Monday 31 December 2012
Sunday 30 December 2012
Review: A Shade of Vampire by Bella Forrest
A Shade of Vampire
by Bella Forrest
Kindle Edition, 147 pages
Published December 14th 2012
Amazon | GoodReads
My Rating: ❤❤❤❤ ❥
On the evening of Sofia Claremont's 17th birthday, she is sucked into a nightmare from which she cannot wake.
A quiet evening walk along a beach brings her face to face with a dangerous pale creature that craves much more than her blood.
She is kidnapped to an island where the sun is eternally forbidden to shine.
An island uncharted by any map and ruled by the most powerful vampire coven on the planet. She wakes here as a slave, a captive in chains.
Sofia's life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn when she is the one selected out of hundreds of girls to join the harem of Derek Novak, the dark royal Prince.
Despite his addiction to power and obsessive thirst for her blood, Sofia soon realizes that the safest place on the island is within his quarters, and she must do all within her power to win him over if she is to survive even one more night.
Will she succeed? ...or is she destined to the same fate that all other girls have met at the hands of the Novaks?
“…Within the span of twenty four hours, I’d gone from high school senior and certified wallflower to captive of the prince of the largest and most powerful coven of our time…”
On Sofia’s 17th birthday, she along with four other teenage girls were kidnapped, and whisked away to a secret hidden world of perpetual darkness. Their purpose was nothing more than to act as human slaves and pawns in a political battle between paranormal beings.
….And then someone falls in LOVE!
Shortly after the author contacted me to review this, I went to Amazon and noticed that it was a promotional freebie. I didn't know what to expect, but what motivated me was the length. Once I started I didn't stop and ended up reading this in a few hours. It was a short read sprinkled with horror, action, and romance.
While this was a dark tale, the characters really added an element of that fairytale ambiance:
- Ben- the “could be” knight in shining armor
- Lucas- the villain
- Vivienne-the twin and doting sister
- Derek-the sleeping beauty and golden child
- Corrine-the witch
- Sofia, Gwen, Ashley, Paige, and Rosa- the distressed damsels
Favorite Quote: “I know an excuse when I hear one. Don’t you dare deceive yourself into believing you’re the victim.”
2013 TBR PILE Reading Challenge!
Happy "almost" New Year, Beautiful People!
When I look around my artfully, very bookish decorated apartment, I just shake my head. It's a darn shame that majority of the books that surround me lay unread. Do I plan to read them? Heck yeah! I cherish them all and I go into a fit of rage when my husband suggests gifting them or a friend comes over and asks to borrow. I have this fear that if they leave, I'll never get around to reading them. Fortunately I'm not the type to read a novel over and over again. One time is good enough. Thank you very much. So when I'm done with one, it would nothing to share thereafter.
Needless to say, I was thrilled when I saw this challenge:
6 bloggers got together to encourage us to read novels we're been procrastinating for far too long. Along the way, there'll be 12 mini changes and 24 books to win! Awesome, right?!?
Here's where I switch it up a bit:
For every novel of a physical book I read and review from my TBR pile, I'll host a giveaway. Therefore when I read in compliance to this challenge, I can also reward my followers. Now you guys are going to have to help me out here. All I ask is that you cheer me on, by encouraging me to read a certain title right away! Tweet Me: @studiokd3
Note: I will post every giveaway with the review itself.
Here I will track my progress with the challenge.
- The Alchemy of Forever by Avery Williams {Giveaway: (hard back)}
Date Read: 1/3/2013
- Fading Amber by Jaime Reed {Giveaway: (paperback)The "complete" Cambion Chronicles, trilogy}
Date Read:
Review & Giveaway Link:
- My Life As a White Trash Zombie by Diana Rowland {Giveaway: (paperback)}
Date Read:
Review & Giveaway Link:
- Born at Midnight by C.C. Hunter {Giveaway: (paperback)}
Date Read:
Review & Giveaway Link:
- Alice in Zombieland by Gena Showalter {Giveaway: (paperback)}
Date Read:
Review & Giveaway Link:
- Dark Kiss by Michelle Rowen {Giveaway: (paperback)}
Date Read:
Review & Giveaway Link:
- Shiver & Linger by Maggie Stiefvater {Giveaway: (hardback)}
Date Read:
Review & Giveaway Link:
- Spell Bound by Rachel Hawkins
Date Read:
Review & Giveaway Link:
There are so many more I want to list, but I'll try out the "Firm Handshake" level and may up it later in the year.
