Wednesday, October 30, 2013

[Review] Fifteen Minutes ~ Karen Kingsbury

Fifteen Minutes:

Zack Dylan has a dream. He wants to sing on the biggest stages, for the biggest crowds, and he’ll do whatever it takes to make it come true. But Zack also made a promise to his college sweetheart when he left Kentucky to compete on the popular TV show Fifteen Minutes: If he made it, nothing would change him or his faith in God.

Overnight, Zack becomes the nation’s most popular contestant, a country singer comparable to a young Tim McGraw. As his star rises, Zack is often asked to compromise and quiet his beliefs. Just as he’s on the verge of winning it all, his choices lead him to the brink of personal disaster. Meanwhile, a former Fifteen Minutes winner is searching for meaning amidst her own private losses. Can she warn Zack about the real price of fame? Or will Zack lose everything he loves for his fifteen minutes of glory?

From the novelist dubbed the “Queen of Christian Fiction” by Timemagazine, Fifteen Minutes explores the cost of fame and celebrity set against the backdrop of America’s favorite singing competition.

Review:
Got a copy of this book from Net Galley.

This was a really refreshing read. I haven't read a Christian book this interesting since... well a VERY LONG time.

Sometime, I feel like Zack is incredibly stupid. He would talk to Zoey alone, which if you read or watch is NEVER a good decision. He also joined the competition in the first place, even when no one wanted him to do that. But if I was him, like if I was that good-looking and if I could sing that well, which I totally can't, I would probably do the same thing as him. What I admire about him is his intimate relationship with God. For me, it's really hard to find someone that close with God these days.

Another person I really liked in this book is Chandra. Even if her time in the Fifteen Minutes stage was horrible, she came back. Not for herself, but so that she could help others escape from the prison walls, a.k.a. FAME. She was a reall selfless person and I really liked that about her.

Overall, this book is pretty good. It shows another side of fame that most people don't know or like to deny.

Rating:
  4 mjolnirs! I just recently watched Thor so...


Just multiply that pic by 4.:D




Buy it now:


[Book Blitz - Giveaway] Scarred Love ~ M.S. Brannon




“I am certain, without any doubt, she was meant to be in my life. We belong to each other. I spent too much of my time consumed with what everyone else thinks of my feelings for Darcie, but the truth is, it was always supposed to be this way.” ~Reggie Evans

Darcie Claiborne spent several years of her young life living with a monster, always fearing what he would do next. Clasping onto her last ounce of hope, Darcie releases a scream. It’s her final attempt to live; to survive the villain of her reality. Sweeping her up in his arms, Darcie’s knight in shining armor rescues her from the hell she’s been living; from the stepfather she’s feared for all those years.

Reggie Evans has been forced to grow up before he’s ready when his mother dies of an overdose, leaving him responsible to raise his younger brothers. One fateful night, Reggie jogs by an old, run down house and discovers a young girl clinging to life as she screams for help.

Three years later, Darcie is healing and always protected by the man who saved her, but now she’s fighting with something she isn’t prepared to face. The growing love for the man who saved her life three years ago, the same man who’s nine years older. All the while, Reggie fights to protect Darcie from the demons of her past and new ones of her present.

**Mature Content Warning** 17+ for language and sexual content**


Buy it Now for 99c ONLY!
Amazon:



Excerpt:

Sunday, October 27, 2013

[Sentinel Tour] Daimon Day! and 2 GIVEAWAYS!




Summary:

"Love in my world usually ended up with someone hearing 'I smite thee ' as she was cursed to be some lame flower for the rest of her life." For three years, Alexandria has lived among mortals--pretending to be like them and trying to forget the duty she'd been trained to fulfill as a child of a mortal and a demigod. At seventeen, she's pretty much accepted that she's a freak by mortal standards... and that she'll never be prepared for that duty. According to her mother, that's a good thing.But as every descendant of the gods knows, Fate has a way of rearing her ugly head. A horrifying attack forces Alex to flee Miami and try to find her way back to the very place her mother had warned her she should never return-the Covenant. Every step that brings her closer to safety is one more step toward death... because she's being hunted by the very creatures she'd once trained to kill. The daimons have found her.


Buy Links:
Spencer Hill Press (Free!)

Mini Interview from JLA:

For JLA – What made you decide to go back and write Daimon? I wanted to show the readers what Alex was facing at the beginning of Half-Blood that caused her to have trust issues and such a bad attitude.

For Alex – If you could time travel back to the day Aiden came to bring you back to the covenant, what’s the one thing you would tell him the moment you saw him? You’re hot.
For Aiden – Knowing the end, would you still go after Alex to bring her back to the covenant? I would have still gone after Alex, but I wouldn’t have taken her back to the Covenant. I would have taken her away somewhere that I felt I could protect her.



Author bio:
# 1 New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Jennifer L. Armentrout Lives in West Virginia.

