Transcendence by C.J. OMOLOLU

Transcendence by CJ Omololu

Expected publication: June 5th 2012 by Walker & Company

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Source: Publisher via Netgalley

When a visit to the Tower of London triggers an overwhelmingly real vision of a beheading that occurred centuries before, Cole Ryan fears she is losing her mind. A mysterious boy, Griffon Hall, comes to her aid, but the intensity of their immediate connection seems to open the floodgate of memories even wider.
As their feelings grow, Griffon reveals their common bond as members of the Akhet—an elite group of people who can remember past lives and use their collected wisdom for the good of the world. But not all Akhet are altruistic, and a rogue is after Cole to avenge their shared past. Now in extreme danger, Cole must piece together clues from many lifetimes. What she finds could ruin her chance at a future with Griffon, but risking his love may be the only way to save them both.
Full of danger, romance, and intrigue, Transcendence breathes new life into a perpetually fascinating question: What would you do with another life to live?

My Review

I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy tyhis book, but after a few chapters, it captured my attention. I really enjoyed the storyline and was intrigued. I am fascinated with anything that has to do with reincarnation!

I loved the character of Cole almost immediately. She was strong and very strong willed. She was not one to break down and become weak, but just wanted to keep on trucking and just think about something else besides what is happening to you. Griffon is an absolute sweet heart and I really enjoyed him almost as much as Cole.

This story comes highly recommended. The plot is intriguing and will capture your attention and the characters are well developed! Thanks to Walker Books and Netgalley for allowing me to review this great book!

4 Good Nite Kisses!!!

Heather

Soul Savers Blog Tour

Welcome to the Soul Savers Blog Tour with a guest post by Kristie Cook!

NightlyReading asked Kristie this question:

What do you believe is the best way to show loyalty to someone?

Here is Kristie’s answer:

To always be honest to them and to do what’s right by them even when that’s a hard thing to do. To be truly loyal, we have to be willing to sacrifice ourselves, whether that means giving up something we need or want for their good or allowing ourselves to be humiliated to protect the ones we love. You know that meme that’s been going around Facebook about how good friends will listen to you vent, but best friends will pick up a bat and skip along your side, singing, “Someone’s going to get hurt.” Now THAT’s loyalty.

Promise by Kristie Cook

Published August 2011 by Ang’dora Productions

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Source: Author for tour

2011 edition with never-before-published content and revisions!

Alexis Ames has a life full of promise…but not all promises can be kept.

When Alexis Ames is attacked by creatures that can’t be real, she decides it’s time she learns who she really is, with or without the help of her mother, who guards their family’s secrets closely. After meeting the inhumanly attractive, multi-talented Tristan Knight, however, Alexis retreats behind her façade of normalcy…until she discovers he’s not exactly normal either. Then their secrets begin to unravel.

Their union brings hope and promise to her family’s secret society, the Angels’ army, and to the future of mankind. But it also incites a dangerous pursuit by the enemy – Satan’s minions and Tristan’s creators. After all, Alexis and Tristan are a match made in Heaven and in Hell.

My Review

This book had been on my TBR pile for a long time and when I saw this tour, I couldn’t resist!

I cannot say too much about this book without giving away a lot of the plot. What I can say is that I loved it! I can tell you how much I loved the characters and really enjoyed the budding relationship between Alexis and Tristan.  I really enjoyed the storyline and liked the fact that the characters are natural healers. The book ends on a cliffhanger, so, be sure to have the next one available! I can’t wait to start the next book in the series and please look for the review soon!

Giveaway!

Two ways to win!!!

Kristie is giving away a prize pack which includes the following:

• Grand Prize – Nook Simple Touch (US only)

• 1st Prize — All 4 of my books signed (US only)

• 2nd Prize — Soul Savers Swag bag (US only)

• International Prize — All 4 books as ebooks

Also, she graciously is giving away an ebook of her new book, Devotion, at each tour stop.