Other Levels…
1-10 – A Firm Handshake
11-20 – A Friendly Hug
21-30 – A Sweet Kiss
31-40 – Love At First Sight
41-50 – Married With Children
I am so serious about decreasing the page count between my four walls! Oh and I'm awfully terrible with challenges. I forget about them. I may read all the required reading, yet fail to track and log. So this way you all can help keep me on track and reap the benefits of a chance to win a free book.
For the moment I can only guarantee that the giveaways will be US. Later when I have more disposable cash I may be able to list the giveaway as international. Please refer to the individual giveaway (when posted) to more precise information.
***This challenge will run from Jan 1, 2013 – Dec 31, 2013***
If you have an outrageous dusty pile and want to sign up to challenge yourself too, see here!
Now Available: Lynx, Rodeo Romance Book 1, by Connie Vines
Previously published as Ride a Wild Heart
With a dangerous reputation for taking chances and tempting fate, rugged cowboy Lynx Maddox had one goal in life--to win the coveted Silver Buckle rodeo championship. But when he sets eyes on lovely Rachel Scott, he becomes determined to capture her as well.
Rachel traveled the circuit with her famous rodeo rider dad until his fatal accident in the arena. Now, she wants nothing to do with that world--or the men who risk their lives for one brief moment of glory. But her attraction to Lynx becomes too powerful to deny… and his unexpected gentleness too seductive to resist. . .
H.O.L.T. Medallion Finalist, Orange Rose Finalist, Colorado Gold 2nd Place
Fool for Love 2nd Place, and Award of Excellence Winner.
"Connie has a wonderful gift for making her characters come alive for her readers. A must read!" ~ 4 ½ Roses, romance.com
"Highly Recommended. Written by a gifted writer--a worthy addition to anyone's book collection." ~ Under the Cover Reviews
"Kick-Ass heroine!" ~ Reader's Review, Author's Den
"Instant action/Sizzling attraction! This book kept the pages turning, and a box of tissues close at hand." ~ AOL Book Reviews
"A rare find. A must read!" ~ Word Museum
"A sensuous, tender, and poignant story of two lonely people who are afraid of being hurt again. Connie Vines has done an outstanding job of characterization, delving into their hopes, dreams, and worries. The even pacing of this book makes it a one sitting read!" ~ 4 Stars, Affaire de Coeur Magazine
Saturday 29 December 2012
Top Cuddles of 2012 Giveaway Hop
It's a delight to be apart of this event. It's the last great giveaway hop before the new year!
The theme of this hop is reminiscing on the reads of 2012 as one transfer titles to the cloud to free up space on one's Kindle for the 2013 TBR pile!
Last week I gushed all about my top 10 Reads of 2012 in various categories; therefore today I'll share the titles I purchased for personal pleasure that I have yet to read. I am thrilled to read them in 2013; and they'll be at the very top of my list. (Second only to prescheduled tour novels.)
I cannot believe that in the course of a year, I've gone from rekindling my love of reading via library loaned books to having to come up with bookish home decor solutions. The novels are literally taking over the house! Tsk, tsk! My brothers would be horrified; yet my mom & dad would be so proud. My husband never gets tired of bookish jokes to tease me. But don't let that fool you. He's kind of a want-to-be comedian. He has just as many books as I do. Lord forbid I go to a book sale and leave him at home. We've made it sort of a tradition to visit the public library together on Sundays and bicker in the audio book and DVD aisles on agreeable entertainment. *Sigh* Our future unborn children are doomed to have at least one sure inherited condition.
