Wednesday, January 4, 2012

"Waiting On" Wednesday: In Honor

  • Today's "Waiting On" Wednesday by Jill - click here


  • "In Honor" by Jessi Kirby
    Expected Publication Released Date: May 8, 2012

    Author's Book Description:
      A devastating loss leads to an unexpected road trip in what Sarah Ockler calls a “beautiful, engaging journey with heart, humor, and just a pinch of Texas sass.”

      Three days after learning of her brother Finn’s death, Honor receives his last letter from Iraq. Devastated, she interprets his note as a final request and spontaneously sets off to California to fulfill it. At the last minute, she’s joined by Rusty, Finn’s former best friend.

      Rusty is the last person Honor wants to be with—he’s cocky and obnoxious, just like Honor remembers, and she hasn’t forgiven him for turning his back on Finn when he enlisted. But as they cover the dusty miles together in Finn’s beloved 1967 Chevy Impala, long-held resentments begin to fade, and Honor and Rusty struggle to come to terms with the loss they share.

      As their memories of Finn merge to create a new portrait, Honor’s eyes are opened to a side of her brother she never knew—a side that shows her the true meaning of love and sacrifice.



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    "Waiting On" Wednesday: This Is What Happy Looks Like

    Tuesday, January 3, 2012

    Teaser Tuesdays: Smitten At First Sight

  • Today's Teaser Tuesdays by MizB - click here


  • "Smitten At First Sight" by Marie Astor
    (Originally published as "On the Rim of Love," which is what it was called when this reviewer read it.)

    Book Teaser:
    “So you found your true love, then?” Millie interjected, as Phil shook his head in feigned disdain.
    “My true love?” Maggie stammered, taken aback by the directness of the question.
    “Yes, your true love – if you’re going to marry the fella, he must be your true love!”
    “Yes, he is.” Maggie nodded curtly – this was indeed going too far.
    “Oh, that’s too bad – if you were single, I would introduce you to our grandson.”
    “Your grandson?” Maggie almost choked – it was beginning to feel like the longest lift ride ever. ~ within Chapter 4



    ** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts.
    All of these affiliate links are obvious as to which ones they are.
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    Welcome to Small Business Saturday/Week

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    Monday, January 2, 2012

    Feasted On: Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally

    Format: Paperback | Pages: 281 | Release Date: December 1, 2011 | Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire | Obtained: Amazon.com

    "Catching Jordan" by Miranda Kenneally

    My Book Summary : Jordan is the captain of her football team as well as their star quarterback. However, everything she has worked years to become and everything else in her life seems to change once Tyler (Ty) moves to town and starts at her school. Nevertheless, not only does he seem to be a great quarterback himself he might be looking into taking over her spot. In addition, even though she's around hot guys all the time on her team, he is the first guy to ever catch her interest and that could totally throw off her game. So, will she be able to keep her head in the football game and make her team proud without losing her heart in the process??

    My Book Review : 4 out of 5 stars!! I think I half fell in love with this novel ever since I read it's description! How could anyone, not like reading about a girl who is more tomboy than anything yet still cute that has a football team full of guy friends and is still coming into her own woman. I could not get enough of this book! Jordan's friends are great and their easy banter was very enjoyable!

    About the Characters:
    • Jordan: A strong, tough, leader. Knows what she wants and plans to do anything to get it. Has never had a boyfriend before.

    • Ty: He's a Texan who just moved to Tennessee. Sounds like a great guy, yet he's held back by his need to control everything.

    • Henry: Jordan's best friend. A hot football player, who Jordan refers to having a harem of girls that are always after him.

    • Carter: Has more plans for himself than what his father wants for him. Jordan's "shy" friend.

    • JJ: One hell of a friend. Jordan's "protector."

    • Jake: One hot player, at least he likes to think he is. =0)

    • Mike: Jordan's older brother and her biggest supporter.

    This is a wonderful story about the lengths friends and things in the name of friendship will do, as well as sweet a love story. I recommend it to anyone who likes reading about strong female lead characters, especially in a YA novel.

    Author Book Trailer :

    If you can't see/watch the above video then click here to watch it.

    Book Teaser(s) :
    "That's Jake Reynolds?" he says, turning to stare. His eyes are opened so wide, he looks like one of those poison dart frogs. "Holy shit. He's so awesome."
    I laugh. "Trust me, he's not."
    "Seems like he likes you. Don't you want to date a first-rounder?"
    "Excuse me while I go vomit."
    "So you're not interested in him?" Ty asks, smiling.
    "Hells no. I'd rather date O. J. Simpson."
    Ty laughs. "I'm glad to hear that...I think." ~ within the chapter titled 'nachos grande'

    For more information on this book and/or any other books by Miranda, then please check out her Amazon Page.



    ** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts.
    All of these affiliate links are obvious as to which ones they are.
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    ~ K ~ Authors

    Sunday, January 1, 2012

    Made the Grade: Ditched: A Love Story by Robin Mellom

    - This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Hardcover - Pages: 273; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1401 KB | Expected Release Date: January 10, 2012 | Publisher: Hyperion Books | Obtained: NetGalley

    "Ditched: A Love Story" by Robin Mellom

    My Book Summary : Justina finds herself at 6:15 am, the day after her Senior Prom, sitting in a ditch on the side of the road. She pulls herself together and walks down the road with every intention of finding a way home. Quickly she comes across a 7-Eleven where she finds a convenience store clerk who seems sympathetic enough to listen to her story. Going through her story, the clerk helps her find out how her best friend, and prom date, could turn into Captain Scumbag when just before prom she was thinking about taking their friendship to the next level. Will everything finally make since once she talks through what happened or it be obvious why she became DITCHED!!