All you have to do to be entered in each contest is leave a comment on this post and include your email. The prize pack giveaway will be chosen among all the tour stop enties, but, an ebook winner will be chosen from each tour stop!

I will be choosing the ebook winner on June 1st!

Good Luck!!!

You can follow the rest of the tour by going to this link:

http://www.kristiecook.com/2012/05/on-tour-and-you-could-win-nook.html

Sweet Blood Of Mine Blog Tour!!!!

Sweet Blood Of Mine by John Corwin

Published April 26th 2012 by Raven House

Source: Author

From Mega Nerd to Super Stud.

Justin Case and women do not mix. Man boobs, a love of Kings and Castles, and being tight with the “nerd” crowd certainly don’t win him any points either. After rescuing Katie, his crush, it turns out she might not be the girl he thought she was, while Elyssa, the school’s Goth Girl, turns out to be more. Can high school get any more confusing?

Determined to improve himself, he joins a gym and meets a sexy girl that just oozes a “come hither, Justin” vibe. Until she attacks him in the parking lot, and Justin realizes she’s no ordinary girl but a being with supernatural speed and strength. After a narrow escape and an excruciating migraine headache, he wakes up with supernatural abilities all his own: speed, strength, and the ability to seduce every woman he sees.

While that might sound like the perfect combo for any hormonal teen, Justin is a hopeless romantic who wants his first time to be special. Is that too much to ask for? But he doesn’t know what he is or how to stop his carnal urges. One thing is clear: If he doesn’t find answers there are other more sinister supernaturals who would like nothing better than to make him their eternal plaything and do far worse than kill him.

Heather’s Review

“I was falling for Elyssa and my track record with girls looked like a zombie apocalypse.”

John Corwin has a way of writing a character and making them laugh out loud funny! The beginning of the book seemed a little slow to me, but, I was able to keep reading and it soon picked up. This book is literally hilarious! I loved the character of Justin Case.

“Nothing could make me pull away meat-market love goddess. My sexy little filet mignon”

I really enjoyed the fact that Justin is just a regular person and we see small changes in him. I also enjoy getting a male POV. Admit it ladies, sometimes it is nice to actually see into their heads all their thoughts and fears!  This book had a very real feel to it. The characters could be people that we have known in high school or even in the work place.

“Bryan helped me up.  “How can you be so good one minute then clumsy the next?”
I shrugged.  “I’ve never been very athletic.  Not unless you count fencing.”
“You made fences?”

After reading this book, I am so excited for the sequel. I hope that each and every one of you give this one a chance, you will not be sorry! I wasn’t!!!

Diana’s Review

This book was not at all what I expected.  I know I could have guessed that just by reading the blurb and all, but even after reading the blurb I still think I was expecting the average YA paranormal novel.  This wasn’t it.  I mean, talk about a loser.  Justin starts the book as a pudgy nerd who spends his free time beating up other nerds with foam swords in nerdy live action battles.  I can honestly say that this is not someone I would expect to see as a protagonist for a kick ass, action packed book.  But at the same time, you can’t help but love him.

Not only am I giving the author an A for originality (I have never read a book with a premise quite like this one) but I’m giving him an A for carrying out the whole “don’t judge a book by its cover” moral as well.  I love to see a YA book that carries a good message, but its not a message that’s hammered into you.  Its just there.  And you can’t help but pick it up due to your love of the characters.  I loved reading a book with a male lead, written my a male author (so basically, a believable male lead).  And the male lead is an average guy (well, he starts pretty average anyway).  And not like a boy-next-door-i’m-so-cute-but-i-don’t-know-i’m-cute lead.  A seriously average guy.  Basically, I thought the whole premise was very refreshing.

The book did have some slow points though.  In building the character and showing us just how average he was, the start of the book dragged a little.  And it dragged again when there were pages of football talk.  I know this might be exciting for football fans, but as someone who can’t stand the sport, I had to skim through some of those parts.

Overall, I thought this was a highly original book and I’ll be looking forward to the next in the series.