All the rumors you heard about her state aren’t true.

Well, mostly. When she's not hard at work writing, she spends her time, reading, working out, watching zombie movies, and pretending to write.

She is the author of the Covenant Series (Spencer Hill Press), the Lux Series (Entangled Teen), Don't Look Back (Disney/Hyperion) and a yet untitled novel (Disney/Hyperion), and new YA paranormal series with Harlequin Teen.

Jennifer also writes New Adult and Adult romance under the pen name J. Lynn. The Gamble Brothers Series (Tempting the Best Man/Tempting the Player) and Wait for You. Under her pen name, she is published with Entangled Brazen and HarperCollins.

Author Links:

Giveaway:


Spencer Hill Press is giving away a $200 gift card to Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Book Depository or any indie bookstore of the winner's choice to not only stock up on amazing books, but to perhaps buy a Nook HD or Kindle Fire.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Our own giveaway for you!!!:D

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, October 25, 2013

[Blog Tour - Review & GIVEAWAY] Long After ~ Cheryl McIntyre


Long After






















For Annie Phillips, there is a right way to do things and everything has a place. College and her flawless GPA are top priority, as is planning her perfect future. Anything less than perfection is unacceptable. So when she meets Loden Guiles, she believes she has finally found her perfect happily-ever-after.


Chase Malloy is funny, loyal, and an all around nice guy. He’s also sloppy, tattooed, and undirected. All Chase wants to do is survive college, hang out with friends, and make music. Knowing his best friend’s step-sister since they were fourteen, Annie and he have always had a love-hate relationship. The last thing Chase expects is to fall for Annie, but he knows he’ll never live up to her idea of the perfect man.

On the outside, Annie and Loden’s relationship appears picture perfect. But behind closed doors, Annie quickly realizes Loden isn’t the man he pretends to be. Every time her not so well laid plans crumble, and Loden proves to be not so Mr. Right, Chase is there to pick her up and brush her off. Will she realize the perfection she’s been searching for has been in front of her all this time?

*Long After is a companion novel to Sometimes Never and Before Now. Many of the same characters appear in Chase and Annie's story. However, it can be read as a stand-alone book.

**This is a new adult novel. Due to harsh language, sexual situations, and violence, this book is recommended for 17+.

Add This Awesome books in Goodreads
Or you could always buy it at


You might also like Sometimes Never and Before Now. They are freakin awesome too.



Oh! And Blackbird is FREE!!!



Review: 
     I got a review copy of this book.:) Isn't that just freakin awesome??:)
  
     Anyway, Let's talk about this freakishly awesome book.

     I totally related with Annie which totally surprised me. Because in the first two books, she acted like a total bitch. But when I started reading this book I understood why she acted like. I also almost think the same way as her. This is the first time I think this has EVER happened to me.
"I think a lot about questions like that. The “what if” questions. What would I do if there were a fire? Tornado? Flood? Mugging? I even contemplate the less likely what ifs. What if a zombie apocalypse took place tomorrow? World War III? Nuclear explosion? Sometimes I spend so much time on those questions that I wish I could just shut my brain off. Because I’m always trying to improve my answers. Always trying to identify what problems could arise and adjust my answers accordingly. It’s a curse. But if the world ever suffered a zombie attack, I think I’d outlive most of the people on this campus. Just saying."
- Highlight Loc. 217-21 

And this is what happens inside my mind every once in a while. Like I'm walking through the mall and then there's a security guard like this.

And I'm like I could totally steal his gun when there's a zombie apocalypse. Which probably isn't even near possible.:)

She also has a not so mini OCD tendency. Which I think I also have but hers is way worse. BTW also self- diagnosed, like her.
     " Something most people don’t know about me is I have a mild form of Obsessive               Compulsive Disorder. Self-diagnosed."
- Highlight Loc. 358-59

Now let's talk about Chase. Hot hot Chase.:D

Don't you think that look would make you melt?? If not how bout this one?

Look at that bod!!!
Okay. I have no freakin idea how Annie could have resisted him all those years!! But Chase isn't only a hot bod, but he is also a very loyal person who would fight for those he loves. When he finally figured out he loved her, it was freakin awesome to experience it with him.
"I think I love her. Annie, I mean. I think this is what love must be like. That one person that’s always inside your head, running through your thoughts before you even realize you’re thinking about them. That person you like thinking about all the time because the image of her makes you smile. The one that has you counting time by how soon you can see her again. The one that makes you feel good just by sharing the same air. The only one you want to touch your fingertips to and relish the sensation of her skin against yours. To kiss. To really kiss—mouths, lips, tongues, teeth, breaths. Eyes closed and world blocked out. For me, that one person is Annie. Always Annie."
- Highlight Loc. 2905-11