But, I digress!
Anywho, here's my list:
BOOKS I WISH I READ IN 2012
& PROMISE TO READ 1st IN 2013
I have physical copes of almost ALL of these; and I am placing them on my nightstand as soon as I log off for the evening. That way, I won't be able to sleep without rolling over, seeing them, and feeling guilty. Now that's motivation!
Now's your chance to win a book!
I won't even attempt to limit you to my picks above.
You Decide! My Treat!
Follow me for the initial entry... answer 4 questions for additional entries.
Follow me for the initial entry... answer 4 questions for additional entries.
The hop ends Saturday, January 5th at 11:59pm eastern time.
Don't just enter here. Hop along and continue to try your luck!
Friday 28 December 2012
Stacking The Shelves # 31
Stacking The Shelves is hosted By Tynga's Reviews. This meme is about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be hard-back, paperback or ebook.
Here's what I got this week-
Work for Hire by Margo Karasek {For Review}
Shadowfell by Juliet Marillier {Courtesy of the Author and Random House}
The Death Cure by James Dashner {Sampler courtesy of Random House}
The Madman's Daughter by Megan Shepherd {Courtesy of the Author and Harper Collins}
S.E.C.R.E.T. by L. Marie Adeline {Courtesy of the Author and Random House}
That's it for me. Well besides a ton on freebies via Amazon. Check out my tweets with #FREE hash tag for the direct links.
Winners!
Books We Love is pleased to announce that all the prizes from our Sweet Treats Scavenger Hunt have been claimed! Winners were announced in our Dec. 15 newsletter.
Sandy Haber won a Kindle Paperwhite eReader
Linda Carroll-Bradd and Amber Donaldson won the Santa and Snowman goodies
and Darla Kidder won her choice of books from Books We Love's growing collection
Our next contest starts Jan. 15!
Click here to subscribe to our monthly, no chat or spam newsletter, and you'll be the first to know when the contest goes live. http://bookswelove.net/contest.php
Thursday 27 December 2012
Top 10 of 2012: Top 10 Books I’m Looking Forward To in 2013 !
Top 10 of 2012: A Week of Looking Back….
…and Looking Forward.
My, my, my...where has the time gone?
Today I will show chase my picks of the Top 10 Books I’m Looking Forward To in 2013 !
Prodigy (Legend #2)by Marie Lu
Expected publication: January 29th 2013 by Putnam Juvenile
June and Day arrive in Vegas just as the unthinkable happens: the Elector Primo dies, and his son Anden takes his place. With the Republic edging closer to chaos, the two join a group of Patriot rebels eager to help Day rescue his brother and offer passage to the Colonies. They have only one request—June and Day must assassinate the new Elector.
It’s their chance to change the nation, to give voice to a people silenced for too long.
But as June realizes this Elector is nothing like his father, she’s haunted by the choice ahead. What if Anden is a new beginning? What if revolution must be more than loss and vengeance, anger and blood—what if the Patriots are wrong?
In this highly-anticipated sequel, Lu delivers a breathtaking thriller with high stakes and cinematic action.
The Elite (The Selection #2)by Kiera Cass
Expected publication: April 23rd 2013 by HarperTeen
The hotly-anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestseller The Selection.
Thirty-five girls came to the palace to compete in the Selection. All but six have been sent home. And only one will get to marry Prince Maxon and be crowned princess of Illea.
America still isn’t sure where her heart lies. When she’s with Maxon, she’s swept up in their new and breathless romance, and can’t dream of being with anyone else. But whenever she sees Aspen standing guard around the palace, and is overcome with memories of the life they planned to share. With the group narrowed down to the Elite, the other girls are even more determined to win Maxon over—and time is running out for America to decide.
