved: I loved the concept of the story. I love how Felicia Tatum writes and draws you into the story from page 1. I love Olivia and Scott. Even though their relationship is strained and there is a lot going on with it, I still love the characters. 

Now, I can't go into everything, because...well...I don't want to spoil it. BUT, I will tell you this, there is a lot of questions in this book and Felicia Tatum does a great job of keeping you interested in the story to find out the answers. GREAT JOB!

What I didn't like: Scott is referred throughout the book as Mr. Sexy, it felt a bit odd of a nickname. Don't get me wrong I LOVE my fictional boyfriends, but that nickname just doesn't fit (for me anyway). Of course, I didn't like the cliffhanger. Thank goodness, Book 2: The Vessel is out!! 

Overall, I would recommend this book to others!!





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Sunday, September 22, 2013

Love Is A Mix Tape by Rob Sheffield

In this stunning memoir, Rob Sheffield, a veteran rock and pop culture critic and staff writer for Rolling Stone magazine, tells the story of his musical coming of age, and how rock music, the first love of his life, led him to his second, a girl named Renee. Rob and Renee's life together - they wed after graduate school, both became music journalists, and were married only five years when Renee died suddenly on Mother's Day, 1997 - is shared through the window of the mix tapes they obsessively compiled. There are mixes to court each other, mixes for road trips, mixes for doing the dishes, mixes for sleeping - and, eventually, mixes to mourn Rob's greatest loss. The tunes were among the great musical output of the early 1990s - Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Pavement, Yo La Tengo, REM, Weezer - as well as classics by The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Aretha Franklin and more. Mixing the skilful, tragic punch of Dave Eggers and the romantic honesty of Nick Hornby, LOVE IS A MIX TAPE is a story of lost love and the kick-you-in-the-gut energy of great pop music. (from Goodreads)

 Part One: Flo's Review
I'd actually checked out Turn Around Bright Eyes from the library just because it sounded cool, but when I did a little research into it I discovered the existence of Love Is a Mix Tape. I decided to read this one first, since it came first.  

 This was a cute book, even as I write that thinking, "I'm guessing Rob Sheffield would not want his book described as cute." It was fun to listen to (I listened on audiobook) because every so often I knew the songs in the playlist and remembered the period of time he was describing. He references 90s music and pop culture a lot, and that was when I was growing up -- so good times and good memories! Rob tends to go off on tangents which were good when I liked them (the depth of Nirvana lyrics) but just kinda "Meh" when I didn't really care (Jackie O.). I also felt like this book was a little too long. I realize that is partly because I was listening to it on audio and that makes all books longer. But I also kind of feel like some of the mix tapes and stories could have been condensed or taken out. A cute, fresh concept can be beaten to death and the length of this one almost threatened to do just that. But then Rob would say something that made me laugh or share some deep song-related insight that left me completely floored, and I was back to loving it. Also, this is one of the first audiobooks I've listened to in a long time that was read by the author -- I felt like this added an authenticity to it, because I knew for sure that he was emphasizing the parts he wanted emphasized and reading it like he meant it to be read. Pretty much everyone who I told that I was reading this one said it sounded interesting and seemed to want to pick it up -- I would recommend it.

 Part Two: Flo's Mix Tape
One of the things this book had me doing throughout was remembering the numerous mix tapes I made when I was growing up. We're talking cassette tape: recorded songs one by one from the radio which you had to start and stop as quickly as possible so you wouldn't get too much of the DJ talking. Cassette tapes that you to create using your boom box with the two tape decks. Those tapes. 

 I thought it would be fun to share what was on one of the many mix tapes I made in the 90s, with a brief story surrounding the tape. This is after the jump, so if you're interested, click on the "Read More." :)

Read more »
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Saturday, September 21, 2013

BLOG TOUR and GIVEAWAY: Creatura by Nely Cab



About the Book:



Blurb:

Isis can control her dreams. Or she could—until recently. The creature in her nightmares has been haunting her for months. As if being dumped wasn't bad enough, now she dreads going to sleep. She decides to confront the creature and win back some of her peace; only, she finds that he’s not a monster and he’s not a dream.
A sacrifice for love, a shocking discovery and a jealous ex-boyfriend blur the lines between reality and dreams, making it hard to tell who the real monsters are.
Who would’ve known…that sometimes love is lethal?