That's one part of his reaction, the other was.
"Do you know how fucked up it is to have a realization like that slap you across the face? I hadn’t seen it coming. I knew I cared about her. I knew I was attracted to her. But love? It hit me like a freaking train. One of those super long trains that seem to have no end. And I’m lying on the tracks, being dragged as they rip me apart, over and over again."
- Highlight Loc. 2927-29  

Poor Chase.:(
"Love. It turns you into a murder planning lunatic with a penchant for stalking."
- Highlight Loc. 2945

I wouldn't mind if Chase stalks me.:D

Now let's talk about them together! I really love it if characters come from a love/hate relationship. I love it when they fight! They are sooo good at it. Even Chase loves it when they fight.
"I’d never willingly say this aloud, but I actually like Annie’s bitchy attitude. When I get her angry, that’s when she’s the most fun."
- Highlight Loc. 354-55  

Oh. And Annie is really good at fighting back.
“Speaking of small favors…” Her eyes flick down to my pants, then back up to my face.
- Highlight Loc. 344 

Wish I could be as quick as her. Now I gotta practice!:D

So anyway. This book is freakin awesome! Love it to the MAX! I love everything in this book except that it had to end.:( But all stories have an ending. Better get used to it.


My Rating:
- Jasmine ( Isn't my reviews getting better?:D)

Contact Cheryl (She's really awesome!)

What ya'll have been waiting for.:D GIVEAWAY!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This Tour is hosted by 


Thursday, October 24, 2013

[Cover Reveal] Sweet Requiem (Sweet Series #3) ~ Bailey Ardisone

Sweet Requiem (Sweet Series #3) 




Returning to Kennebunkport isn't all that it's cracked up to be for Nari and Rydan. Barely escaping one evil by the skin of their teeth, running head first into the next was the last thing they were expecting. With Nari's best friend Zaylie held hostage by the leader of the Black Eagles, Nari's number one priority is getting Zaylie, along with everyone else she cares about, back home safe and sound. Only, the worst thing that could possibly happen has happened.

Death.

With the hope of undoing what would normally be permanent, Nari, with the help of the two brothers she loves most in the world, sets out on a unique quest that could ultimately mean her downfall. Is the end result worth the sacrifice? Is Nariella truly willing to do whatever is necessary to fulfill a vow?

Or is there nothing that can reverse the start of a Sweet Requiem?

Coming November 29,2013




Sweet Oblivion (Sweet Series #1)

When two worlds collide, nightmares become reality. And some secrets...are best kept in Oblivion.
...Until there is hope.

Have you ever wanted to forget? Nariella Woodlinn has. Many times. Especially when her already frustrating life gets turned upside down by a mysterious boy who randomly shows up in her small town. And she can't seem to understand anything about him, despite how much she tries.
​Nari hates everything about her life, except for her best friend Rydan, but now that they've been separated during their senior year of high school, she has to learn to make new friends without him. When strange, unexplainable phenomena start becoming an every day part of her life, Nari struggles to come to grips with reality. And with love.
~
​Naminé has responsibilities. Duties. It is her obligation to fulfill all that is asked of her by their King. But when a glimmer of hope is introduced to her by a prisoner she tends to, it means life or death for her and her people. She does all that she can to turn that hope into reality, and finally end the vicious war that has been ensuing since she was born. Even if that means keeping it secret from her King. Even if it means carrying out the biggest betrayal against the King ever seen during her time.

She has hope. She will fulfill her duty. She will not let her people down.

Buy Links:
Amazon
B&N
iTunes

Sweet Escape (Sweet Series #2)


Sometimes the hardest war to fight is the one raging within yourself…

Life will never be the same for Nariella Woodlinn. Just when she thought she had it all figured out, her world comes crumbling down around her-yet again. With no idea who she is or even where she came from, how can she save herself?
She once thought her biggest problems were the ones brought on by the mysterious man she refused to fall in love with—Mycah. But she quickly discovers none of that compares to what she is about to encounter next.
This time, it isn’t because of who Mycah is.
This time, it’s because of who she is.
~
Naminé risked everything to save her people. Her goal was to bring their only hope back to their Kingdom. As the war rages on around her, Naminé gets thrown into the lion’s den—the false King’s chambers. Can she fool a King who can’t be deceived on his playing field? Forced to do his bidding, can she prevent the downfall of the only hope she worked so hard to bring home? Will she be able to escape with her life and mind intact?

With everyone’s world falling apart and deceit around every corner…can any of them truly Escape?

Buy Links:
Amazon
B&N

Author Bio:

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 obsessed with Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien.






Contact:
Facebook
Twitter
Blog

Friday, October 18, 2013

[Review] Starlight ~ Mimi Strong

Starlight (Peaches Monroe, #2)Starlight by Mimi Strong

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Got this book from the awesome author for review.

I still find Peaches to be totally freakin awesome and hialrious even when she became an underwear model. Banana hammock.:)))))

Peaches is awesome and I live her but the guys she is always with I just don't seem to trust them which is really new to me. Since I ususally love the dudes even when their kinda psychotic. Maybe it's because Keith meditates and all that stupid stuff.