While He Was Away Blog Tour

While He Was Away by Karen Schreck

Published May 1st 2012 by Sourcebooks Fire

Source: Publisher

“This is just something I have to do, okay?” I hear David say. “The right thing.”

He cradles my face in his hands. He kisses me hard. Then he lets go of me. His eyes dart from me to whatever’s next. 

All she wants is for him to stay. She’s been doing pretty well, pretending he doesn’t have to go. But one day, after one last night to remember, she wakes up and there’s no denying it anymore. He’s gone.

When Penna Weaver’s boyfriend goes off to Iraq, she’s left facing life without him. As summer sets in, Penna tries to distract herself with work and her art, but the not knowing is slowly driving her crazy. Especially when David stops writing.

She knows in her heart he will come home. But will he be the same boy she fell in love with?

Review

This book brought on many different emotions. Sadness, pride, love, fear, just to name a few.

Sadness

I felt sad for Penna. She was losing the one person who kept her stable. The one person that she felt that she could count on. He was leaving and it was very scary for her not knowing when she would see him again.

Pride

David was sure that he wanted to serve in the military. He had described it “as the right thing to do.” I was very proud that a young man made such an important decision and still felt that he had to do it. I hear of young men like this every day signing up for the armed forces and it makes me feel very  proud to be an american!!!

I also felt pride for Penna being able to stand up to her mother enough to truly find out about her families’ past. I was so proud of her for how she just picked up a relationship with her long-lost grandmother.

Love

David and Penna truly belong together. I really felt the love between them just with the short amount of interaction that they had together.

Fear

Geesh, there was so much fear. Fear for David’s life while in Iraq would probably have been the number one reason. I also feared for their relationship. It takes a lot to keep a long distance relationship moving on.

This book is highly suggested for anyone whom has a loved one in the armed forces. There wasn’t really a wrap up ending per say, so I hope there will be a book 2?

“If you love something, let it go…”

Guest Blog Post with Karen Schreck

Stories My Mother Told Me . . . and the Ones She Never Did 

I think a lot about family stories, perhaps because I’m an only child, and now that both of my parents are dead—no longer living, I almost wrote, because the other, more naked statement is still sometimes hard for me to write—I feel like I’m the only one left who can and will carry them.

Sometimes the family stories rattle around in my head, demanding attention all at once, and I don’t know where to focus—I guess that can be the effect of remembering.  But other times, (especially when I follow the advice that great writer and teacher once gave me, which was:  “Write where the pressure is!”) a particular story will rise up above the others and say:  “Pick me.”

That’s what happened with While He Was Away.

I got quite and waited until the pressure revealed itself—and it was a story my mother told me in three simple sentences right before she died when I was fourteen.

Her story went like this.

“I was married before I married your father.  I was very young.  My first husband died in WWII.”

That was it.  That was all she would say.

She knew she was dying, and she wanted me to know this truth about herself.  For years afterward, no one else said a word about it, and then finally, it was revealed that there was really very little to say—only the classic:  “They were childhood sweethearts, deeply in love; it was like a dream”—and then there were a few pictures that a cousin gave me—my mother, young and beautiful, in love with a young and beautiful boy.

When I started thinking about the other young and beautiful boys and girls who were heading off to Iraq to do battle for all kinds of reasons, I found myself thinking again about my mother, the girl, and her boy, and how in some ways, love in wartime is so different now, and in other ways, it isn’t all.

I wanted to retell the story she told me in three simple sentences, and it turned into a novel., While He Was Away.

*Thanks to Sourcebooks and Karen for allowing me to be a part of this tour:)

Obsidian by JLA

Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Published November 30th 2011 by Entangled Publishing, LLC 

Source: Purchased

Starting over sucks.
When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring…. until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something…unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don’t kill him first, that is.

“Beautiful face. Beautiful body. Horrible attitude. It was the holy trinity of hot boys.”