Where to Buy:


iTunes

Barnes & Noble


Giveaway: 

One lucky winner will receive a SIGNED copy of Creatura and some AWESOME swag to accompany it… (And believe us…Nely is the QUEEN of fabulous swag!!) 


About the Author:



Nely Cab was born on December 9, 1974, in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. She has lived and resided in South Texas most of her life. In 2001, the author relocated to Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, where she dedicated time to the study of culinary arts and the art of oil painting.


After her return to the U.S., she resumed her employment in banking and in the following year transitioned to the field of Social Work. Later, Nely took up writing as a hobby and produced her first novel entitled "Creatura".

Last year, the rights to "Creatura" were sold to a leading Young Adult publisher in a foreign country, where it has just recently been released.



Today, Nely Cab writes from the comfort of her home in South Texas, where she lives with her husband and son. Currently, Nely is working on the second installment in her debut series "Creatura".



LINKS
Website:                     www.nelycab.com
FB Book Page:            www.facebook.com/Creatura.by.NelyCab
FB Author Page:        www.facebook.com/NelyCab
Twitter:                      www.twitter.com/nelycab
Goodreads:                 www.goodreads.com/nelycab
Blog:                            www.nelycab.blogspot.com
Google+:                     https://plus.google.com/115804598442656662617/posts
Amazon Page:           

http://www.amazon.com/Nely-Cab/e/B0056QMZKQ/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1369523349&sr=8-1

My Review:

Are you kidding me? I mean seriously...Are YOU kidding me? My friend Kathryn went on and on about this book and told me how good it was and I wouldn't put it down....you know the usually "you have to READ this!!" speech...

Fine I'll read.... geesh

O....M....G.....Kathryn should kiss my butt right now for doubting her. 

This book is ... amazing !! No .. really amazing !!

What is great about the book:

The book is different. Nely Cab creates this amazing story. Isis Martin is having bad dreams and doesn't sleep well. Of course, her mother is worried for her and send her to seek treatment. Well, it works (sort of). But, its when the guy in her dream is more than a guy...and more than just a dream. 

Enter David....*sigh*...I am in love with him (but I know he belongs to Kathryn).  David isn't just a guy in Isis dream, he is a real guy (kind of).  

As the story progress with Isis and David it becomes more entangled with mythology and modernism. LOVE THAT!! I was so wrapped up in this story I read it one sitting.

What isn't great about the book:

There was a chapter of David's POV and I really wish there would have been some more of his POV. 

The other thing was the ending. Some more question arose and I am patiently waiting for book 2!! 

Thank you Kathryn for telling me about Nely Cab and this amazing book !!!





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Thursday, September 19, 2013

BLOG TOUR: Sacrifice of Love by Quinn Loftis


About the Book:
As one evil falls, another rises in its place.  The powerful witch, Desdemona, has finally been killed by an alliance of wolf, elf, and fae. But Reyaz, brother to Cypher the warlock king, has vowed retribution for a life that was taken from him. Now Cypher must decide not only how to protect his newfound mate and his people, but also how to destroy the only family he has left.

Meanwhile, Jen’s pregnancy progresses and the fateful due date draws ever nearer. The thought of losing Decebel’s child constantly threatens to overwhelm her. With each passing day, Decebel grows more distant, causing Jen to wonder what toll the impending loss of their child is taking on him. Unbeknownst to Jen, in an act of desperation to protect his unborn child and mate, Decebel strikes a deadly bargain with the Great Luna—his life in place of his child’s. There is only one way for that to happen; the bond between he and Jen must be broken.

As Jen as Decebel struggle through their darkness, another kind of darkness is infiltrating Fane’s heart. Doubts and questions linger as he tries to cope with the emotions brought on in the aftermath of Desdemona’s curse. He knows what happened wasn’t real, but still he can’t rid himself of the terrible images seared into his memory. Jacque is his light, the one who keeps the darkness at bay, yet he won’t let her inside to do just that.

Sally continues to learn what it means to be a gypsy healer and Costin struggles to protect her as she runs full speed ahead to help her wolves, heedless of her own safety. She sees her best friends struggling, each enduring their own trials. She’s desperate to help them, but can she keep them safe?

With all of these things hanging heavy over the heads of the Serbia and Romania packs, their attention is divided. The wolves do not even realize a threat has slowly infiltrated their midst. Will they recognize the threat in time to save the lives that precariously hang in the balance?