I'm also starting to think that in every book there is gonna be a new guy.

Dalton is also starting to become more and more of an asshole. He didn't even freaking apologize!

I'm pissed off at the characters in the book but the writing style of Mimi is awesome.:)



View all my reviews

[Review] Dead Sexy Dragon ~ Lolita Lopez

Dead Sexy Dragon (Dragon Heat, #1)Dead Sexy Dragon by Lolita Lopez

My rating: 3 of 5 stars


Got this book from Net Galley.

This book was too short for me and the plot and characters wasn't really developed well. I don't usually read books about dragons but it looked kinda interesting. If it was a little longer it could have been better.

Things I like:
1. It's about dragons don't usually read books bout dragons

Things I didn't like:
1. Too short
2. A lot of unanswered question
3. Didn't really connect with the characters
4. The plot is kinda stupid



View all my reviews

Monday, October 14, 2013

[Review] Eleanor and Park ~ Rainbow Rowell

Eleanor & Park was so sweet. It's lighthearted, heartwarming, and a great read.

Even the blurb showed you a glimpse of Eleanor and Park's relationship.

Eleanor is the new girl in town, and with her chaotic family life, her mismatched clothes and unruly red hair, she couldn't stick out more if she tried.

Park is the boy at the back of the bus. Black T-shirts, headphones, head in a book - he thinks he's made himself invisible. But not to Eleanor... never to Eleanor.

Slowly, steadily, through late-night conversations and an ever-growing stack of mix tapes, Eleanor and Park fall for each other. They fall in love the way you do the first time, when you're young, and you feel as if you have nothing and everything to lose.

What I loved about the book was that it was REAL. Because as much as we'd like to believe it, love isn't always at first sight. It showed what teenagers feel and HOW teenagers love.

The characters were the best part of the story (apart from the mix tapes). Eleanor wasn't your typical girl. She's bent but not broken. She was independent and her own character. She was confident but not stick thin. Gotta give the girl some credit for that. Park is moody and imperfect. He was a flawed, yet a great first love.


The ending though... RAINBOW ROWELL'S GOTTA WORK ON OTHER ENDINGS. I've read ROWELL'S other books and the endings have always been a cliffhanger. Ones that make you go die. Go die after it. I did.

Just read it. READ IT. It's a great book about first loves and living in the fantasy and reality of real life. Eleanor and Park. El and Park. Aly and Park.  Heehee.

Book Crazy
Aly 
XOXO (Just to piss her off - Jasmine:D)

This Jasmine and I just wanna comment. The ending was pure freaking torture!!! K. that's all.:D

Friday, October 11, 2013

[Review] Stardust ~ @mimi_strong

Stardust (Peaches Monroe, #1)Stardust by Mimi Strong

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Stardust was really funny, and I like books that are funny.

Peaches is hilarious and just awesome. She's really smart yet really freaking stupid. Oh, and she thinks she's fat like every other girl in the world. Her bestfriend is also really awesome.

Alright, Dalton. Well... I fell for him at the star of the book. Who wouldn't! He's really hot and a VAMPIRE!!

So Peaches literally falls into his arms! And the first few pages were really awesome and all that stuffs. Then somewhere in the middle I start to have my doubts cauz NO ONE is EVER that perfect. EVER! And I don't think I will ever trust a guy that would fall asleep after a blowjob. So I was really just waiting for the other shoe to drop. It totally even looked like they would have a Happily Ever After. So I waited and waited or in other words... read and read until it finally dropped!!

In the end! With a freakin CLIFFHANGER!! BADUMBUM!!!!:D

Btw. I don't like Dalton anymore. I think this the first time I never liked the dude in a book.

Oh and I have the way she makes normal words sound soo dirty is AWESOME+++!:D



View all my reviews

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

[Release Day Review and GIVEAWAY!!:D] One To Hold ~ Tia Louise

Get ready to HEAT UP Oct. 9!

On Amazon
Early Readers say...

"One to Hold is One to buy! Holy mother of god is Derek Alexander HOT!!!!" --Karrie, Panty Dropping Book Blog

"Brilliant.Absolutely brilliant.Will have you waiting up at night for your husband so you can recreate scenes." --Magan Vernon, author of The Only One

"Beautiful, meaningful and extremely sexy. Tia Louise created an amazing story that hooked me and kept me guessing." --Patricia, Smokin' Hot Book Blog

"A sexy read with just the right amount of drama. Louise's characters pulled me in and didn't let go." --Kate Roth, author of The Low Notes

"Well paced, well written, steamy and downright exciting." --Jennifer Kyle, Goodreads reviewer

"Super HOT, AMAZING chemistry, and a really great story line."--Jamie~Book Boyfriend Ho, Goodreadsreviewer 

***WARNING: Mature themes, strong language and sexual content. Recommended for adult readers (18+) only!***

Derek Alexander is an ex-Marine, ex-cop, and the top investigator in his field. Melissa Jones is a small-town girl trying to escape her troubled past.