Review

Okay, okay!!! I have finally sat down to read this book! I know, it has been a long time coming. For some reason, the idea of aliens really did not sit well with me and my interest went out the window.  BUT, there had been so much talk about this book throughout the blogosphere and, I love JLA’s other work, so I decided to see what the fuss was all about.

So, now I can honestly say that this book is pure awesomeness! The characters are great and are very well-developed, the storyline is unique and different and the sexual tension is so hot, you may combust!

Katy is an absolutely kick ass heroine! I love the fact that she is a blogger. Not only a blogger, but, a book review blogger. Jennifer wrote her perfectly, down to squeeing when a new package of reviews books arrives to crying over a broken computer. It was fun to read about her posting her Waiting On Wednesday posts or giving her blog a much-needed makeover. She is very loyal to her BFF Dee, and I love that she stands up to Daemon. She is also brave enough to put her life on the line to save others, that makes her a pretty special person in my book.

“My palms itched to have a close encounter of the bitch-slap kind with his face.”

Now, on to Daemon. Everyone swoons over him and I will admit to his almighty hotness. *swoon* BUT, he can also be a major horses arse!!! I mean, there were 2 particular scenes where I was actually astonished by his actions. I, personally, was infuriated with him. I know that he is secretly crushing on Katy and just trying to save all of their lives, but, DAMN…could he be any harsher??

“You jerk.”
Grinning, he backed down the steps. “I’ll see you at noon, Kitten.”
“I hate you,” I hissed.
“The feeling’s mutual.” He glanced over his shoulder. “Twenty bucks says you wear a once-piece swimsuit.”
He was insufferable.”

The side characters were a great mix too! From bitchy Ash to sweet and sensitive Dee. Everyone is bound to be able to identify with at least one of them.

“I don’t think he meant to kiss me,” I said finally.
“What? Did he slip and fall on your mouth? Those things are known to happen.”

In conclusion, although, it took me forever to read this book, I loved it! JLA has become my new favorite author and I do not think she could ever write something that I would not like! I am soooo looking forward to the next in the series, Onyx, due out in August 2012. Until then, I leave you with this….

Sweet Blood Of Mine Character Interview & WOW

Sweet Blood Of Mine by John Corwin

Published April 26th 2012 by Raven House

From Mega Nerd to Super Stud.

Justin Case and women do not mix. Man boobs, a love of Kings and Castles, and being tight with the “nerd” crowd certainly don’t win him any points either. After rescuing Katie, his crush, it turns out she might not be the girl he thought she was, while Elyssa, the school’s Goth Girl, turns out to be more. Can high school get any more confusing?

Determined to improve himself, he joins a gym and meets a sexy girl that just oozes a “come hither, Justin” vibe. Until she attacks him in the parking lot, and Justin realizes she’s no ordinary girl but a being with supernatural speed and strength. After a narrow escape and an excruciating migraine headache, he wakes up with supernatural abilities all his own: speed, strength, and the ability to seduce every woman he sees.

While that might sound like the perfect combo for any hormonal teen, Justin is a hopeless romantic who wants his first time to be special. Is that too much to ask for? But he doesn’t know what he is or how to stop his carnal urges. One thing is clear: If he doesn’t find answers there are other more sinister supernaturals who would like nothing better than to make him their eternal plaything and do far worse than kill him.

Character Interview

[This is Miley Morgan, chief editor and lead reporter for the Edenfield High Illuminator newspaper.  The Goth girl known as Crye Rayne to the Gothies but as Elyssa Borathen to us normal people has been exceptionally hard to stalk.  First of all, I can't find out where her house is, and no matter how hard I try to keep tabs on this girl, she vanishes into thin air!  But that didn't stop me, reporter extraordinaire, from confronting her with the unpleasant truth.]

 [I manage to corner Elyssa in the girls' bathroom after lunch.  Oddly, she doesn't have on her usual Goth makeup and, in fact, is wearing pink and looks almost cute (if tall raven-haired girls with fair skin is your thing.  I think she's a bit too well-toned for most boys to like).]

 Me:  You think you’re awfully clever don’t you?

