Alive {Book Blitz} + Giveaway

Hey y'all!! Welcome to my stop on the ALIVE blog tour. Make sure y'all enter the giveaway before you leave. It'll be like an early Christmas present if you win. BONUS!!

Alive by Megan D. Martin
(Crave #1)
Publication date: November 22nd, 2013
Genres: New Adult, Post-Apocalyptic, Romance

Goodreads / Amazon

Synopsis:

Flesh-eating zombies, dirty sex, and a shattered past…
What’s more dangerous—the man who broke her heart or those trying to eat it?

Fighting to survive, Eve finds herself alone in the world after the Crave—the only parallel of her former life. On the hunt for her sister, she runs into Gage—the first and only boy to have her heart and break it. It’s been four years and he isn’t a boy anymore, nor is he the same person he used to be. Against her better judgment, Eve agrees to stay with him when he divulges information on a safe haven near the small town they grew up in—but that doesn’t mean she has to like it…

Returning home elicits a myriad of emotions that both Eve and Gage thought they had buried. The past and present collide and they are  forced to the face bitter deceits that ruined them in the before and threaten to destroy them now…

Author Stalker

 Megan D. Martin is a multi-published author, mother, student and editor. In her spare time she enjoys decorating her house with strange things that do not match, playing her old school Nintendo Entertainment System, and buying fish for her many fish tanks.

Website

“Come here,” he whispered, barely recognizing his own voice. He heard her movement in the dark, the rustling of leaves against the thick soles of her boots. His hand slipped down her arm and he reveled at the smooth skin.

“Don’t touch me.” The harsh words were a shock to his system. She jerked her arm away and scooted away from him. What the hell?

“Eve—”

“Go to sleep. I’ll keep watch.”

He took a deep breath trying to get his rioting emotions under control. “How do I know you won’t try to kill me while I sleep?”

“You don’t.”

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!!

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Enter the giveaway and win stuff <3 p="">
Happy reading
Jackie 

ARC Review: Pawn by Aimee Carter

Pawn by Aimee Carter
Blackcoat Rebellion #1
346 pages

Expected publication: November 26th 2013 by Harlequin Teen 

Source: Thank you to HarlequinTeen and Above the Treeline for giving me access to this ARC. In no way did this influence my opinion. 

Summary

YOU CAN BE A VII. IF YOU GIVE UP EVERYTHING.

For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country.

If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked—surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter.

There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed …and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose—and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand.

Previously titled Masked.

Kitty, whose name makes me think of Lizzie's younger sister, is a III. In this fresh take on the dystopian genre we see Kitty struggle to find her place in a world filled with numbers that define who you are. Sound familiar? Think The Selection. Except she's already snagged the 'prince'. Too bad she doesn't want him. Our Kitty is in love with one of the few characters I could trust in this book: Benjy. The other being Greyson. 

When Lila Hart mysteriously dies, Kitty is chosen to be her replacement. Kitty complies with the orders only to protect Benjy. Almost everyone in Pawn is an expert at using people, twisting the truth and winning. And this who lose can be deadly when seeking revenge. Aimee Carter is not afraid to kill off a few people to get a reader stuck in the story. 

My favorite thing about Pawn was where it was set. It's a not so far in the future America that seems almost tangible. I could totally see the political aspect of this happening. I usually find myself turned off by the more political aspect of the story but with Pawn I found myself fascinated with the inner workings of the system. 

I really liked the characters...although I can't trust most of them. Kitty, although the seemed weak she doesn't let herself become a puppet for those who captured her. Although they had power over who she was she wouldn't let them control her. If that makes sense. She was fiercely loyal to those she cared for. Overall, Kitty with the deceiving name was a strong heroine. I do wish she grew a little but more in the book. She mostly stays in the same attitude throughout the book with random fireworks of courage. 

In the end, there's something about pretending to be someone else that keeps me on the edge of me seat and that keeps me compelled to read more. More than anything, this books is about decisions and just how they can impact the people you leave behind. In this world- building atmosphere we see Aimee Cater showcase her abilities as a writer. I was impressed by her growth as an author and she did well in a new environment. I mean future America is a little different from Modern Greek Myths. (I love that series by the way)

Although this book was good, it didn't take my breath away. This genre is pretty hit or miss for me and Pawn fell somewhere in between. 

Happy reading
Jackie

Stacking the Shelves {Two-Weeks-Worth}

Stacking The Shelves, hosted by Tynga’s Reviews, is all about sharing the books you are adding to your shelves, may it be physical or virtual. This means you can include books you buy in physical store or online, books you borrow from friends or the library, review books, gifts and of course ebooks...I kinda collect those in bulk. Hello! Freebies!

The haul!!!