When the two intersect in a bar in Arizona, their sexual chemistry is off the charts. But what is revealed during their "one week stand" only complicates matters.

Because she'll do everything in her power to get away from the past, but he'll do everything he can to hold her.

Note: Stand-alone, M/F, HEA.

Review:
Tia Louise knows how to write. There’s no doubt about that, folks. Her grammar and spelling is impeccable, unlike other indie authors. The plot was interesting. When my friend gave this book to me for a review, I was EXCITED. It was my first ARC, plus the cover was cute. I had high hopes for this one.

But this book was a disappointment to me. *insert sad face* sigh.

Okay, I’m female. I can admit. Derek Alexander was pretty hot. The facial hair and smoldering eyes got me. He emanated Alpha. They had sexual chemistry, all right. The cover spoke of their sexy relationship.

But to me, that was it. Their relationship was all sexy and steamy but the readers don’t get to feel the growth of their love. The introductory part was too fast. I didn’t get to know who Melissa was or had a connection with her before BAM! They were against the wall. (BAM!)

It was written well, but the characters weren’t alive. You don’t fall in love with the hero or the heroine because you don’t know who they are. Though Tia Louise wrote well, she didn’t bring life to the characters.

Only the last 1/3 part of this book was worth it and actually gripped me. Twists were thrown in. And the twist was my favorite part. This showed Melissa’s emotions that you could feel right along with her.


This was a quick read. The scenes were steamy and sexy, if that’s what you’re looking for. But as a reader that prefers romance with her smut, there are other books out there to read. If you want to give Miss Tia Louise a chance to tell you her love story, I have nothing against that. The book had its high points. If Tia Louise were to release a different book, I would read it. She has the ability to write a great and captivating book. And some hot smut.


Xoxo Aly



* * *

Exclusive excerpt:


On Amazon
I only had a moment to observe how very clean it was before he had me against the wall, pinned by his huge physique.

“You never came.” His voice was a low, husky whisper. “I waited all night.”

My hands rested on his chest, and heat flamed through me with every heartbeat. My eyes traveled up, up, up to his. They were darkened now, and I was certain he was thinking the same thing as me. 

He remembered how fantastically our bodies came together two nights ago. I barely registered him reaching out to lock the door. 

“I’m sorry,” was all I could say.

“When you walked in the restaurant tonight… god, you’re so beautiful.” He spoke against my skin as his lips pressed into my brow, his beard roughing my closed eyelids. “Are you feeling bad?”

“No,” I managed to say despite the heat surging through me as his lips moved to my temple. “I... didn't think I could eat.”

“Good,” he said in a thick voice before covering my mouth with his. Mine opened quickly, drawing him in. Our tongues entwined before his lips moved to my jaw then down my neck. 

"I thought about you all day.” His breath whispered across my skin, and I couldn't stop a surge of desire low in my stomach. “Will you let me have you here?”

“Yes,” I barely spoke, and he dropped to his knees.

He gathered the thin fabric of my dress, shoving it up to my waist as he caught the side of my thong with his thumb.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | AllRomance | iTunes

* * *

Tia Louise is a former journalist, world-traveler, and collector of beautiful men (who inspire ALL of her stories... *wink*)---turned wife, mommy, and novelist.

It's possible she has a slight truffle addiction. And she will never look at a family restroom the same way again.

One to Hold is her debut adult romance.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Introductions!:D

Hi there!:D I don't think we have ever introduced ourselves officially. So here ya go... My name is Jasmine but I secretly wanna be called Sky.:) Shhhh.. I started this blog and I still have no idea how to do most of the stuff bloggers do. I tend to say awesome waaaaay too much. And I kinda put smiley faces every where.:) - SEE!:D I don't have a way with words like most authors and reviewers do, so Aly over here would be doing most of the reviews since she's waaaay better.

Now I shall introduce Aly my co-Blogger and AWESOME friend!:D I met her in grade school then blah, blah, blah all you need to know is she's probably the one that got me OBSESS (did I spell this right??) with books.

Oh, and we live in the PHIL!:D MABUHAY!:)

[Cover Reveal] Autumn Rose ~ Abigail Gibbs



Amazon


In book two of her breathtakingly magical series, Abigail Gibbs draws us even further into the dangerous and romantic world of the Dark Heroines.

Autumn Rose lives in a sleepy seaside town in the southwest of England, but buried deep under the surface of her quiet life are dark secrets. Her grandmother is dead, murdered eighteen months before, and the whirling social scene of London in which she was brought up is a world away. Even worse, at her new school she is shunned and condemned-all because of the swirling marks on her skin that prevent her from blending in the crowd.