Against this backdrop of darkness, choices will be made, fears will confronted, and the ultimate sacrifice will be made.  Will the wolves stand together to defeat the threats arrayed against them, both from within and without? Will love conquer all? Or will the beleaguered wolves finally succumb to their demons?


My Review:

Since I don't want to spoil anyone my review will be in the form of a open letter to the greatest author, Quinn Loftis!

Dear Quinn

I would like to tell you a story…

Long long ago in the land of Amazon Kindle New release I found a book called Blood Rites that was just released. Since I love paranormal and it sounded interested I thought “Why Not?”. It was then I realized it was a book #2. I even got more excited since it was a series. So I purchased it and got book #1.

In one day I read both books. I instantly fell in love with every single character. But, one stood out to me in book 1 and 2 … My Decebel … there is no other and he is FOREVER MINE!! With each turn of the page I was more entranced with this world that Quinn created. I laughed, cried, yelled and may have slipped a cuss out at certain scenes. But, I couldn’t stop reading … I needed more 

When I finished it, I found out that Quinn had a Twitter and I began to stalk her. Her kindness was laced with every tweet to her fans and her humor is unmatched. I fell deeply in love with her and needed more of her books.

With each part of the series I fell deeper in love with these amazing characters … and yes, Decebel is real in my Book Nerds heart. !!! I crave the next book, the moment I’m done with the newest book in the series. 

Since that time, in the land of Amazon Kindle New Release, I have followed Quinn (Yep, I stalked her like a crazy Book Nerds that I am) and hung on every word of hers and counted down to every single release day. Each book is better and better. Quinn’s talent can’t be matched! It can’t there is no way I can even put it into words.

Now we have come to the end of the series, Sacrifice of Love….its the end… I can’t tell you how many tears I shed through this book or how many times I laughed. The characters, all of them, are the greatest in print. I say that whole heartily. They are….I have watched these main six grow into an amazing set of people. You can laugh if you want; they are real to my Book Nerd heart.

So, thank you Quinn…..Thank you for taking the leap and writing one of the greatest series that has ever graced my Book Nerds heart. Thank you for my Decebel, who I love more than the stars in the sky !!!! Thank you for Jen…and the laughs she brings me. Thank you Jaque and Fane, Sally and Costin who are the perfect mix of characters!!!

And .. thank you Quinn .. for being an amazing person 

Now where is book 2 of Elfin *wink*



13-Sep          Fabulous and Fun                    http://fabulousandfun.com/                                         Excerpt
14-Sep          A readers point of view           http://bookloveramber.blogspot.com/                         Review
15-Sep          Nancy's Blog                             http://nancysbookreviewblog.blogspot.com/              Review
16-Sep          Tsk, Tsk, What to Read?        http://tsktskwhattoread2.blogspot.com                      Review
17-Sep          Fated Paranormals                  http://www.fatedparanormals.blogspot.com/             Review
18-Sep          Paperback Cowgirl                  http://paperbackcowgirl.blogspot.com                        Review
19-Sep          Book Nerds Across America   http://www.booknerdsacrossamerica.com/                 Review
20-Sep          Rain's Reading Room              http://rainsreaderroom.blogspot.com/                         Excerpt
21-Sep          Grey Wolves Series                  http://greywolvesseries.com/                                       Review
22-Sep          Sweet Treat Reading Review  http://strreviews.blogspot.com/                                   Excerpt
23-Sep          The Obsidian Poet                    http://www.theobsidianpoet.com/                              Guest Post
24-Sep          Bawaka's Bookfair                  http://bawakas-bookfair.blogspot.com/                       Review
25-Sep          Sated Faery                               http://satedfaery.blogspot.com/                                  Review
26-Sep          Book Junkies Anonymous       http://www.bookjunkiesanonymous.blogspot.com/    Guest Post

27-Sep          Starry Night Book Reviews     http://starrynightbookreviews.blogspot.com/              Review
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Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Indie-Credible Author Event Featuring Bailey Ardisone AND BIG GIVEAWAY


I was so honored to be part of this Indie-Credible Event. When I found out that I was paired with the Bailey Ardisone I was so happy !! Everyone know that I'm her #1 fan! 


When I talked to Bailey about what to do with this event we figured out that Mycah and Nari should join in!!