 Elyssa:  [Sighs.]  You’re the same girl who’s been stalking Justin, aren’t you?

 Me:  Ah, so you’ve been stalking him too, I see.  Well, it’s time to face the Truthinator, Elyssa Borathen.

 Elyssa:  Did you really just call yourself the Truthinator?  And I thought Nathan and his football goons were lame.

 Me:  It’s a well-deserved nickname, as you’re about to find out.  You are a very hard woman to track, but I managed to make a video of you streaking away from me at inhuman speed.  How do you explain this?  [I show her the three-second blurry video clip]

 Elyssa:  Wow, you are the Truthinator.  Let me give you a few tips.  First of all, your stalking technique sucks.  You wear cheap perfume, you play Angry Birds with the volume up, even when you’re hiding in the bushes outside the school waiting for me to come out, and you also don’t appear to understand that running in high heels is not only noisy, but is a good way to break your neck.

 Me:  Your boyfriend wasn’t hard to investigate.

 Elyssa:  [Gives me a very mean look.  (Obviously she had a troubled childhood.)]  He’s not my boyfriend.  He’s not even my friend.

 Me:  So, he used his sexual superpowers on you, but you didn’t fall for it!  Smart girls, one, stupid boys, zero.

 Elyssa:  [Her eyes widen.]  How did you know about—

 Me:  [I tap my temple.]  The Truthinator has her resources.  Are his powers somehow linked to Axe Body Spray?  Maybe Old Spice?

 Elyssa:  I don’t think he meant to use his powers on me.  I don’t want to believe he did.  It all felt so—so real.  [Shakes her head angrily and rubs her eyes.]  It doesn’t matter.  It’s over now.  Justin is a monster, whether he knows it or not.

 Me:  A monster?

 Elyssa:  He’s a danger to everyone around him.  I suggest you stay clear of him.

 Me:  And what about the rumors that he’s going to be playing football?

 Elyssa:  Football?  Are you kidding me?  He can’t!  Those other guys won’t stand a chance!

 Me:  You think he’d hurt the other players?  He seems kind of nice, even if he is a hopeless romantic.  God, can you believe he likes the Princess Bride?

 Elyssa:  [She seems to enter the la-la trance that Justin did at the mention of that lovey-dovey movie.]  He does?  Maybe I should—[shakes her head]—I need to go.

 Me:  Did you wash your hands after peeing?  Keeping our school healthy and clean is every student’s responsibility.

 Elyssa:  [Glares at me.]  I was just about to until you burst in.

 Me:  The soap is over there, Miss Borathen.  [I give her a charming smile.]  One last thing, your eyes are such a pretty shade of violet.  Are those contacts?

 Elyssa:  Well, Truthinator, why don’t you use your superior intellect to figure that out?  I’ve got to make sure Justin doesn’t do something stupid.

 [Miss Borathen shoves past me, very rudely, I might add, and vanishes into the hallway.  I suspect there are other pieces to the puzzle that is Justin Case.  And they might be more willing to talk than this strange girl.]

*Look for the review coming soon!

Check out the next stop on the tour:

5/3/2012 Book Addict stacey character interview Karla

http://karlacc-bookaddict.blogspot.mx/

WOW

Rapture by Lauren Kate

Expected publication: June 12th 2012

The sky is dark with wings . . . .

Like sand in an hourglass, time is running out for Luce and Daniel. To stop Lucifer from erasing the past they must find the place where the angels fell to earth. Dark forces are after them, and Daniel doesn’t know if he can do this—live only to lose Luce again and again.

Yet together they will face an epic battle that will end with lifeless bodies . . . and angel dust. Great sacrifices are made. Hearts are destroyed. And suddenly Luce knows what must happen.

For she was meant to be with someone other than Daniel. The curse they’ve borne has always and only been about her—and the love she cast aside. The choice she makes now will be the only one that truly matters.

In the fight for Luce, who will win?

The astonishing conclusion to the FALLEN series. Heaven can’t wait any longer.