So in Library books I got these lovlies 

And..

The Madman's Daughter : Shepherd
Furious : Wolfson
Fangirl : Rowell

From Publishers and Netgalley and such....

Fates by Lanie Bross (Thanks to Random House Children's!!)
Love Letters to the Dead (Thanks to Macmillian Children's Publishing Group!!)

For Tours:

Branded by Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki
Stir Me Up by Sabrina Elkins

Bought:

And....

Selling Scarlett by Ella James
Chaos Born by Rebekah Turner
Masquerade by Cambria Hebert
Taken by Storm by Angela Morrison

Swag (not showed)
Signed posters and bookmarks from Sara Welsh

Happy reading!!
Jackie

The Girl in the Clockwork Collar by Kady Cross {Review}

The Girl in the Clockwork Collar by Kady Cross

416 pages

Published May 22nd 2012 

Harlequin Teen 

Steampunk Chronicles #2

Source: Library   

Goodreads / Amazon

Summary

In New York City, 1897, life has never been more thrilling-or dangerous Finley Jayne and her "straynge band of mysfits" have journeyed from London to America to rescue their friend Jasper from the clutches of a devious criminal demanding a trade-the dangerous device Jasper stole from him...for the life of the girl Jasper loves. One false move from Jasper, and the strange clockwork collar around Mei's neck tightens and tightens. From the rough streets of lower Manhattan to elegant Fifth Avenue, the motley crew of teens follows Jasper's elusive trail. And they're about to discover how far they'll go for friendship. More than ever, Finley must rely on powerful English duke Griffin King to balance her dark magic with her good side. Yet Griffin is at war with himself over his secret attraction to Finley...and will risk his life and reputation to save her. Now, to help those she's come to care for so deeply, Finley must infiltrate the criminal gang. Only problem is, she might like the dark side a little too much....

 

 

Kady Cross intends to stun us again with the next installment of her breathtaking 1800s steampunk series. In reality, The Girl in the Clockwork Collar just didn't compare to the first book, The Girl in the Steel Corset. The Girl in the Steel Corset amazed me with the beautifully depicted setting and colorful characters and the oh-so-very-cool gadgetry. Where Steel Corset drew me in, Clockwork Collar fell flat.  

 

In book two, we are exactly where we left off. Griffin, Finley, Sam and Emil are off to save Jasper from the law. They're off to America. Where in America? New York. Shortly after arriving, the band of awesome people discover that it was not the law that took Jasper, but something much more sinister. Finley, in her typical Finley manner, runs off to find him (almost) by herself. She has Emily also. After this, its a whirlwind of posh New York lifestyle, robberies, an odd almost love...triangle? Square? 

 

In truth, I'm going to have to agree with Octaiva when she says that this is much of a first novel feel than a second novel. In a second novel, you expect the characters to grow a bit. They just didn't. We got to understand them some more and they...revealed? themselves a bit more in Clockwork Collar. 

Here's my biggest complaint with this: Finley was so torn between guys and her good/evil sides in this book that I was tempted to throw the library book (I didn't). She was all like ' Should I like him...I think I do...NO I CAN'T!!!..Oh Dandy *sigh* But then there's Griffin *sigh* What is a girl to do....Yup going with Griffin..nah..Dandy.' And I was all like:

(I'm on Team Griffin, by the way) ..... (but Jack Dandy is awesomesauce)

Oh...and I'm reading the next book. *runs to hide* I'm sorry but I have got to know who she ends up with (I really hope it's Griffin) and I.....

Don't judge me.

 

Also, there's a new villain in the mix that I kinda adore. Not like I think he's my new book boyfriend or anything..I wouldn't do that to Griffin, but I really liked the character development in his character. Also, there's a character I would love to beat bloody in this book..I was pretty much cheering Finley on with her hatred and determination to..well..beat this character bloody...on this certain character.  

 

Quotable Quotes

“She refused to leave your side all bloody night", Sam remarked, with something that sounded like respect.
"She's a good friend," Griffin replied.

His old friend stared at him in amused disgust. "Griff, I'm your friend and even I wasn't about to sit here and watch you heal."

Griffin looked away, annoyed by the sudden heat in his cheeks. "Yes, well, she was a much prettier sight to wake up to than your ugly head."
"I'll have you know I've been told my eyes are like a night sky," came the mock-indignant reply.” 

 

  “You know what, Em? You’re the only one of us Finley hasn’t hit.”
The Irish girl stared at him. “I haven’t given her a reason, now, have I?”
“Can we talk about something other than who Finley has and hasn’t punched and why?” Griffin asked-somewhat testily.