First, thank you three for being on here to talk to me! I know that you all are busy...So, Bailey how difficult is Mycah?

Bailey: Mycah is actually one of my easiest characters to write. I started writing Sweet Oblivion in Mycah’s pov, and my sister started with Nari. Then my sister was unable to continue writing with me, and I ended up changing a lot about how the book went. I took out all of Mycah’s povs, and then took over Nari. So Mycah is still a big portion of my brain haha

What about Nari? Is she hard to control?

Bailey: Nari is then my easiest character to write, above Mycah. She isn’t hard to control, I’d say, because a lot of the way she acts/thinks is similar to how I would talk/act. Not exactly, but I definitely put a little of myself into her sometimes.

Okay Mycah my next question is for you … how difficult is Bailey? I mean, if you talk to her all the time, why isn’t book 3 done yet?

Mycah: Such a great question, and one I’d like to know the answer to myself. ;) Honestly, she can be difficult because she makes me do things I don’t particularly like doing on occasions.

What? there are things you don’t like doing? Please tell what those would be *wink*

Mycah: Alright, I think I can let you know a bit. ;) Sweet Escape was especially hard for me. I had to watch Nariella endure severe circumstances, and to have to stand there and do nothing about it was the most difficult for me. That is one thing. ;)

Oh Mycah, that’s sad. Nari, what about you? How  difficult is Bailey to you?  I bet she is!

Nari: Hi Mary =D Um, Bailey pretty much listens to everything I tell her so she isn’t too horribly difficult. =) But, there are times she forces me to do things I don’t want to do too!

Nari, there was some GREAT scenes in Book 2 Sweet Escape between you an Mycah. Could you let us in on the secret if more will be in Book 3? *whispers* I won’t tell Bailey
Nari: haha you pinky promise you won’t tell her??

Pinky Swear

Nari: Okay, okay. *whispers* maybe there will be more. ;) *whispers even lower* Okay, yes. There will be. =D

This makes me a happy Book Nerd. Now, Bailey are there any scenes that were hard to write between Mycah and Nari?

Bailey: Yes! Oh, heck yes. There were two scenes in Sweet Escape that were hard for me to write. Everything in Sweet Oblivion was easy-peasy - I couldn’t NOT write their scenes, it just flowed out of me non-stop. But, in book 2, when (without giving spoilers) Nari, Rydan, and Naminé were in the castle and Nari sees Mycah - that whole scene I had to re-do a million times. I could not get it right. I wrote it in about 10 different ways. I then did it how you read it now, and pushed Mycah and Nari’s interaction to later, which brings me to the next hardest scene for me to write. When Mycah enters the room where Nari was locked in, and Mycah has to act the way he does, I had trouble writing them against each other.

I love both of those scenes!! Now, I am going to ask the personal question? Mycah, what was it like when you first kissed Nari?

Bailey: Good! Glad it was worth the struggle then. :)
Mycah: I wasn’t too fond of those scenes myself *chuckle* The first time I kissed her? Two words - Bloody hell. (in the good sense) ;)

Mycah you do have a way with words *wink*. Nari, same question: what was it like when you first kissed Mycah?

Nari: You’re asking me?! Oh god. *blush* Uhh...Can I repeat what Mycah said? =D lol It was explosive. But, amazingly sweet at the same time.

OKay, okay enough of the googy girly stuff….My final question is for ALL three of you….Book 3 is it the end … or will more be coming?

Mycah: I bloody hope not. There is much to go yet. Much for you all to see.
Nari: I’d be sad if book 3 was the end. My vote is for more!
Bailey: Book 3 is definitely not the end. There will for sure be a book 4, and possibly a novella or two in either Mycah and Rydan’s povs/backstory (I did after all write a lot in Mycah’s pov already), and maybe a little something from Naminé’s pov and what it was like going through her Maranwe journey.

Well, I thank all three of you taking time out of your busy schedules to talk to me!! I can’t wait for book 3 !!!

Mycah: My pleasure, love.
Nari: Nice talking with you, Mary! =)
Bailey: Thank you so much! This was super fun! <3


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 she is desperately obsessed with Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.
Her sister contributed some of the writing in Sweet Oblivion and Sweet Escape.
Sweet Oblivion is the first installment of a series.
www.TheSweetSeries.com






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