Just when America is sure she’s made her choice, a devastating loss makes her question everything again. And while she’s struggling to imagine her future, the violent rebels that are determined to overthrow the monarchy are growing stronger and their plans could destroy her chance at any kind of happy ending.
Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School #1)by Gail Carriger
Expected publication: February 5th 2013 by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
It's one thing to learn to curtsy properly. It's quite another to learn to curtsy and throw a knife at the same time. Welcome to finishing school.
Fourteen-year-old Sophronia is the bane of her mother's existence. Sophronia is more interested in dismantling clocks and climbing trees than proper etiquette at tea--and god forbid anyone see her atrocious curtsy. Mrs. Temminnick is desperate for her daughter to become a proper lady. She enrolls Sophronia in Mademoiselle Geraldine's Finishing Academy for Young Ladies of Quality.
But little do Sophronia or her mother know that this is a school where ingenious young girls learn to finish, all right--but it's a different kind of finishing. Mademoiselle Geraldine's certainly trains young ladies in the finer arts of dance, dress, and etiquette, but also in the other kinds of finishing: the fine arts of death, diversion, deceit, espionage, and the modern weaponries. Sophronia and her friends are going to have a rousing first year at school.
First in a four book YA series set 25 years before the Parasol Protectorate but in the same universe.
The Collector (Dante Walker #1)by Victoria Scott
Expected publication: April 2nd 2013 by Entangled Teen
He makes good girls...bad.
Dante Walker is flippin’ awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence has made him one of hell’s best—a soul collector. His job is simple, weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big, red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and he gets the fun ones. Bag-and-tag.
Sealing souls is nothing personal. Dante’s an equal opportunity collector and doesn’t want it any other way. But he’ll have to adjust, because Boss Man has given him a new assignment:
Collect Charlie Cooper’s soul within 10 days.
Dante doesn’t know why Boss Man wants Charlie, nor does he care. This assignment means only one thing to him, and that’s a permanent ticket out of hell. But after Dante meets the quirky, Nerd Alert chick he’s come to collect—he realizes this assignment will test his abilities as a collector, and uncover emotions deeply buried.
The Dollhouse Asylumby Mary Gray
Expected publication: October 8th 2013 by Spencer Hill Press
A virus that had once been contained has returned, and soon no place will be left untouched by its destruction. But when seventeen-year-old Cheyenne wakes up in Elysian Fields--a subdivision cut off from the world and its monster-creating virus--she is thrilled to have a chance at survival.
At first, Elysian Fields,with its beautiful houses and manicured lawns, is perfect. Teo Richardson, the older man who stole Cheyenne's heart, built it so they could be together. But when Teo tells Cheyenne there are tests that she and seven other couples must pass to be worthy of salvation, Cheyenne begins to question the perfection of his world.
The people they were before are gone. Cheyenne is now "Persephone," and each couple has been re-named to reflect the most tragic romances ever told. Everyone is fighting to pass the test, to remain in Elysian Fields. Teo dresses them up, tells them when to move and how to act, and in order to pass the test, they must play along.
If they play it right, then they'll be safe.
But if they play it wrong, they'll die.
Revel
by Maurissa Guibord
Expected publication: February 12th 2013 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers
There’s an island off the coast of Maine that’s not on any modern map.
Shrouded in mist and protected by a deadly reef, Trespass Island is home to a community of people who guard the island and its secrets from outsiders. Seventeen-year-old Delia grew up in Kansas, but has come here in search of her family and answers to her questions: Why didn’t her mother ever talk about Trespass Island? Why did she fear the open water? But Delia’s not welcome and soon finds herself enmeshed in a frightening and supernatural world where ancient Greek symbols adorn the buildings and secret ceremonies take place on the beach at night.