 

 “I bet he’s never met a gal like you before.”
“I should hope not,” she replied gibly, but heat filled her cheeks. “Nature couldn’t possibly make two mistakes like me.”
“You’re not a mistake. Don’t you ever think of yourself that way. You’re exactly as you ought to be.”

 

“The two of you are the most bloodthirsty wenches I’ve ever met.”
“Do you like it?” Finley asked, squeezing his arm before releasing it.
He turned to her, his eyes bright. Was it just the reflection of the sun that gave them such warmth or something from within?
“I love it,” he said.

 

 

Happy reading

Jackie 

RL Griffin is giving away her favorite books of 2013!!

Hey y'all!! Before I go into how much I adore giveaways and how awesome RL Griffin is and how much I seriously want to read VAIN, I must inform you that my computer sucks and it is being a meanie head and I'll probably have to get a new one even though I JUST GOT THIS ONE *roar* Anyways..don't you just love giveaways??

Featured Book: Vain

Featured Author: Fisher Amelie

Goodreads

Amazon 

Summary

If you’re looking for a story about a good, humble girl, who’s been hurt by someone she thought she could trust, only to find out she’s not as vulnerable as she thought she was and discovers an empowering side of herself that falls in love with the guy who helps her find that self, blah, blah, blah...then you’re gonna’ hate my story.

Because mine is not the story you read every time you bend back the cover of the latest trend novel. It’s not the “I can do anything, now that I’ve found you/I’m misunderstood but one day you’ll find me irresistible because of it” tale. Why? Because, if I was being honest with you, I’m a complete witch. There’s nothing redeeming about me. I’m a friend using, drug abusing, sex addict from Los Angeles. I’m every girlfriend’s worst nightmare and every boy’s fantasy.

I’m Sophie Price...And this is the story about how I went from the world’s most envied girl to the girl no one wanted around and why I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.

~~~

Sounds pretty epic right? *sigh* I REALLY want to read this, like, yesterday. Or the day before. 

~~~

And now for the author of the hour-erm- day...... RL GRIFFIN!!! *applause* *applause* *applause* 

RL's Book Series: By A Thread

Goodreads

Amazon

Facebook 

Summary

Stella's future was set, and it was a bright one. She was engaged to a man she adored, and was headed to law school in the fall. Tragically, her perfectly planned future ends just as it was beginning.

With no ties to family or friends, Stella finds herself alone in a new city, spiraling out of control. Her typical day comes to a close with her passed out on the floor; sometimes clothed.

Luckily, her new roommate, essentially a stranger, is dead set on getting Stella past her grief and back to functioning within society. Putting one foot in front of the other, she climbs up from the bottom of a bottle. Even with all her progress, Stella walks through life unfeeling, numb. Defiant, she sends out warning signals for the world to keep away. But, is that what she really wants?

With the steadfast help of a few tight knit friends, she gradually begins to feel again. She starts to savor the flavor of food again; lets herself notice how the handsome bartender glances at her. Still, after allowing herself a fling, she wonders if she will ever be able to let go of her shattered past, fully enjoy the present, or get over what she thought would be her perfect future and with the man who destroyed her heart.

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Did you enter the giveaway? And add those two must-read books to your to-read shelf??? I seriously hope so. I also hope for a new computer that isn't messed up. I'M TALKING TO YOU SANTA!!!

Happy reading
Jackie 

Shouded {Blog Tour} Playlist + Giveaway

Hello all you lovelies! How's everyone's day going? Welcome to my stop on the Shrouded blog tour. Enjoy your stay!

Title: Shrouded

Author: Frances Pauli

Release Date: November 21, 2013

Series: Princes of the Shroud

Publisher: The Zharmae Publishing Press (Zharmae.com)

Goodreads

Book Description: Vashia’s father is the planetary governor. Unfortunately, he’s also a complete bastard. When he promises her to his lackey, Jarn, she panics. On the run in the nastiest corner of the galaxy, Vashia seizes her one chance at escape and signs on as a bride candidate for the elusive race of aliens known as the Shrouded, unaware that she very well may be chosen as the next Queen of Shroud

Of the seven, volatile Shrouded princes, Dolfan may be the only one that doesn't covet the throne. So the last thing he expects to find in the future queen is the woman of his dreams. If he wants Vashia, he must accept the throne as well. Unfortunately, his long-time rival has the same idea. Now, only the planet’s sacred crystal can decide their fates, but what happens when the right woman is paired with the wrong man? And when Jarn comes after what was promised to him?

Author Stalker

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

Frances Pauli writes speculative fiction, usually with touches of humor or romance, which means, of course, that she has trouble choosing sides.
She's always been a fan of things outside the box, odd, weird or unusual, and that trend follows through her books, which feature aliens, fairies, and even, on occasion, an assortment of humans.

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