    My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, it's a funny mystery through and through, about best friends who both want to be something more than friends but the night they plan on doing so they never seem to be on the same page. This novel has some of the same premise as "One Night That Changes Everything" by Lauren Barnholdt, but only in the aspect of something bad happened to Justina, she needs to find out what happened, and it has to do with her "boyfriend."

    I really liked how this novel goes back and forth between Justina's previous events of what happened to get her into that ditch and her sitting at the 7-Eleven with the convenience store clerk and the other costumer. Very well written!! Plus ... the ending is just OHH soo good! =0) As well as the really cute epilogue!

    However, I will admit that there were some parts that annoyed me and some parts that were a little slow but all in all this novel was enjoyable to read!

    I recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed reading "One Night That Changes Everything," or to anyone who loves reading YA romance novels!! ♥

    Book Teaser(s) :
    That damn green shirt. None of this would have happened if it weren't for that stupid color.
    It's like a nightmare Sesame Street episode: This month's gut-wrenching, painful heartache brought to you by the color green!
    But I quickly snap back to reality and remind myself that I am telling this story to the cashier at the 7-Eleven due to the fact that Ian Clark left me on prom night and I ended up in a ditch on Hollister Road.
    Screw the color green. ~ within Chapter 1

    For more information on this book and/or any other books by Robin, then please check out her Amazon Page.



    ** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts.
    All of these affiliate links are obvious as to which ones they are.
    **



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    Baby, I don't understand. Just why we can't be lovers. Things are getting out of hand. Tryin' to much, but baby we can win.

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    Made the Grade: Chronicles of Yavn, Book 1

    - This is an ARC book - Available Formats through Amazon.com: Paperback - Pages: 340; Kindle Edition - File Size: 1010 KB | Expected Release Date: February 01, 2012 | Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca | Obtained: NetGalley

    "King of Darkness" [Chronicles of Yavn, Book 1] by Elisabeth Staab

    My Book Summary : When Thad was born, an Oracle predicted that his destined mate, who would be ruling with him when it would be his time to be King, would have the same scar as the one that is located on his arm. Therefore, after he finally finds her within a club in Florida he's a little shocked but definitely relieved. Now his biggest challenge is yet to come, getting her to believe him enough to give Thad a chance at the possibility of being together forever. However, just as things might be looking up for Thad his enemies descend on them .... will he be able to complete his destiny or will the enemy win instead??

    My Book Review : 3.5 out of 5 stars, it's an intriguing novel with its multiple plots, witty banter, spicy romance scenes, and characters that you can't seem to be able to guess at what they'll do next!! I will say that I found this novel unique in the way that Thad is portrayed as a vulnerable person/vampire, not sure what to do with his new position as King, which I thought was a interesting change in comparison to the other types of "vampire king" novels I've read previously. There are three plots within this novel, they are:
    1. The Main Plot: The relationship between Thad and Isabel (Izzy). Trying to prove that they are meant for each other, while learning about each other in a rapid pace setting.
    2. First Secondary Plot: Tyra and Anton's relationship. Finding out the truth of who Anton really is, and what will happen once the truth does finally come out.
    3. Second Secondary Plot: It's a mixture of the different characters ---
      • The love/hate relationship between Lee and Alexia .... not sure where that's going to go but I really hope somewhere good!!
      • Siddoh and his playboy ways.
      • Then the mysterious relationship between Lee and Agnessa, that holds the question of what really happened between them??
    About the Characters:
    • Isabel (Izzy): Has a big heart. Independent. Cautious. Vampire.

    • Thad: Responsible. Wiry. King of the Vampires.

    • Lee: Protective. Determined. Strong. Rough. Vampire.

    • Alexia: Fun. Tough. Friendly. Human.

    • Tyra: Thinks she's invincible. Mother hen type. Half-vampire.

    • Anton: Kind. Wizard.

    • Siddoh: Sneaky. Playful. Leader. Vampire.

    I am very curious as to see what will happen next in "Prince of Power" [Chronicles of Yavn, Book 2] where the main plot will be around Tyra and Anton's story!!

    I recommend this to those who like reading spicy paranormal romance novels, and to whoever is looking for a new series that gives new twists to what is already out there within that genre!

    Book Teaser(s) :
    He was getting the urge to roll his own eyes, juvenile though the gesture was. "I gotta be honest. I don't see how the two of you can fuck like bunnies and yet be unable to tolerate each other's presence otherwise. You work together, for goodness sake. You've gotta be able to deal with him."
    "I actually prefer the bonobo ape as an analogy."
    Lee sat straighter on the bed. "What the hell are you talking about?"
    She smiled. "They're one of the only animal species to have sex for reasons other than procreation. Including conflict resolution, I might add. And I'm pretty sure they have sex even more than rabbits."
    Oh, for the love of--- ~ within Chapter 12

    For more information on this book, series, and/or any other books by Elisabeth, then please check out her Amazon Page.



    ** This site is a participant in various affiliate advertising programs through Amazon.com, Rakuten Marketing, Commission Junction, IndieBound, Smashwords, Book Depository, and more that are designed to provide a means for Jess to earn minimal advertising fees by showcasing the areas you can purchase the corresponding products that Jess discusses within her blog posts.
    All of these affiliate links are obvious as to which ones they are.
    **



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