But the appearance of a handsome young man at her school-who has the same curious markings as Autumn Rose-sends her world into turmoil. Suddenly the marks are cool and Autumn is thrust into the limelight, but her sudden popularity brings danger as her secrets threaten to come to light. Plus, there is the fact that Autumn keeps dreaming of a human girl who is about to be seduced by a very dark Prince… and Autumn must figure out how to save her before it is too late.

Abigail Gibbs was born and raised in deepest, darkest Devon, England. She is studying for a B.A. in English at the University of Oxford and considers herself a professional student, as the real world has yet to catch up with her. Her greatest fear is blood and she is a great advocate of vegetarianism, which logically led to the writing of her first novel, Dinner with a Vampire. She splits her time between her studies, stories, and family, and uses coffee to survive all three.

Barnes & Noble

Image Map

Pre-order NOW!:D


Friday, October 4, 2013

[Spotlight] Chasing Hope Blog Tour



Chasing HopeChasing Hope by Kathryn Cushman

A Personal Drama of Shattered Dreams and Second Chances

A talented runner fully committed to Olympic dreams, Sabrina Rice's future was shattered by a devastating diagnosis. One forfeited scholarship and several years later, she has new goals and dreams that have nothing to do with running--something that's become far too painful to think on.
Until the day she sees Brandy Philip running across the community college campus, easily outpacing security. Sabrina immediately recognizes world-class speed, and it's all the more painful that it belongs to a teenage graffiti artist. When a chance encounter brings the two young women together, Sabrina becomes Brandy's best hope for staying out of juvenile hall. Soon, Sabrina begins to feel an uncomfortable nudge that her new life is just about to be toppled...that God may be calling her to minister to this talented but troubled girl.




kathrynAuthor Kathryn Cushman

uthor Kathryn "Katie" Cushman is a graduate of Samford University with a degree in pharmacy.

She is the author of five novels, including Leaving Yesterday and A Promise to Remember, which were both finalists for the Carol Award in Women's Fiction.

She is also the co-author of Angel Song with Sheila Walsh.

Kathryn and her family currently live in Santa Barbara, California.


Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 10/17/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the publisher. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.



a Rafflecopter giveaway





Chasing Hope excerpts

Excerpt 1:
Prologue

A dozen men in ugly white outfits and weird haircuts ran barefoot along the ocean’s edge, moving faster, faster, faster, as the music swelled until it filled the entire theater. Sabrina Rice leaned forward in her seat, clutching her bag of popcorn tight to her chest. Her feet tapped against the sticky concrete floor, twitching with the urge to run alongside those men. And then she sawhim. The man with his head thrown back, arms churning at his sides, and a strange sense of joy shining in his eyes. In that moment, her life made sense. In that moment, she found her hero.
It made no difference to her that this movie was over twenty years old, or that the revival theater was mostly empty, or that it would have been far more convenient to rent Chariots of Fire at the local video rental store and watch it at home—as only a few hours ago she had complained bitterly to her mother—or that she’d really wanted to go bowling with her friends today. For the next two hours, nothing existed but Sabrina and the runners on the screen, particularly Eric Liddell. And watching him, face toward the sky, drinking in God’s pleasure as he ran, that’s when she knew. With absolute certainty she knew what she wanted to do with the rest of her life. As she walked from the theater, she turned to her mother. “I am going to be an Olympic runner and I’m going to tell people about God, just like Eric Liddell. Maybe not China, though. I don’t think they allow that anymore.”
Mom threw back her head and laughed. It wasn’t one of those grown-up kinds of laughs that let a kid know how stupid they were. No, this was one of those “I’m so completely happy I can’t hold it in” kind of things. She reached down and scooped Sabrina into her arms and spun around in a circle. “Sounds terrific.”
Sabrina was so happy with her newfound purpose that she wasn’t really too embarrassed by her mother’s public display of affection—thankfully none of the kids from school were anywhere near this old movie theater. “Can we start training now? You want to go for a run when we get home?”
“I think that’s a grand idea.” And just like that, they became running partners.
Much to Mom’s credit, she never balked when Sabrina insisted that they go for a run every single morning, rain or shine. It didn’t seem to matter that Sabrina was only twelve years old and according to most grown-ups, “couldn’t possibly be serious about what she’s going to do with her life.” Even long after the point that Mom had to ride a bike to keep up, she was always there and ready.
Every single day.
At five in the morning.
Rain or shine.
For the next six years.