Quote Me Tuesday

“Swimming was the last thing I wanted to do. Drowning him? Maybe.”

Obsidian by Jennifer l. Armentrout

___________________________________________________________

”Did you ever think that in a past life Alec was an old woman with ninety cats who was always yelling at the neighborhood kids to get off her lawn? Because I do.”

City of Glass by Cassandra Clare

Angel Fire by LA Weatherly

Angel Fire by LA Weatherly

Published October 1st 2011 by Usborne Publishing Ltd

Source: Publisher

Only Willow has the power to defeat the malevolent Church of Angels, and they will stop at nothing to destroy her. Willow isn’t alone, though. She has Alex by her side – a trained Angel Killer and her one true love. But nothing can change the fact that Willow’s a half-angel, and when Alex joins forces with a group of AKs, she’s treated with mistrust and suspicion. She’s never felt more alone…until she meets Seb. He’s been searching for Willow his whole life – because Seb is a half-angel too.

Review

Go HERE to read my review of Angel Burn, the first book in the series.

Wowsers!!! I could not wait to read this book. I was a little put off by the immense size of it…709 pages!!! But, I was engrossed in every single one of them:)

I adore Willow, but, there were some points in this book that she really annoyed me! How could she be so insensitive???

Any who, Alex was his charming self and I fell in love with him all over again! He honestly and truly loves Willow with all of his heart and soul! Any girl would be lucky to have that kind of love in their life.

The book started off with introducing the character of Seb. The prologue alone, was enough to pull me right back into the storyline. He plays a major role in this book. He definitely throws a wrench between Alex and Willow. I am still not quite sure of my feelings for him. I think he is good for Willow, disastrous for Alex and still not sure of his good guy qualities. But, I am positive we will see much more of him in the next book.

We were introduced to a number of new characters in this sequel. We did not really get to know them on a personal level, since this book was basically about Willow and Seb finding each other. Then throw in the love square (and I do mean square, not triangle) this does not leave much left for any other disasters.

I am very happy that I read this book and I still love Ms. Weatherly’s take on the angels that she created. I find the story fascinating that they are the bad guys. The next book, Angel Fever, is due out in October 2012.

“Alex propped himself against the metal railing where Willow had just stood. “Okay, let’s get something straight,” he said in Spanish.”If you think I don’t know you’re after my girlfriend, you’re crazy. And if you try to put any sleazy moves on her while you’re here, you’re going to regret it.” Seb’s knapsack was at his feet. He took out a pack of cigarettes; tapped out the last one and lit it.Settling back against the door jamb, he gave Alex a considering, faintly humorous look. “Sleazy moves?” he repeated. “Don’t worry, I don’t do sleazy moves.”
“Let me rephrase,” said Alex coldly “Any moves, just keep your hands off her.”

Free Book!

Get your kindles ready because Heather Hildenbrand

is offering one of her books

for free on

Amazon!

I just heard this and was so excited that I had to share the good news immediately!

You heard me right! Now through Saturday, you can get

for free!!!

Thanks to Heather!!!

Go on over and download your copy now!!! I guarantee you will love it:)

Got a surprise yesterday……

Hi everyone! Happy Thursday:)

I wanted to share with you a great surprise that I found in my mailbox yesterday….

I received a package from St. Martin’s Griffin and when I opened it up, this is what I found…

I got a Shadow Falls t-shirt and an awesome pen with a light on top! Squeeee!!!

This is in honor of the next Shadow Falls book due out in October. So, if you have not heard of the series, it goes something like this:

Turned At Dark (Shadow Falls 0.5) by CC Hunter

Born At Midnight (Shadow Falls #1) by CC Hunter

Awake At Dawn (Shadow Falls #2) by CC Hunter

Taken At Dusk (Shadow Falls #3) by CC Hunter

and the next book due out in October 2012….

Whispers At Moonrise (Shadow Falls #4) by CC Hunter

*Thanks to St. Martin’s Griffin for my great surprise!!!