Sean Gunn, a handsome young lobsterman, befriends Delia and seems willing to risk his life to protect her. But it’s Jax, the coldly elusive young man she meets at the water’s edge, who finally makes Delia understand the real dangers of life on the island. Delia is going to have to fight to survive. Because there are monsters here. And no one ever leaves Trespass alive.
by Kelly Hashway
Expected publication: January 15th 2013 by Spencer Hill Press
Jodi Marshall isn’t sure how she went from normal teenager to walking disaster. One minute she’s in her junior year of high school, spending time with her amazing boyfriend and her best friend. The next she’s being stalked by some guy no one seems to know.
After the stranger, Alex, reveals himself, Jodi learns he’s not a normal teenager and neither is she. With a kiss that kills and a touch that brings the dead back to life, Jodi discovers she’s part of a branch of necromancers born under the 13th sign of the zodiac, Ophiuchus. A branch of necromancers that are descendents of Medusa. A branch of necromancers with poisoned blood writhing in their veins.
Jodi’s deadly to the living and even more deadly to the deceased. She has to leave her old, normal life behind before she hurts the people she loves. As if that isn’t difficult enough, Jodi discovers she’s the chosen one who has to save the rest of her kind from perishing at the hands of Hades. If she can’t figure out how to control her power, history will repeat itself, and her race will become extinct.
Crash
by Lisa McMann
Expected publication: January 8th 2013 by Simon Pulse
If what you see is what you get, Jules is in serious trouble. The suspenseful first of four books from the New York Times bestselling author of the Wake trilogy.
Jules lives with her family above their restaurant, which means she smells like pizza most of the time and drives their double-meatball-shaped food truck to school. It’s not a recipe for popularity, but she can handle that.
What she can’t handle is the recurring vision that haunts her. Over and over, Jules sees a careening truck hit a building and explode...and nine body bags in the snow.
The vision is everywhere—on billboards, television screens, windows—and she’s the only one who sees it. And the more she sees it, the more she sees. The vision is giving her clues, and soon Jules knows what she has to do. Because now she can see the face in one of the body bags, and it’s someone she knows. Someone she has been in love with for as long as she can remember.
In this riveting start to a gripping series from New York Times bestselling author Lisa McMann, Jules has to act—and act fast—to keep her vision from becoming reality.
Ink
by Amanda Sun
Expected publication: June 25th 2013 by Harlequin Teen
I looked down at the paper, still touching the tip of my shoe. I reached for it, flipping the page over to look.
Scrawls of ink outlined a drawing of a girl lying on a bench.
A sick feeling started to twist in my stomach, like motion sickness.
And then the girl in the drawing turned her head, and her inky eyes glared straight into mine.
On the heels of a family tragedy, the last thing Katie Greene wants to do is move halfway across the world. Stuck with her aunt in Shizuoka, Japan, Katie feels lost. Alone. She doesn’t know the language, she can barely hold a pair of chopsticks, and she can’t seem to get the hang of taking her shoes off whenever she enters a building.
Then there’s gorgeous but aloof Tomohiro, star of the school’s kendo team. How did he really get the scar on his arm? Katie isn’t prepared for the answer. But when she sees the things he draws start moving, there’s no denying the truth: Tomo has a connection to the ancient gods of Japan, and being near Katie is causing his abilities to spiral out of control. If the wrong people notice, they'll both be targets.
Katie never wanted to move to Japan—now she may not make it out of the country alive.
Taken by Erin Bowman
Expected publication: April 16th 2013 by HarperTeen
There are no men in Claysoot. There are boys—but every one of them vanishes at midnight on his eighteenth birthday. The ground shakes, the wind howls, a blinding light descends…and he’s gone.
They call it the Heist.
Gray Weathersby’s eighteenth birthday is mere months away, and he’s prepared to meet his fate–until he finds a strange note from his mother and starts to question everything he’s been raised to accept: the Council leaders and their obvious secrets. The Heist itself. And what lies beyond the Wall that surrounds Claysoot–a structure that no one can cross and survive.
Climbing the Wall is suicide, but what comes after the Heist could be worse. Should he sit back and wait to be taken–or risk everything on the hope of the other side?
Because I can't just leave it at 10...
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