Excerpt 2:
He seemed to find this amusing, because he grinned, then finally leaned back against his chair. “How’d you do on that psychology exam?” He had a dimple in his left cheek.
“I’m feeling pretty good about it.” She took a sip of her decaf Earl Grey. “How about you?”
“Well, let’s just say—” he unleashed another grin—“I think I could use a study buddy for the next one. You know anyone who might be willing to help me?”
“I . . . uh . . . think I might.”
He held her gaze and continued to smile. “I was hoping you’d say that, too. You’re just full of the answers I want to hear today.”
“Thanks,” she sort of squeaked, “I do my best to be helpful.” It was impossible not to smile when she looked at him.
“Well, if that’s the case, then what if I—” He turned his head slightly toward the window just over Sabrina’s shoulder. “Wow, what the . . . ?”
Sabrina turned to see what had caught his interest. A girl was racing through the middle of the campus, her legs pumping at an impressive rate. Her shoulder-length hair was bleached white in the front and dyed jet black in the back, and it whipped up and then back with each stride. She jumped down a set of four steps, landed cleanly, and picked the pace right back up, hardly missing a beat. In her left hand she held what looked to be an aerosol can.
A campus security guard rounded the building behind her. Behind her and losing ground fast. In spite of the fact that he was young and appeared to be in decent shape, by the time he reached the steps the girl had jumped over, it was more than obvious his chase was a lost cause. He stopped, doubled over with hands on knees, gasping for air and shaking his head.
“Did you see that? That girl was fast!” Koen’s voice grew louder with admiration. “I’m thinking she must have been part gazelle or something. Can you believe that?”
Sabrina looked down at the table. “No, I don’t think I can.” She started gathering her things. “I’ve got to go.”



Excerpt 3:
Sabrina turned toward the television just in time to see the flash of orange jersey, as the center reached higher than his opponent and knocked the ball toward his teammate. In a flash, the men in orange worked their way down the court, passing it a few times, before the ball whipped to number 33 just outside the three-point line. He rose up for a shot and nailed it. Everyone cheered and instantly the TV went to replay, this time zooming in on the shooter as he released.
Sam.
They had shared a couple of classes freshman year. Although friends might be too strong of a word, they had studied together and run in a similar circle of friends. The sight of him now, wearing the colors that were so familiar . . .
Sabrina turned her attention to the window, its metal casing even grimier than the glass, and began to concentrate on her breathing. This was the one thing that had remained useful past her running years. Breath control could get you through seemingly unendurable pain.
The room erupted into cheers. “Yeah, that’s what I’m talking about.”
Sabrina didn’t look back to the TV; it wasn’t necessary. She looked at some birds perched on the electrical wire just outside the window and started counting them. One, two, three, four, one flew away but another two landed, five, six, seven, eight, but wait, had she already counted that one?
“Oh man, did you see that?” Koen leaned toward the TV. “I can’t believe that, can you?”
Sabrina looked at him. “Huh? Oh, no, I sure can’t.”
“Miss Rice, are you daydreaming out the window? In the middle of the game?” Koen grinned at her, and it took every bit of her inner strength to smile back.
“Uh, guilty, I guess.”
“You better play closer attention, because there’ll be a quiz at halftime.” He put his arm on the couch behind her and turned his attention back to the game.
Somehow she managed to stare blankly at the TV, send her thoughts elsewhere, and mostly ignore what was happening in the game. She focused her attention on Koen sitting this close, on how right it felt to have him near. This worked pretty well until the band started playing “Rocky Top.” The sound of the fight song that was so much a part of her past broke through the last of her strength. She jumped up from the couch, mumbled something about coming right back, and bolted from the room to the backyard.


Excerpt 4:
“Samson Academy? That’s where all the rich parents send their kids, so they’ll be on the top sports team and get scholarships.”
Coach Thompson nodded. “I think there’s some truth to that.”
“Makes you wonder, doesn’t it, if only rich kids can afford to go there, why do they need scholarships for college in the first place? Why not leave them for the kids who can’t afford college on their own? It’s one more way they’ve got it all rigged in their favor. There’s nothing left for someone like me.”
“Well, I’m offering you a chance to change all that. You come to practice tomorrow and Thursday, and the meeting on Friday, and then we’ll talk more about it.”
A skeletal memory dug itself free from deep within the graveyard where Brandy had long ago buried such thoughts. It was track-and-field day for Mrs. Tooley’s kindergarten class, and Mom was there watching. She was wearing her prettiest pink blouse, and her hair was brushed straight, shining like black silk in the sun. She held open her arms, and Brandy ran to her. She could feel the intensity of her mother’s hug. Then she pulled back, eyes shining and so remarkably clear and focused that day. “I’m so proud of my girl, winning all three races.” She pulled Brandy close again. “We’re going to be all right, the two of us. You keep on running fast like that and the two of us, well, we’ll go places, you wait and see.”
Just as suddenly as the memory appeared, it evaporated into the darkness and smoke and stupor that covered all her childhood memories. And then Brandy was back in the present, looking at Coach Thompson, still trying to figure out why he was willing to do this, and even more so, why she suddenly wanted to. “Yeah, maybe I’ll be there.”


Excerpt 5:
Without consciously making the decision to do so, Brandy began to jog, then run, then all-out sprint toward home. She concentrated on taking long, sweeping strides, pushing her legs to move faster and faster, long past the point that her burning leg muscles cried out for relief. She refused to give in to the pain, not allowing herself to slow until she reached the sidewalk in front of her grandmother’s house. There, she slowed to a walk, gasping for air, trying to make sense of it all. She couldn’t. But as she paced back and forth, waiting for her breathing to slow, her mind seemed to work with renewed clarity, and that’s when she knew for certain who had made the recommendation. She just didn’t know why.





--
~Inspired Kathy~



I Am A Reader, Not A Writer



Book Blasts & Blog Tours

Thursday, October 3, 2013

[Cover Reveal] Be With Me ~ Jennifer Armentrout


COMING FEBRUARY 4,2014

This is the sequel to Wait For You. So... YAAAHOOOOOO!!!!:D

Wait For You:

Traveling thousands of miles from home to enter college is the only way nineteen-year-old Avery Morgansten can escape what happened at the Halloween party five years ago—an event that forever changed her life. All she needs to do is make it to her classes on time, make sure the bracelet on her left wrist stays in place, not draw any attention to herself, and maybe—please God—make a few friends, because surely that would be a nice change of pace. The one thing she didn’t need and never planned on was capturing the attention of the one guy who could shatter the precarious future she’s building for herself.

Some things are worth experiencing…

Cameron Hamilton is six feet and three inches of swoon-worthy hotness, complete with a pair of striking blue eyes and a remarkable ability to make her want things she believed were irrevocably stolen from her. She knows she needs to stay away from him, but Cam is freaking everywhere, with his charm, his witty banter, and that damn dimple that’s just so… so lickable. Getting involved with him is dangerous, but when ignoring the simmering tension that sparks whenever they are around each other becomes impossible, he brings out a side of her she never knew existed.

Some things should never be kept quiet…

But when Avery starts receiving threatening emails and phone calls forcing her to face a past she wants silenced, she’s has no other choice but to acknowledge that someone is refusing to allow her to let go of that night when everything changed. When the devastating truth comes out, will she resurface this time with one less scar? And can Cam be there to help her or will he be dragged down with her?

And some things are worth fighting for…

If you haven't read it yet, you could order here:
Amazon & B&N

Trust In Me:

It’s Wait for You as you’ve never seen it. Trust in Me lets you in on Cam’s side of the #1 New York Times Bestselling story.

Cameron Hamilton is used to getting what he wants, especially when it comes to women. But when Avery Morgansten comes crashing into his life – literally – he finally meets the one person who can resist his soulful baby blues. But Cam’s not ready to give up. He can’t get the feisty and intriguing girl out of his head.

Avery has secrets, secrets that keep her from admitting the feelings Cam knows she has for him. Will persistence (and some delicious homemade cookies) help him break down her barriers and gain her trust? Or will he be shut out of Avery's life, losing his first real shot at the kind of love that lasts forever?


Pre-order now!
 Amazon and B&N

Be With Me:

Teresa Hamilton is having a rough year—she’s in love with her big brother’s best friend, but he hasn’t spoken to her since they shared a truly amazing, mind-blowing, change-your-life kiss. She got out of a terrible relationship. And now an injury is threatening to end her dance career for good. It’s time for Plan B – college. And maybe a chance to convince Jase that what they have together is real.

Jase Winstead has a huge secret that he’s not telling anyone. Especially not his best friend’s incredibly beautiful sister. Even though he and Teresa shared the hottest kiss of his life, he knows that his responsibilities must take priority. He certainly doesn’t have time for a relationship. But it doesn’t help that all he can think about kissing the one girl who could ruin everything for him.

As they’re thrown together more and more, Jase and Tess can’t keep denying their feelings for each other. But a familiar danger looms and tragedy strikes. As the campus recovers, the star-crossed couple must decide what they’re willing to risk to be together, and what they’re willing to lose if they’re not…


Pre-order now!
Amazon and B&N

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

[Cover Reveal] A Little Too Much ~ Lisa Desrochers










<!-- end .content

-->

In the follow-up to Lisa Desrochers’ explosive New Adult novel A Little too Far, Alessandro Moretti must face the life he escaped and the girl he loved and left behind.

Twenty-two year old Hilary McIntyre would like nothing more than to forget her past. As a teenager abandoned to the system, she faced some pretty dark times. But now that’s all behind her. Hilary has her life on track, and there’s no way she’ll head back down that road again.

Until Alessandro Moretti—the one person who can make her remember—shows up on her doorstep. He’s even more devastatingly gorgeous than before, and he’s much too close for comfort. Worse, he sees right through the walls she’s built over these last eight years, right into her heart and the secrets she’s guarding.

As Hilary finds herself falling back into love with the man who, as a boy both saved and destroyed her, she must decide. Past or future? Truth or lies?


COMING NOVEMBER 12